|  | Conditions Treatments | Poisoning

Diet to Reduce Lead Levels in Blood

Although it is seen most often in children, lead poisoning is a serious health threat to people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 250,000 children ages 1 to 5 have elevated blood lead levels, defined as anything in excess of 10 mcg/dl (micrograms per deciliter). Eating the right foods can help reduce elevated blood lead levels and minimize the effects of exposure to lead-contaminated substances.

  1. What Causes It?

    • You and members of your family may be suffering the effects of lead poisoning without experiencing any significant symptoms, a fact that makes diagnosis and treatment of this condition a challenge for doctors. The most common causes of lead poisoning are longtime exposure to lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, according to MayoClinic.com. Because young children have a tendency to put almost anything in their mouths, those living in older structures in which lead paint was once used are at a high risk of lead poisoning. If you or other adult members of your family have elevated levels of lead in your blood, the odds are that you were exposed to lead in the workplace. Other causes include toys and cosmetics containing lead, as well as lead-contaminated air, soil and water.

    The Dangers

    • Unlike other metals, such as zinc and iron, which are nutrients your body can use, there is no known biological role for lead in the human body. Elevated blood lead levels in children have been linked to lower IQ scores, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Lead poisoning in adults may cause fertility problems, hypertension, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, irritability and cognitive dysfunction.

    Dietary Guidelines

    • Foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C may help to reduce the harmful effects of lead in the body, according to a fact sheet published by the Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau of New Mexico’s Department of Health. You should, however, consult your doctor before resorting to dietary supplements of calcium or iron, as excessive amounts of these, particular the latter, can have serious health effects of their own.
      The New Mexico fact sheet suggests that following a low-fat diet can also help you reduce levels of lead in the blood. Substitute such healthy snacks as fresh fruits and vegetables; reduced-fat crackers; raisins; and nuts for high-fat snack foods, such as potato chips, chocolate, donuts, pies, cakes and other pastries. Avoid fast-food restaurants. When cooking, use olive or vegetable oil instead of butter, margarine or lard. Trim excess fats from meats and poultry before cooking. Although a low-fat diet is helpful in lowering blood lead levels, it’s unwise to remove all fat from the family diet, as some fat is essential for healthy child development.
      Eat a balanced diet that includes six to nine daily servings of breads, cereals and grains; three to five servings of vegetables; two to four servings of fruit; two to three servings of milk products; and five to seven ounces of protein from meat, poultry, fish, nuts, beans or lentils.

Poisoning - Related Articles