Don't be mis"lead" - effects of lead poisoning not reversed with diet.
Lost in an optimistic story from the St. Louis Beacon about using a healthy diet to combat lead poisoning, is the sad truth that lead exposure has irreversible, long-term effects on the brain.
In his November 11 article, St. Louis Beacon reporter Robert Joiner introduces readers to one local family struggling with lead poisoning and highlights its efforts to combat the dangerous exposure through simple dietary measures. Although Joiner admirably emphasizes prevention and education as key, his optimistic story glosses over the unfortunate fact that lead poisoning results in permanent changes, not ones that can be reversed through diet.
The subject of the article, a St. Louis toddler, underwent blood-lead testing after his mother grew concerned about his unresponsive behavior. His blood lead levels were nearly three times the 10 microgram per deciliter (μg/dl) upper limit of what is currently considered acceptable for children (12/2/10: This level of concern for public health intervention is set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.). The toddler began a diet high in fruits and vegetables to combat the lead poisoning. Within two years, his levels had dropped to 5 μg/dl, thanks to the dietary shift and renovations to reduce exposures in the home.
Many parents are unaware that diet can reduce the dangers of lead exposure, and to that end, Joiner’s article is important. Iron deficiencies can actually increase lead absorption in the body, so getting enough iron and calcium can serve as protective measures. Joiner also makes the important point that the inner-city children who are most at risk of lead poisoning because of poorly maintained housing are also those least likely to have access to the fresh foods that could reduce the dangers of lead exposure.
Amid these optimistic messages, however, is the reality that once lead exposure has occurred, its effects on the nervous system are irreversible. Countless scientific studies have shown that lead exposure can damage every body system, but its effects on the developing brain are particularly harmful. From developmental disabilities to problems with memory, motor skills and behavior, children exposed to high levels of lead face a slew of possible health repercussions. Joiner alludes to these long-term, irreversible consequences, but given their seriousness, they should be discussed more candidly in any article on lead poisoning.
Most lead exposure in children comes from old paint and contaminated soil. Although blood-lead levels below 10 μg/dl are currently considered safe in children, evidence suggests that even very low levels may be hazardous to children’s health and development.
(Correction 12/2/10: U.S. agencies have not identified a blood lead level that is safe for children; the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention considers 10 μg/dl the level of concern when public healh intervention should occur.)
