Nutrition And Food Prepration To Prevent Lead Poisoning.

Lead poisoning, heme synthesis, lead exposure in children

Proper nutrition can prevent lead poisoning to some extend. However nothing can be done if the environment is highly contaminated with lead. Fasting will facilitate lead poisoning. Lack of iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin C will have the same effect. High-fat diet also increases the absorption of lead.
Here are some measures to prevent encroach of lead on the body:

Ensure that children do not starve. They must be provided breakfast soon after getting up. They must have their regular meals and snacks without break
Fruits and vegetable should be thoroughly cleaned and washed before consuming or cooking.

Avoid storing food in open metal cans, manufactured in other countries than USA. The lead or lead solder in it can contaminate the food when exposed to sun.

Do not prepare, serve or store food drinks etc in crystal glasses or ceramic potteries; they may contain lead.

The children should be asked to take red meat, eggs, fortified cereals, cooked beans and raisins etc which contain iron.

Milk, yoghurt, cheese, certain green vegetables etc are to be consumed by the children, because they contain calcium.

Phosphorous, zinc and vitamin C are also to be included in the diet. Vitamin supplements, and orange juices or fortified cereals enriched by calcium and phosphorous will be ideal for the children.
Whenever you use plastic bag for storing food items, ensure that the printing is on the outside. The print ink contains lead and it may mix with the food items if made to contact.

Author: Debby Golonka, MPH

Editor: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA

Associate Editor: Pat Truman, MATC

Primary Medical Reviewer: Michael J. Sexton, MD – Pediatrics

Specialist Medical Reviewer: R. Steven Tharrat, MD, MPVM, FACP, Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology.