Lead poisoning is a major health concern, as it causes significant problems in almost all systems of the body. Lead enters the body either through ingestion or through inhalation, both of which have dire consequences on health. Children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning because of the presence of lead in toys, which they may put in their mouths. Old houses painted with lead-based paint, lead water pipes or soil contaminated with lead are all potential sources of lead poisoning. Some scientific studies suggest that a high intake of ascorbic acid decreases levels of lead in the blood.
Detecting Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning does not result in any immediate reaction, and symptoms are only visible after long-term exposure, which makes it hard to detect lead poisoning at an early stage. If you suspect that your child has been exposed to lead, your doctor will suggest a simple test that detects the concentration of lead in blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 250,000 American children between the ages of 1 to 5 years, have lead concentrations above the safe level of more than10 mcg per 100 milliliters of blood.
Impact of Lead Poisoning in Children
Prolonged exposure of lead in children leads to lifelong effects such as behavioral problems, learning disabilities and a low IQ. Children exposed to lead are irritable, tired, lethargic and listless. They may complain of abdominal pain, constipation, loss of appetite and vomiting, all of which could ultimately result in weight loss. Abnormal growth and development is also seen in children suffering from lead poisoning. The Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning further associates excessive sleeping, hyperactivity, speech delays, hearing loss, violent and aggressive behavior, and Attention Deficit Disorder with lead poisoning.
Impact of Lead Poisoning in Adults
Adults who appear healthy may have physical symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, muscle weakness and tingling, numbness or pain in the arms and legs due to lead poisoning. Furthermore, they may also suffer from mood disorders, memory loss and poor mental functioning. Kidney damage, high blood pressure and anemia may be caused by lead toxicity. Additionally, men may have reduced or abnormal sperm, while pregnancies may end in miscarriages or premature births due to lead poisoning.
Ascorbic Acid and Lead Poisoning
The Linus Pauling Institute quotes several studies where people with high blood levels of ascorbic acid had lower levels of lead, while those with low levels of ascorbic acid had higher levels of lead. A high intake of ascorbic acid also appears to decrease blood lead levels. Scientists hypothesize that vitamin C may decrease intestinal absorption of lead, or alternately, bind with lead and increase its excretion in urine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that while vitamin C supplements may be beneficial for adults with lead poisoning, there is insufficient evidence to support the theory that ascorbic acid decreases lead levels in children.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Lead : Nutritional Assessment and Interventions; June 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Micronutrient Information Center; Vitamin C; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; January 2006; Updated by Victoria J. Drake, Ph.D.; November 2009
- Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning: Children and Lead: Health Effects
- MayoClinic.com; Lead Poisoning; March 2011
- Lead Action News; Nutrition to Fight Lead Poisoning; Robert J. Taylor; June 2010
