Nutrition and lead poisoning prevention. Since many water systems may expose
people to some lead, this is good information for everyone to know.
Not everyone with the same blood level of lead is going to absorb the same amount into their body. Some people EXCRETE more lead out of their bodies, and some retain more.
Good nutrition is key. Children and adults who are malnourished are more likely to absorb lead into their bones and tissues. Well nourished people are more likely to pass it out of their bodies, in their urine.
So the poor children in Flint were doubly disadvantaged.
Also, a blood level test today only gives a "snapshot" of your current lead level. If it is low today, that doesn't mean it was low 6 months ago. So current testing in Flint doesn't show how many children were exposed to high levels of lead while they were drinking the bad water.
http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/LeadNutrition.aspx
Nutrition and Lead Poisoning Prevention
Nutrition can play a pivotal role in preventing childhood lead poisoning. It is important to help minimize the amount of lead that is absorbed and stored in the bones. Good nutrition helps accomplish this goal. A child's body requires certain minerals, especially calcium and iron. When these minerals are deficient in the body, lead absorption is increased. Children whose diet is deficient in these minerals retain more of the lead than they would have otherwise.
Regular Meals
An empty stomach absorbs more lead. By feeding your child healthy meals and snacks each day, it will help his or her body to absorb less lead.
Foods Rich in Iron
Children need to have plenty of iron in their system. To the body, iron and lead look very similar. When there is more iron than lead, the body will absorb the iron. The following foods are rich in iron:
Iron-fortified cereals
Green leafy vegetables
Pureed meats
Lean red meats
Tuna, salmon, fish
Raisins, dates, and prunes
Dried beans and peas
Skinless poultry
Nuts or sunflower seeds
Foods Rich in Calcium
Foods that are high in calcium can also help the body absorb less lead. The following foods are rich in calcium:
Milk and milk products
Cheese and Yogurt
Green leafy vegetables
Calcium-enriched orange juice
Tofu
Salmon
Peanuts
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C will help the body absorb more iron and calcium. The following foods are rich in Vitamin C:
Oranges and tangerines
Grapefruit
Limes and lemons
Strawberries
Cantaloupe
Kiwi
Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Broccoli
Bell peppers
Foods to Avoid
SNIP
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