Calcium Supplements Reduce Lead Levels

Calcium Supplements Reduce Lead Levels

CUERNAVACA, Mexico--Calcium supplementation maylower lead levels in lactating women, according to researchers from theInstituto Nacional de Salud Publica. Researchers, who published their work inthe March issue of Epidemiology (14, 2:206-12, 2003) (www.epidem.com),conducted a randomized trial involving 617 lactating women with high leadlevels. The women were randomly assigned to receive either calcium carbonate(1,200 mg/d) or placebo for six months, with mean blood and bone lead levelsmeasured at baseline, three months and six months. Women randomized to thecalcium supplements exhibited a small decline in blood lead levels, with a moreapparent effect among those who were compliant with supplement use and had highbone lead levels.