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Relationship of ascorbic acid to blood lead levels
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco 94121, USA. jasimon@itsa.ucsf.edu
High serum ascorbic acid levels are linked to lower blood lead levels in both children and adults. This suggests vitamin C may play a role in reducing lead toxicity risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Nutritional Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Animal studies suggest ascorbic acid (vitamin C) chelates lead, reducing toxicity.
- Human studies on ascorbic acid's effect on lead toxicity remain inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum ascorbic acid levels and elevated blood lead levels in a US population sample.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data (1988-1994) including 4213 youths and 15365 adults.
- Measured serum ascorbic acid and blood lead levels.
- Adjusted for demographic and dietary factors.
Main Results:
- Higher serum ascorbic acid tertiles were associated with significantly decreased prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in youths (89% reduction) and adults (65-68% reduction).
- Serum ascorbic acid was independently associated with lower blood lead levels in adults but not in youths.
- P-trend values indicated significant associations (P=.002 for youths, P=.03 for adults).
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum ascorbic acid levels are independently associated with a lower prevalence of high blood lead levels.
- Findings suggest a potential public health role for ascorbic acid in managing lead toxicity.
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