Relationship of diet to lead poisoning in children

Forty-six children, aged 24 to 47 months (25 controls and 21 subjects) chosen according to low and high blood lead levels respectively, were studied to ascertain the presence or absence of a relationship between dietary intake and the occurrence of plumbism (in children of low-income families). Through single-blind interviews by a nutritionist, dietary intakes were gathered, and the average daily intake of calories, protein, and iron was calculated. Hemoglobins, hematocrits, heights, weights, blood lead levels, and social demographic data had been gathered during the routine check for lead poisoning and at registration at the clinic. The mean caloric and protein intake as percent of recommended dietary allowances were equal and adequate for both controls and subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between the controls and subjects with respect to iron intake which was low in both groups. Mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were in the anemic range for both groups. The subjects were shorter and weighed less than the control group. Pica was more prevalent among children with plumbism. The findings of this study suggest that some factors other than dietary intake must account for the occurrence of lead poisoning in the subjects and that Blacks have a higher prevalence of plumbism in our area.