Lead
is a soft metal that is used for x-ray protection and in many
paints and industrial materials. In the human body, even small
amounts of lead can be poisonous. Believe it or not, tiny
amounts of lead get do get into our bodies, although usually
it is flushed out naturally. However, if too much lead is
absorbed or retained, it can cause permanent damage to the
brain, kidneys and nervous system.
More and more evidence suggests that nutritional deficiencies
affect levels of lead in the human body. A study in the Journal
of Epidemiology found that inadequate daily intakes of
vitamin C, vitamin D and iron increased the absorption and
retention of lead in both blood and bone. While only about
four percent of the study population showed inadequate daily
intake of vitamin C (compared with U.S. recommended daily
allowances), 11.4% had iron deficiencies and 25.6% had vitamin
D deficiencies.
These findings add to the substantial body of research documenting
the benefits of adequate daily vitamin intake. Are you getting
enough of the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients in
your diet? If you come up short (or don't know where you stand),
sit down and talk with your doctor of chiropractic.
For more information on vitamins & minerals, visit https://www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/nutrients.html
Reference:
Cheng Y, Willett WC, et al. Relation of nutrition to bone
lead and blood lead levels in middle-aged to elderly men.
American Journal of Epidemiology, 1998; vol. 147, no.
12, pp1162-74.
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