Reduction of blood lead levels in lead-exposed mice by dietary supplements and natural antioxidants.

BACKGROUND

Lead exposure is a global environmental problem that induces lifelong adverse health effects. Our aim was to investigate the effect of dietary supplements and natural antioxidants on blood lead levels (BLL) in lead-exposed mice, and observe their impact on the absorption of calcium, iron and zinc in vivo.

RESULTS

All of selected dietary supplements (calcium lactate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, ascorbic acid and calcium-rich milk) and natural antioxidants (extract of Chinese wolfberry, extract of Hangzhou white chrysanthemum and antioxidant extract of bamboo leaves) have promising capacity of reducing BLL in lead-exposed mice with an reduction range from 56.2% to 65.1%. The metal ion-mediated chelating and competitively inhibitory mechanisms may elucidate their reduction effect. Besides, blood calcium, iron and zinc levels were not significantly changed in all of the experimental groups, indicating that the intake of all additives does not disturb the absorption of essential mineral elements in mice.

CONCLUSION

All the studied additives not only effectively reduce BLL, but also maintain normal calcium, iron and zinc absorption in mice. The formulation of calcium, iron and zinc supplements and/or polyphenol and vitamin-rich antioxidants may constitute an important secondary prevention effort to reduce BLL and lead exposure.