Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Nutrition and Lead Exposure

Regular well-balanced meals are important for adequate growth and development in all children.

While recent research indicates that additions to an age-appropriate diet may not help lower blood lead levels, there is evidence that adequate iron intake can decrease lead absorption. Iron deficiency, like lead, can also have effects on children's development.

Families of children with lead poisoning that are income eligible can receive nutritional support from Wisconsin Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program clinic locations.

Managing Elevated Blood Lead Levels Among Young Children Chapter 4 describes the research about the effects of dietary components on childhood lead poisoning.

WIC Nutrition Program Clinic Locations - Children at risk for a poor diet and whose family is income eligible can receive education and support for improving or maintaining nutritional status.

Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States Vol 47, No RR03;1 04/03/1998 – In children, iron deficiency causes developmental delays and behavioral disturbances, and in pregnant women, it increases the risk for a pre-term delivery and delivering a low-birthweight baby.

Last revised November 2, 2021