Presents and analyzes the results of a study to determine the relationship between iron deficiency and elevated blood lead levels in children. Both iron deficiency and lead poisoning are detrimental to early development, and both disproportionately affect children under the age of 5, those from lower socioeconomic groups, and those living in the inner city. The study population consisted of 1,275 children followed for primary care in a Boston, Massachusetts, clinic over 3 years. Among the key findings were that: (1) baseline iron deficiency is longitudinally associated with lead poisoning; (2) iron-deficient children at significant risk of subsequent lead poisoning; (3) children with baseline iron deficiency had an increased risk of lead poisoning even if they became iron-replete, although not as great as those children who remained iron-deficient; and (4) children who were iron-replete at baseline did not have a greater risk of subsequent lead poisoning even if they later became iron-deficient. The results suggest that increasing body iron stores can mitigate the risk of subsequent lead poisoning. The use of iron and calcium supplements to prevent elevations in blood lead levels may be a cost-effective strategy along with environmental remediation.
