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Have a question about keeping your home healthy and safe? Email it to us and we will do our best to answer it here. Although we may not be able to respond to each inquiry, we will post many of the answers to the questions we receive here.


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Is diet important for my child when dealing with lead poisoning?

Diet can definitely make a difference for a child with lead poisoning. First, always remember to consult a medical professional if you suspect lead poisoning. Once your consultation is complete keep in mind that both what and how your child eats can make a difference. First, make sure your child is eating at the table or in a highchair for every meal. This reduces the chance that lead dust contaminants their food. Second, it is important that your child eats regular meals supplemented by healthy snacks. Good nutrition contributes to the general well-being of a child and can help your child remain healthy.

What your child eats is equally important. Meals high in fat and oils are not good because they can help the body absorb lead. Foods that are rich in calcium, iron, and Vitamin C can all be helpful when trying to prevent lead poisoning. Calcium and iron help the body absorb less lead, while Vitamin C helps increase the amount of iron in the blood. See the list below for some suggestions of healthy foods:

Calcium

Iron

Vitamin C

Milk

Lean red meats

Oranges (whole or 100% juice)

Yogurt

Iron fortified cereals

Peppers

Low-fat cheese

Dark leafy greens (spinach, chard)

Dark leafy greens

Tofu

Dried fruit (raisins, apricots)

Kiwi

Cottage Cheese

Beans

Broccoli

Mustard greens

Lentils

Strawberries

Kale

Chickpeas

Pineapple

Broccoli

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Spinach

Pork

Cauliflower


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