Abstract:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary fiber in reducing elevated blood lead concentration (BLC) of Ukrainian children.
Materials and methods. 80 random children aged 4 to 15 years were examined. The lead
content in venous blood was detected by atomic absorption spectrometry with electro-thermal
atomizer (ET AAS). Indicators of morphological and biochemical blood tests were determined
by generally accepted methods.
Results. About a quarter of the children had BLC ≥ 5μg/dL. They had a higher content
of eosinophil cells, an increase of ALT activity in the blood compared to children with lower
BLCs. As a nutritional supplement for the rehabilitation of these children, dietary fiber from
cereals of 10 g per day was used for 30 days, as an addition to main dishes and salads during
lunch. As a result, BLC significantly decreased. At the same time, the number of eosinophils
in blood and the activity of ALT significantly decreased. The thiol-disulfide ratio increased.
Children tolerated nutritional intervention well. Its safety was also indicated by the absence
of changes in indicators of the functional state of the liver. This allows us to recommend this
dietary supplement for the improvement of children undergoing environmental lead pressure.
