Dietary fiber in reducing of elevated blood lead concentration in children

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.