Nutrition and Lead

The only way to prevent lead poisoning is to remove all sources of lead. However, eating regular and healthy meals may make it harder for lead to hurt a child. Meals should include fruits and vegetables, food with calcium, iron, and Vitamin C.

Getting enough calcium can help keep teeth and bones healthy. Foods that have a lot of calcium include:

• Milk
• Green leafy vegetables (like spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Orange juice with added calcium

Iron can also protect the body from lead. Foods with a lot of iron include:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Dry beans and peas
• Dried fruits (like raisins and prunes)
• Lean red meats and poultry
• Fish, oysters, clams, and mussels
• Iron-fortified cereals

Foods with Vitamin C can also help. These include:

• Oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Green peppers
• Broccoli
• Strawberries

Some foods may be stored in lead-contaminated containers. You should avoid:

• Foods stored in lead-soldered cans, glazed ceramic dishes, or leaded crystal. Some families have been poisoned using traditional glazed pottery like the ones in this alert. If you have these dishes, use them for decoration only.
• Foods or drinks made with lead-contaminated water. Always use cold water for cooking and drinking, especially if you live in a home with older pipes.

More resources:

• The MDCH Division of Environmental Health has important information on lead in venison and other meats for hunting families.
• The Michigan Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program can help with health and nutrition for mothers and babies.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers healthy recipes to help fight lead poisoning in this booklet (PDF).
• MyPyramid.gov offers tools and tips to help you and your family keep a healthy diet.
• The CDC has tips on fitting fruits and vegetables into your shopping budget.
• For clinicians, see CDC's guidelines on Nutritional Assessment and Intervention.