The influence of nutritional factors on lead absorption

Abstract

The nutritional factors which affect lead absorption have been studied. Synthetic diets of known composition were compounded to contain 0-075% Pb as PbCl2 labelled with 203Pb. Rats were exposed to lead for periods of 48 hr. The dietary intake was then measured and the absorption of lead determined by means of a whole-body counter. Lead absorption was increased by high fat, low mineral, low protein and high protein diets but was decreased by high mineral diet. Low fat, low fibre, high fibre, low vitamin and high vitamin diets had no effects on lead absorption.