Preprint / Version 1

A cluster of lead poisoning among consumers of Ayurvedic medicine

Authors

  • Laura Breeher Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
  • Marek Mikulski Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
  • Thomas Czeczok Roy J. and Lucille Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
  • Kathy Leinenkugel Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, IA, USA
  • Laurence Fuortes Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

Keywords:

Ayurvedic medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Lead toxicity, Mercury toxicity, Public health response

Abstract

Use of alternative medications and herbal remedies is widespread in the United States and across the globe. These traditional medications can be contaminated with toxic metals. Despite several case reports of poisoning from such contamination, the epidemiological data are still limited. Objectives To report on a cluster of lead and mercury toxicity cases in 2011 among a community of adherents of traditional medical practice of Ayurveda. Methods Adherents of Ayurveda were offered heavy metals screening following the identification of the index case. Results Forty-six of 115 participants (40%) had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) of 10 μg/dl or above, with 9.6% of BLLs at or above 50 μg/dl. Conclusions This is the largest cluster of lead and mercury toxicity following use of Ayurvedic supplements described in the literature in the US. Contamination of herbal products is a public health issue of global significance. There are few regulations addressing contamination of “natural” products or supplements. Keywords: Ayurvedic medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Lead toxicity, Mercury toxicity, Public health response

Author Biography

Laura Breeher, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, MN, USA

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