A 39-year-old woman in Canada, whose name has not been revealed, was hospitalised three times in six weeks for stomach pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting, according to a new case study. Reportedly, on the third visit, she was hospitalised for anaemia and possible gastrointestinal bleeding. It was found later that the woman had been taking Ayurvedic medicine to treat fertility issues. Her blood lead level was high at 55 µg/dL, compared with a normal level of less than 2 µg/dL, as per a report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), which added that her blood lead level was more than 27 times higher than normal.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Akash Shah, Consultant Pathologist, Neuberg Supratech Reference Laboratories, Ahmedabad, helps us understand the link between lead toxicity and Ayurvedic medicine, providing insights into the warning signs.
Is There A Link Between Ayurvedic Medicine And Lead Poisoning?
Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional holistic healing system originating from India, focused on achieving balance in the body, mind, and spirit. It emphasises natural remedies, lifestyle practices, and personalised approaches to promote well-being and prevent illness.
Also Read: Side Effects Of Eating Too Much Fibre: Know The Recommended Intake
The case study published in CMAJ suggests that heavy metals are sometimes intentionally added to the Ayurvedic pills for their perceived healing properties. "A random sample of Ayurvedic pills bought on the Internet from manufacturers based in the United States and India showed that 21% contained lead, mercury or arsenic," the study paper adds.
Dr Shah says, "Certain ingredients in Ayurvedic medicines have been found to contain high levels of lead, potentially leading to lead toxicity. Traditional Ayurvedic formulations sometimes include herbs, minerals, and metals that can inadvertently contain lead due to contamination or improper processing. These ingredients may not undergo rigorous quality control measures, raising concerns about their safety."
Prolonged use of such contaminated medicines can therefore result in lead accumulation in the body, causing various health issues.
"It's essential to source Ayurvedic products from reputable manufacturers, and regulatory authorities need to enforce stringent quality standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of these traditional remedies," he advises.
Understanding Lead Poisoning
According to Dr Shah, lead toxicity, or lead poisoning, is a serious health condition resulting from the accumulation of lead, a highly toxic heavy metal, in the body. “It occurs primarily through exposure to lead-based paints, contaminated water, dust, and certain industrial processes. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies and behaviours like hand-to-mouth contact,” he notes.
Lead disrupts various biological processes, particularly affecting the nervous, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Cognitive and behavioural issues, developmental delays, anaemia, and even death can result from prolonged exposure, as per the doctor.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests lead exposure is estimated to account for more than 2.1 crore years lost to disability and death worldwide due to long-term effects on health, with 30% of the global burden of idiopathic intellectual disability, 4.6% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease and 3% of the global burden of chronic kidney diseases.
Warning Signs Of Lead Poisoning
Symptoms of lead toxicity can vary widely and often depend on the level and duration of exposure. In children, common signs include:
- Developmental delays
- Learning difficulties
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Dr Shah says, “Neurological symptoms like headaches, memory problems, and mood disorders can affect adults. Physical symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, joint and muscle pain, and high blood pressure. Severe cases can lead to convulsions, coma, and even death.”
“Recognising these symptoms is crucial for early intervention and reducing long-term health effects. If lead toxicity is suspected, medical attention should be sought promptly for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment,” he advises.
Also Read: Factors That Can Cause Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Best Food Sources To Add To Your Diet
Important Tests To Take
Here are some tests to determine lead toxicity:
Blood lead level test: This is the most common method for testing lead toxicity. A blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in the arm, is analysed to determine the concentration of lead in the blood. The results are reported in micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL).
Capillary lead test: It involves using a finger prick to obtain a small sample of blood. It's commonly used for quick screening, especially in children.
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): XRF is a non-invasive technique that can be used to detect lead in bones and other tissues. It works by measuring the fluorescence emitted when a material is exposed to X-rays. This method can help estimate long-term lead exposure and assess lead stored in bones.
Lead mobilisation test: This involves administering a chelating agent (a substance that binds to heavy metals) to help release lead from tissues and bones into the bloodstream. The person's urine is then collected and analysed for lead concentration. This test can provide a more accurate assessment of the total body burden of lead.
Hair analysis: Although less commonly used, hair analysis can provide an indication of chronic lead exposure. Lead can be incorporated into hair as it grows. However, this method has limitations and is not as accurate as blood tests.
Bottomline
Lead poisoning, while rare, should not be taken for granted. The symptoms can be misdiagnosed with other gastrointestinal symptoms, which is why taking a test and consulting a doctor is integral. According to the WHO, at high levels of exposure, lead attacks the brain and central nervous system, causing coma, convulsions and even death. "Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with intellectual disability and behavioural disorders," the global health body adds.