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Lead Astray: New Sources of Lead Exposure as an Ongoing Threat
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Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN | September 24, 2024
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Since the 1970’s, increased public awareness and legislation to mitigate sources of lead (Pb) in water pipes, gasoline, paint, industrial sources and consumer products resulting in significant reductions. As recently as summer 2024, new items have been found to contain high levels of Pb including collagen powders, protein powders, cinnamon, and tampons. These Pb laden items carry additional concern as they may be used every day, all day, or concurrently in some cases. Pb exposure has toxic effects at any level, regardless of age, sex, or exposure pathway, implicating mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, fertility and more.
An August 2024 study revealed that arsenic, Pb and other toxic metals were identified in 100% of 30 different types of tampons made from cotton and/or rayon/viscose. Pb was higher in non-organic tampons; arsenic was higher in organic tampons. The study mentioned tampon products are used in 50%-80% of the menstruating population, and suggested toxic metals may be absorbed by highly absorptive tissue, resulting in potential systemic exposure. In 2020, the Clean Label Project found measurable levels of Pb in 37% of the 30 collagen peptide powders tested; 70% of top-selling protein powders had measurable Pb levels. In March 2024, following a recall of cinnamon apple puree pouches for children, the FDA recalled 15 brands of ground cinnamon due to elevated Pb levels. New York is currently the only state that regulates heavy metals in spice products and would trigger a recall for Pb levels above 1 ppm.
The direct neurotoxic actions of Pb target the central nervous system affecting neurotransmitter storage and release, altering neurotransmitter receptors, causing mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s Disease risk. In one study of Pb affected subjects, reductions in grey matter cortex areas were more pronounced for males with childhood Pb exposure, resulting in tremor, loss of memory, poor attention span, inhibition of spermatogenesis. Research confirms that women with blood lead levels (BLLs) higher than 2.5 μg/dL are about three times more likely to be infertile and endure disrupted ovarian cycles. In both sexes, other effects included hormone imbalances, decreased libido, depression/mood changes, lower cognition, reaction time and visual motor performance. Current research continues to find that BLLs <10 µg/dL, previously considered harmless, can also have harmful effects such as decreased renal function and increased risk for hypertension and essential tremor.
On a molecular level, one proposed mechanism for Pb toxicity involves its ability to inhibit or mimic the actions of calcium (Ca+), affecting Ca+-dependent or related processes such as neurotransmitter release, gene expression, endocrine system regulation, cardiovascular health, and heme biosynthesis among others. Endogenous sources of Pb exposure are also implicated in toxicity as approximately 80-90 % of absorbed Pb is stored away in bones. These bone Pb deposits can be released into the blood slowly over time, due to increased osteoclast activity as a potential added risk factor for menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Regardless of mitigation progress, Pb remains a public health concern with recent headline grabbing discoveries found in menstrual products, cosmetics, collagen and protein powders, some herbal preparations, and even cooking spices. An individual’s susceptibility to Pb toxicity varies with age, sex, pregnancy status, nutritional status, microbiome status and genetics (i.e. methylation status). These ongoing studies and recalls serve to remind practitioners that metals remain ubiquitous; and justify ongoing screening and mitigation strategies especially when considering a possible connection to underlying causes in patient health conditions.
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References
Jenni A. Shearston, Kristen Upson, Milo Gordon, Vivian Do, Olgica Balac, Khue Nguyen, Beizhan Yan, Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, Kathrin Schilling, Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s, Environment International, Volume 190, 2024, 108849, ISSN 0160-4120, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849.
Kumar S. Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Lead and Reproductive Health Impairment: An Overview. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2018 Sep-Dec;22(3):128-137. doi: 10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_126_18. PMID: 30647514; PMCID: PMC6309352.
Gerke L, Seifert R. Lead and arsenic intoxications by traditional and alternative medicine: men are more sensitive than women. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s00210-024-03317-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39066909.
Cecil KM, Brubaker CJ, Adler CM, Dietrich KN, Altaye M, Egelhoff JC, Wessel S, Elangovan I, Hornung R, Jarvis K, Lanphear BP. Decreased brain volume in adults with childhood lead exposure. PLoS Med. 2008 May 27;5(5):e112. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050112. PMID: 18507499; PMCID: PMC2689675.
Quig D. Lead and Your French Fries. Doctor’s Data. Published March 10, 2021. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://site-akiajqrf22xmaqzsiz6q.s3.amazonaws.com/DDI+Website/News/html/LeadandYourFrenchFries.html
Yu G, Wu L, Su Q, Ji X, Zhou J, Wu S, Tang Y, Li H. Neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants in the environment: Focusing on epigenetic mechanisms. Environ Pollut. 2024 Mar 15;345:123563. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123563. Epub 2024 Feb 13. PMID: 38355086
Manocha A, Srivastava LM, Bhargava S. Lead as a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis in Post-menopausal Women. Indian J Clin Biochem. 2017 Jul;32(3):261-265. doi: 10.1007/s12291-016-0610-9. Epub 2016 Aug 26. PMID: 28811684; PMCID: PMC5539005.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health
https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/lead-food-and-foodwares
https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead
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The Heart of the Matter: The Gut Microbiome's Role in Cardiometabolic Health
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Presented by Julia Malkowski, ND, DC, BSc
October 2, 2024 at 12 PM Pacific
Session is approximately 60 minutes with Q&A
The common advice to limit red meat for heart health is more complex than it seems, with its roots in the gut microbiome. This microbiome serves as a critical bridge between nutrition and cardiovascular health, where interactions between the host and microbiome influence the production of key metabolites such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), bile acids (BA), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Changes in the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, along with these metabolites, are linked to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Microbial dysbiosis has been associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. There is also evidence that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may precede heart attacks, and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) can impact not just obesity, but also blood pressure and clotting risk. Recognizing coronary heart disease as a lifestyle-related condition with a strong nutritional component suggests that comprehensive stool analysis could be a valuable tool for assessing chronic dietary habits and leveraging food as medicine. Additionally, expanding the focus beyond traditional cholesterol markers like LDL and HDL to include oxidized LDL, small dense LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as metabolic indicators such as GlycoMark and fasting insulin, can provide a more holistic approach to cardiometabolic health.
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Learning Objectives:
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Explore the Intriguing Link Between the Gut Microbiome and Cardiometabolic Health
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Recognize the Significant Influence of Host-Microbiome Interactions on Nutrition and Heart Health
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Utilize Gastrointestinal and Cardiometabolic Testing in Clinical Practice
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Discover the Essentials of a Functional Approach to Cardiometabolic Health to Enhance Patient Care
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Disclaimer: All information given about health conditions, treatment, products, and dosages are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
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+1.630.377.8139 (Global)
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