Lead in breastmilk, how bad is it?

[bean-e]

I bought a heavy metal testing kit with the intent of testing my breastmilk for mercury because of my amalgams. To my surprise, the heavy metal that showed up was lead (can't figure out where it's from). The only info I could find was to take calcium supplements as that keeps the lead in my bones instead of going into my breastmilk. Does anyone know what else I should be doing?

[sbgrace]

I'd want to know my blood lead level and that of my baby as well. If you're talking in lead you'll want to know and eliminate the source so the baby isn't exposed. Look into water testing for lead.

Some calcium supplements are lead contaminated so be careful w/what you select.

I'm going to move this it health and healing for a wider range of responses.

[Addy's Mom]

You have to remove yourself from whatever's contaminating "you" with lead. Do you have any idea what that is? Lead paint in the house? Chemicals where you work? Lead in the yard? Drinking water? Etc.?

I agree with PP -- get both your blood levels tested as well as your child's.

How high were the lead levels?

[tanyalynn]

I'd want a blood test, for both of you depending on the age of your LO (mobile? mouthing things yet?) I've read that a lot of the at-home lead tests aren't very accurate.

[Nosy]

Originally Posted by bean-e

I bought a heavy metal testing kit with the intent of testing my breastmilk for mercury because of my amalgams. To my surprise, the heavy metal that showed up was lead (can't figure out where it's from). The only info I could find was to take calcium supplements as that keeps the lead in my bones instead of going into my breastmilk. Does anyone know what else I should be doing?

No advice on the lead, but I'd be interested in what kit you used and whether it covers copper. I'd love to know if I'm dumping copper into my baby (hair test came back high).

[JessicaS]

I would go to a HCP and have a blood test, if something is in your breastmilk it is in your blood.

[lil_miss_understood]

I have no advice but am subbing.

Of course, I do agree with PPs about going for blood tests for both you and your LO and seeking the source.

[ttcintexas]

Here is a reply I posted after talking to the R&D person at Nature's Plus regarding lead in multivitamins.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...2&postcount=26

Could it be coming from the food you are eating, as this person was explaining with the vitamins?

[bean-e]

Tanya, I certainly hope you're right about at home tests not being very accurate. Do you know if that is the case as well for a test that looks at multiple metals rather than ones that just test for lead?

It's Osumex heavy metals test general kit.

I can't figure out where it would be coming from. I drink mostly filtered water. I don't think it would be from our home (low VOC paint) or work environment. Baffled. I guess I should make an appointment with our doctor.

[bean-e]

thank you for the detailed info ttcintexas.

[ASusan]

It is my understanding that your levels of iron are also important, so be sure that you have adequate iron.

And, lead is stored in the bones and teeth. It is mobilized - along with calcium - during the 6th month of pregnancy, when the fetus' bones harden. It competes with calcium, as a pp suggested. And if you are low in iron, your body will preferentially use/take up/absorb lead, rather than calcium.

So, perhaps your stores were mobilized (and you aren't actually still taking it in...)? How old is you LO?


Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong wrt lead/iron/calcium. I am not looking at my notes, but pulling this from memory.