Elevated lead and iron supplements

[estherm]

My son's iron was tested by his NP at my request when he was around 6 months. It was a little low (11, if I recall), so we started feeding him a lot of iron-rich foods, cooking in a cast iron, etc. The NP was happy with us doing that. When we returned a month later, it was 13 so my NP was thrilled! I was too, especially since we eat vegetarian most of the time.

When we went to his 1 year appointment (we did it late and went at 14mo), they did the lead test on his toe (routine in MA). We live in a house from 1860 so I was pretty worried. Sure enough when the test returned, his levels were high and we had to go to get him tested at the lab. When the results came in, they found that he had elevated lead (20 - lead poisoning is 25).

We are taking all the steps to make our house safer at the moment(we own). In the meantime, the pediatrician prescribed Poly-vi-sol. I do agree that I want to give him a multi vitamin as I am very worried about him...but I'm really not loving the poly-vi-sol. I've given it to him once so far with little success. He is almost 15mo now and I am wondering if there is any other multivitamin or iron out there that I can give him until this is resolved? I started taking vitamin code raw iron for myself since he is still nursing. I'm torn - I'm a nervous wreck from this whole lead thing but I still don't feel good about poly-vi-sol.

Thanks for any advice!!!

[HonkyTonka]

I'm curious to hear some responses. I go in tomorrow to have DD's iron and lead levels checked...

[crunchy_mommy]

You could use Floradix for iron (I think they make a liquid multi too)... There are tons of multivitamins out there, we've used Animal Parade and Trader Joe's chewables but there are tons of other options!

I have never used Poly-vi-sol but I have heard some negatives about it. But your DS's lead levels are pretty high so I'd keep giving him whatever you've got on hand until you can get something else... I think lead would do much more damage than whatever is in the Poly-vi-sol!

I believe calcium also inhibits lead absorption.

[estherm]

I'm looking for recommendations because all the natural/organic multivitamins I found with sufficient iron were for children 2+. I have looked into Floradix but I am wondering if the iron contents are high enough vs Poly-vi-sol. I of course am still giving the poly-vi-sol but my son will probably be on it for several months.

[crunchy_mommy]

Well the iron content of Floradix is lower than Poly-vi-sol but it is (supposedly, at least!) better absorbed.

I've never seen vitamins rated 2+, weird. Usually they just say "children's" and have the RDIs for under age 4 & 4+... I think they do say to consult your pedi under a certain age but if your doc is already recommending it then you've already done that. We just get the children's vitamins and alter the dose accordingly (usually we do half doses because I'm not a fan of giving 100% or more of the RDI!)

[meetoo]

Not sure about the iron supps but I would be very concerned about the lead levels! Do you know where the exposure is coming from? Like where in the house? Actual lead poisoning is very serious and can require hospital chilation (sp) But even "low" levels of lead can be damaging to children. Anything over 10 is not good at all.   I'm not trying to freak you out but we have had lead issues with one of my children so I learned quite a bit about the subject. :(    I would really be focusing on getting lead removed ASAP and properly so it doesn't spread the dust even more.  With the lead gone his iron levels should start to go up. When is he being retested? Is it every few weeks or once a month? I would be pushing to have it retested often especially if you are staying in your home while any renovations are being done.  20 really is a pretty high number mama :( 

[estherm]

I do not want to sound offended, but like I said we are taking care of it and I'm not sure where it is that I said I wasn't concerned or wasn't taking care of it. We just got the results a week ago and are very concerned of course. He does not have lead poisoning and we are having him re-tested in 3 weeks. We have had a lead specialist from the hospital corporation come over to our house to discuss options. We are currently seeking funding to de-lead our house and are having a private firm come over to test the house next week. At this point there isn't anything else we can do except give him loads of iron, wash hands and feet and tape up any peeling paint we see. Any suggestion is welcome but trying to make me more worried than I already am is probably not a good idea. I am taking this very seriously and we are doing all we can with the money we have (I unfortunately cannot afford to own two houses).

[meetoo]

  I posted what I did because I've BTDT. According to my Dr. lead poisoning is anything over 10.  25 and over requires treatment.The treatments can be very dangerous, that's why they only do them for very high levels. 

They sell lead kits at lowes to test peeling paint. Most lead paint is going to be on windows, trim, doors,  porches, etc. . Lead was apparently a more durable type of paint, so it was used on the area's that tend to chip more. It you have old windows there is a HUGE chance your windows are the problem. Opening an closing them releases dust that gets everywhere. Using a damp paper towel to clean around windows/window sills. DO NOT VACCUM! Use some type of damp mopping to clean.  I *think* using dishwasher liquid soap is good for cleaning the lead too. (our problems were about 4 years ago I don't know if things have changed on that front).  Washing hands a lot can help a bit. You need to buy a sealant made for lead paint. You completely seal where ever it is, then paint over it with your normal paint.  Anywhere the paint is likely to rub (door frames/windows this doesn't work well for).  Go through toys/dishes maybe sure all of them are lead free. It's possible there is a toy somewhere he is sucking on that has lead. We got rid of anything questionable. Make sure you have the soil tested. Lead can be found in dirt left over from the days of leaded fuel and from old batteries etc.  

There are some foods that help adsorb lead. I can't remember them all off the top of my head....... I know calcium and vit d. For some reason I remember applesauce being on the list?? I could be wrong though, it's been a while. A google search or even a search on MDC should bring up the foods.  The iron doesn't really help with the lead. Lead poisoning causes low iron, which in it's self causes a whole host of other problems. He will need extra iron for that but it won't help with the lead poisoning. To your original question my Pedi ok a 1/2 flinstone for my youngest at one. I was also told they can add a flavor to the poly in the pharmacy. 

 I know it's crappy and scary situation. We were renting at the time and ended up needing to move(our landlords would not fix the problem). His levels went down very quickly once we moved.