Research article
Nutrition to Fight
Lead Poisoning
By
Robert J. Taylor, additional references sourced by Elizabeth O’Brien,
Edited by Anne Roberts,
Photos by Catherine Sweeny.
A Fact Sheet version of this Research Article
can be found at www.lead.org.au/fs/Fact_sheet-Nutrients_that_reduce_lead_poisoning_June_2010.pdf
Garlic:
Animal studies have consistently shown that garlic is not only able to
reduce blood lead but reduce lead levels in key organs, notably the kidney
and liver. It may also be protective of glucose metabolism. There are
indications it may be neuroprotective against some lead-induced brain
damage. This range of effects is probably due to a range of sulfur based
compounds including methionine that play a key role in the synthesis of
amino acids and antioxidants such as glutathione.
However, significant human studies are needed to demonstrate the
applicability of the animal results to humans. Some studies indicate that
fresh garlic may be more effective than garlic capsules, but again, more
research is needed.
- Prophylactic Efficacy
of Crushed Garlic Lobes, Black Seed or Olive Oils on Cholinesterase
Activity in Central Nervous System Parts and Serum of Lead Intoxicated
Rabbits Maged M. Yassin Turk J Biol 29 (2005) 173-180 http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/biology/issues/biy-05-29-3/biy-29-3-7-0503-12.pdf
[Finds that consuming fresh garlic not only lowers blood lead levels
but also partially protects the liver and brain from some lead-induced
damage. Finds smaller effects from black seed and olive oil.]
- Effect Of Garlic And
Vitamin B-Complex In Lead Acetate Induced Toxicities In Mice MSH Khan,
M Mostofa, MS Jahan, MA Sayed and MA Hossain Bangl. J. Vet. Med.
(2008). 6 (2): 203–210 http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJVM/article/viewFile/2337/2052
[Finds that garlic and B-complex vitamins have better impacts on blood
lead, liver toxicity and kidney toxicity when consumed together rather
than in isolation]
- The Effect of
Concurrent use of Fresh Garlic or Garlic Tablet with Lead Acetate on
Lead(Pb) Burden in Serum and Some Body Tissue of Dog M. Pour Jaffar,
I. Karimi,, E. Saraeian,, M. Shakhs Niyaee, , Kh. Badiei, Journal of
Iran University of Medical Science [IMUS] Vol 14, No 2 http://en.journals.sid.ir/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=93943
[Finds that garlic capsules are less effective than fresh garlic in
reducing lead levels in the blood or kidneys, but in sufficient
quantity can still impact on bone, kidney and liver lead levels,
though not necessarily blood lead levels]
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