Lead Poisoning Associated with the Use of Ayurvedic Metal-Mineral Tonics

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to confirm the connection between lead poisoning and the use of traditional Ayurvedic metal mineral tonics. Methods: The study group comprised 29 subjects (26 adults and three children) who had previously taken Ayurvedic metal mineral tonics. All subjects were tested for lead absorption by blood lead, erythrocyte δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity and erythrocyte protoporphyrin. Results: Eighteen samples of Ayurvedic preparations were obtained from 15 subjects and analyzed for lead content. Five adult subjects with established lead poisoning received chelation therapy. In Ayurvedic preparations a wide range of lead content was found (0.9-72,990 μg Pb/g; 0.35-29,900 μg Pb/capsule or tablet). The blood lead, erythrocyte δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and erythrocyte protoporphyrin of the subjects, grouped according to the remedies used, correlated with the lead content in the preparations (p < 0.001). Chelation therapy was successful in normalization of laboratory findings and clinical recovery. Conclusion: Ayurvedic metal-mineral tonics are again identified as a potential source of high lead. The import of such tonics should be strictly controlled.