Protein, phosphorus, and vitamin E intakes are associated with blood lead levels among WIC infants in rural West Virginia

The objectives were to document blood lead levels (BLLs) in a group of rural infants aged 5 to 26 months, measure the relationship between BLL and iron status, and identify nutrients associated with BLL. Dietary intake was measured using 2 multiple-pass 24-hour intakes of 57 infants who participated in the WIC program. The mean BLL was 30 ± 16 μg/L. Twelve infants, all older than 12 months, were iron-deficient. BLL was not different in those that were iron-deficient compared with iron-replete. Infants breastfed for 6 months or longer had higher (P < .05) BLL than infants breastfed for less than 6 months or not at all. At least part of their lead exposure came from mobilization of maternal stores. Intake of iron or calcium was not associated with BLL. Protein (P < .05) was positively associated and phosphorus (P < .05) and vitamin E (P < .05) were negatively associated with BLL.