Urban post-partum women and their neonates were at higher risk with elevated BLL. Estimate of cord blood Pb may not be the true index of neonatal BLL. These observations must be confirmed in a larger cohort because prenatal/neonatal screening avoids the risks associated with rest of life.

Objective: The current study investigated the additive effect of oral lead (Pb) exposure and dietary iron (Fe) deficiency on intestinal lactobacilli, E. coli, and yeast in SD rats. Methods: Weanling rats were fed on control diet (CD) or iron deficient diet (ID) for 4 weeks, followed by oral Pb exposure for another 4 weeks. Lead exposure was withdrawn for 2 weeks, and then resumed after 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine haemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, blood Pb and δ-Aminolevulenic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity. Fecal samples were collected to enumerate the lactobacilli, E. coli and yeast population on selective agar media and determine Pb levels. Results: Hb and serum Fe levels decreased significantly in iron deficient rats. Pb exposed rats had a significant increase in blood Pb levels and decreased ALAD activity. The lactobacilli population was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in ID rats compared to the CD group. Further, a significant decrease in the lactobacilli population was observed in Pb exposed rats irrespective of the dietary regimen. Upon withdrawal of Pb exposure, lactobacilli increased significantly in both the CD+Pb and ID+Pb groups, whereas re-exposure to Pb decreased lactobacilli population. The E. coli and yeast populations were inconsistent among both the ID and Pb exposed rats compared to controls. Fecal Pb levels increased significantly in Pb exposed rats irrespective of diet. Conclusion: An additive effect of dietary Fe deficiency and oral Pb exposure resulted in greater reductions in the intestinal lactobacilli population compared to either treatment alone. In addition, transient withdrawal of Pb exposure led to improved lactobacilli population irrespective of Fe status.

The presence of lead (Pb) in milk and its interaction with trace elements is a serious health concern. Present study is aimed at determining Pb and trace element (Fe, Zn and Mg) levels in milk and blood/serum samples of lactating buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) living in a market-area (Group-A) and a dairy-experimental station (Group-B), Hyderabad, India. In addition, kidney and liver function tests were assessed. Fodder, milk and blood Pb levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in Group-B. Elevated Pb levels correlated positively with reduced Fe and Zn levels in both serum and milk. A significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation between blood Pb and milk Pb levels was observed. Kidney and liver function markers were significantly higher in Group-B buffaloes. The results suggest that contaminated fodder might be one of the responsible factors for elevated Pb levels. In addition, lower levels of Fe and Zn might have led to bioaccumulation of Pb in blood and milk.

These results suggest higher prevalence of sub-clinical Pb toxicity and trace element deficiencies in urban children. Further, high blood Pb levels appear to be correlated with reduced δ-ALAD activity and iron status in Pb exposed children.

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