Did you know your bones are metabolically active organs that are restructured daily?
Bone tissue is constantly broken down, so a new and hopefully stronger bone matrix can be produced. Therefore, bone health must be supported each day via a nutrient-dense healthy diet, weight-bearing exercise, supplementation for some individuals, and the avoidance of toxic compounds that can damage bone tissue.
Lead is a toxic element that tends to be deposited and stored in bone tissue, where it can cause harm. This blog will discuss the harmful effects of lead on bone, sources of toxic lead, symptoms of lead toxicity, and testing for lead exposure.
Overview of the Healthy Remodeling of Bone Matrix (Bone Tissue)
Bone is a living tissue that is constantly regenerated and mineralized for strength. The overall breakdown and formation of bone tissue is a process known as bone remodeling. The breakdown of bone tissue is known as bone resorption. An imbalance in bone resorption and formation can lead to decreased bone mineral density and health concerns, including osteopenia and osteoporosis.1
Osteocytes are the most abundant cells present in bone - approximately 90% to 95% of all bone cells. Osteocytes are former osteoblasts entombed within the mineralized and collagenous bone matrix.1
Osteoblasts are the specialized bone cells that regenerate bone tissue and boost bone strength. Osteoblasts produce new bone mass by synthesizing and calcifying the newly generated collagen.1
Osteoclasts are the bone cells responsible for bone resorption (breakdown). Osteoclasts primarily clear out bone tissue that has not been used (use it or lose it!) and bone tissue that has been damaged so healthy bone tissue can replace it.1
The Impact of the Toxic Element Lead on Bone Health
Bone is the most common location of lead storage – approximately 90% of the total body burden of lead is stored in bone.2 But - lead is an element that does not play any physiological or beneficial role in the human body, and it can harm the bone tissue.
Toxic lead reduces the optimal activity of many enzymes and the function of structural proteins, which are critically important in bone. Lead is highly toxic to cells, including osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Lead has been recognized as a risk factor that can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, especially in perimenopausal women.3
Lead has both direct and indirect effects on bone cells. Animal studies show that lead can directly reduce bone mineral density, increase susceptibility to fractures, and impair the union (healing) of a fractured bone. Moreover, studies show lead causes an imbalance in bone remodeling by stimulating both bone formation and resorption, which results in the formation of more fragile bones.3
Lead also influences the metabolism of vitamin D3. The kidneys activate vitamin D, and toxic lead can impair this process. When optimal vitamin D is not synthesized or activated, calcium and phosphorous, which are required for optimal bone health, cannot be adequately absorbed by your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.3
Furthermore, exposure to lead induces oxidative stress in cells by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Various inflammatory signaling pathways are then triggered to affect the activity of the immune system, potentially resulting in autoimmune reactions, inflammation, sensitization, and reduced resilience from diseases.4
Lead can also accumulate in and cause damage to the liver, lungs, heart, skin, muscles, and kidneys.3
What are Some Sources of Exposure to Toxic Lead?
Drinking water is probably one of the most common sources of daily lead exposure in the general population. Many water systems still have lead pipes, even though the US EPA banned them in 1986. A study published on March 18th of this year (2024) estimated that 68% of children under the age of 6 currently living in Chicago are exposed to drinking water contaminated with lead.5
Even bottled water can contain lead. The FDA set five parts per billion (ppb) as the limit for lead in bottled water. The FDA threshold for taking action to remove lead from public drinking water systems is an astounding 15 ppb. No amount of lead in drinking water is safe, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, so the lead limit for all water should be zero ppb.5
Exclusively drinking and using filtered water for cooking could be helpful, but to be confident that a filter removes all lead from water, it must meet the NSF 53 certification standards.5 Consider investing in a filter that meets these standards!
Lead can also be present in many household products, including paint, paint dust, batteries, cosmetics, gasoline, food cans, lead-glazed ceramics, lead crystal, jewelry, cigarette smoke, lead-based solder used in vinyl lunch boxes, traditional folk remedies, children’s toys, and even contaminated candy.6 Also, be mindful when consuming bone broth since bone is the most common location of lead storage!7
Occupational exposure to lead can occur in plumbers, battery manufacturers, lead smelters, automobile mechanics, recyclers, refiners, painters, fitters, solderers, pottery and crystal glass manufacturers, welders, ceramic workers, and others.4
Research shows the amount of lead that accumulates in bone tissue can be affected by smoking, alcohol abuse, diet, and the duration of exposure to lead.3
Higher levels of lead are present in the bones of those who smoke compared to non-smokers. There is also an association between the higher intake of seafood and higher lead accumulation in bone. Lead levels are approximately five times higher in those who live in places where consumption of seafood is frequent, such as China, Taiwan, Spain, and Japan, than in those who live in places where consumption of seafood is less common.3
An increased need for calcium or sub-optimal dietary calcium intake can result in the increased absorption of lead since calcium and lead compete for absorption.8 Children absorb more lead than adults because their bodies require more calcium for bone development. Children absorb roughly 40-50% of dietary lead, while adults only absorb 5-10% of ingested lead.6
What Are The Signs & Symptoms of Lead Toxicity?
Exposure to low doses of lead over many years might not cause obvious symptoms. But, if exposed to a high amount of lead over a short time, acute symptoms of lead toxicity could develop.
Signs and symptoms of lead toxicity include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal bone marrow smear test
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle paralysis
- Nausea
- Neurological symptoms, including numbness (peripheral neuropathy)
- Vomiting
- Weakness of arms and legs9
In general, toxic lead can harm every organ in the body and is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Bone is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic lead since it is the primary storage site.4
Do I Need a Lead Testing Kit to Test My Lead Level?
If you are concerned about exposure to toxic lead, consider speaking with your doctor about testing your lead levels. Toxic metal test kits that can be shipped directly to your home and do not require a blood draw are available.
InterPlexus Supplements that Support Bone Health and the Detoxification of Toxic Heavy Metals*
Adapt TM is a physician-formulated supplement that includes Ashwagandha, zinc, and calcium to support the detoxification & reduced absorption of toxic heavy metals.*
B-KalmPlexus TM supplement is a synergistic blend of B vitamins, magnesium, Ashwagandha, and phosphatidylserine that supports robust mitochondrial function and the gentle detoxification of toxic metals.*
Flavo PlexC TM supplement is a potent blend of antioxidants that contains vitamin C, bioflavonoids, Ashwagandha, and magnesium to support optimal bone health and heavy metal detox.*
Calcium2 TM is a physician-formulated supplement that offers calcium citrate and calcium bisglycinate for superior calcium bioavailability and maximum absorption to support optimal bone health while reducing the absorption of the toxic heavy metal lead.*
Magnesium3 TM is a physician-formulated supplement that includes magnesium citrate, magnesium bisglycinate, and magnesium ascorbate for superior magnesium bioavailability and maximum absorption to support optimal bone health.*
Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.
References:
- Hart NH, Newton RU, Tan J, et al. Biological basis of bone strength: anatomy, physiology and measurement. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2020;20(3):347-371.
- Li X, Li R, Yan J, et al. Co-exposure of cadmium and lead on bone health in a southwestern Chinese population aged 40-75 years. J Appl Toxicol. 2020;40(3):352-362. doi:10.1002/jat.3908
- Ciosek Ż, Kot K, Kosik-Bogacka D, et al. The Effects of Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Fluoride, and Lead on Bone Tissue. Biomolecules. 2021;11(4):506. doi:10.3390/biom11040506
- Harshitha P, Bose K, Dsouza HS. Influence of lead-induced toxicity on the inflammatory cytokines. Toxicology. 2024;503:153771. doi:10.1016/j.tox.2024.153771
- Thomas A. Lead’s lingering threat: Water and more pose dangers. Medscape. April 5, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/lead-has-not-gone-away-what-should-pediatric-clinicians-do-2024a10006hx.
- Ramírez Ortega D, González Esquivel DF, Blanco Ayala T, et al. Cognitive Impairment Induced by Lead Exposure during Lifespan: Mechanisms of Lead Neurotoxicity. Toxics. 2021;9(2):23. doi:10.3390/toxics9020023
- Monro JA, Leon R, Puri BK. The risk of lead contamination in bone broth diets. Med Hypotheses. 2013;80(4):389-390. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2012.12.026
- Blake KC, Mann M. Effect of calcium and phosphorus on the gastrointestinal absorption of 203Pb in man. Environ Res. 1983;30(1):188-194. doi:10.1016/0013-9351(83)90179-2
- Zhang L, Yao X, Chen Y, et al. Abdominal pain caused by Tibetan medicine: A case report of lead poisoning. Heliyon. 2024;10(10):e30167. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30167
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