A pilot study to observe nutrition-related behaviors associated with lead poisoning risk among urban preschool children

Abstract

Research shows that 48% of the children living in Newark, New Jersey suffer from elevated blood lead levels due to high doses of lead in their immediate environment.(1) Calcium, vitamin C, and iron, as well as engagement in certain behaviors, e.g. frequent hand washing, decreased hand to mouth activity, etc., are potentially viable means of decreasing lead absorption in children. An analysis of plate waste to determine the consumption of the aforementioned nutrients; and, assessment of engagement in said behaviors, was conducted at nine Head Start sites in Newark, as was an assessment of the food planned and offered to the children at these sites. Although the average amount of calcium, vitamin C, and iron, planned and offered, across the nine sites met the goal of 67% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI), children in five of the nine sites consumed an inadequate amount of each nutrient for lead poisoning prevention. Teacher practices were found to greatly impact nutrient consumption, as well as children's engagement in pertinent behaviors.