Lead is an environmental toxicant that can have adverse health effects on the nervous system, blood system, renal system, and reproductive system. Lead provides no biologic benefit to the body.
Lead exposure in young children is of particular concern because children absorb lead more readily than adults and because their developing nervous systems are more vulnerable to lead's effects.
Yes. There are still many children in the United States who are exposed to lead, primarily from deteriorating lead-based paint and leaded dust in older housing. However, there has been a substantial decline in average blood-lead levels throughout the United States population over the past 20 years. The decline appears to be related to reductions in a number of sources of lead, most notably leaded gasoline and lead-soldered food cans.
Currently, the most common source of lead exposure for children in the United States is from deteriorating lead-based paint and leaded dust in older homes. The most common source of high-dose lead exposure for adults is occupational (selected industries).
Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health and other body functions. The preferred source of calcium is through calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, but calcium-fortified foods and calcium supplements can also be used to achieve optimal intake.
The FDA monitors food safety, including calcium supplements. Questions about the safety of calcium supplements should be directed to the FDA press office.
Our understanding is that FDA is recommending that people currently taking calcium supplements for health reasons should continue to do so. Individuals who are uncertain whether they should be taking calcium supplements should consult their physicians.
Optimal calcium intake varies by age and sex. In 1995, the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Optimal Calcium Intake recommended the following daily intakes for Americans (Nutrition. 11(5):409-17, 1995 Sep-Oct) (RDAs are similar):
