Understanding Lead Exposure in Herbal Supplements: A Cautionary Tale
By Kurt Martinuzzi, MD, Assistant Professor in the Dept of Ob/Gyn at Emory University, and Claire D. Coles, PhD, MotherToBaby Georgia Director
Aryan* and Shanaya were eager to start a family after two years of marriage. Despite normal fertility tests, they struggled to conceive. Following months of costly treatments, a friend recommended an herbal supplement from India called vasantha kusumakaram, purportedly ‘100% natural’ and safe. Shanaya took the supplement for five months, hoping for success.
In India, ayurvedic medicine—a 2000-year-old tradition—uses herbs for various ailments, including fertility issues. However, during Shanaya’s use of the herbal remedy, she experienced troubling symptoms like abdominal pain and fatigue. Her doctor diagnosed lead poisoning, with shockingly high lead levels of 114 ugm/dl.
Lead Poisoning and Pregnancy
Lead levels above 5 micrograms/deciliter are harmful, and Shanaya’s levels were dangerously high. Despite this, she discovered she was pregnant. Lead exposure during pregnancy poses significant risks, such as miscarriage and developmental issues for the baby. Thankfully, prior to conception, Shanaya underwent chelation therapy to reduce her lead levels, which eventually stabilized at safer levels.
Essential Supplements for a Healthy Pregnancy
During her pregnancy, I recommended calcium, iron, and vitamin D supplements to support the baby’s bone development and address Shanaya’s anemia. Fortunately, ultrasound scans showed her baby developing normally, although the couple remained vigilant about potential impacts on their child’s IQ.
Avoiding Lead Exposure
Lead should not be present in our bodies, especially for pregnant women. Only New York and Minnesota mandate lead testing for pregnant women, which highlights the need for preventive measures. To avoid lead exposure, consult resources like MotherToBaby’s Lead Fact Sheet and contact their experts for guidance.
*Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.
About the Authors
Kurt Martinuzzi, MD is an assistant professor specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory University. With over 25 years in the field, he focuses on education, pregnancy loss, and reproductive health.
Claire D. Coles, PhD is a professor at Emory University and director of MotherToBaby Georgia. Her work centers on the effects of prenatal substance exposure on development.
About MotherToBaby
MotherToBaby, a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, provides resources and support for exposure-related questions during pregnancy. For more information, visit MotherToBaby.org.
References
- Saper RB, Russell SP, Sehgal AS et al. Lead, Mercury, and Arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Medicines Sold via the Internet. JAMA 2008; 300(8):915-923.
- Guidelines for the identification and management of lead exposure in pregnant and lactating women. CDC Guidelines.
