Some Ayurvedic medicines may contain heavy metals such as lead. Heavy metals may be added since they are believed to have beneficial properties.
According to Breyne et al, an estimate of Ayurvedic recipes containing at least 1 heavy metal is 35-40%. Many of these recipes were developed many centuries before that toxicity of heavy metals was appreciated.
Risk factors for lead toxicity:
(1) high doses of the Ayurvedic medicine
(2) long-term use
(3) high lead content in the medicine
(4) chronic kidney disease
(5) multiple remedies being taken for multiple chronic disorders
If a careful history for intake of alternative medicines or dietary supplements is not taken, then the recognition may be delayed.
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