Lead is a toxin that accumulates in bone and that can adversely affect bone health. One consequence is a reduction in bone mineral density.
Patient selection: lead poisoning
Adverse effects of lead:
(1) inhibits activation of vitamin D
(2) interferes with absorption of dietary calcium
According to Sachs et al (1989), lead poisoning does not affect adult height.
Risk factors for osteoporosis:
(1) severity of the lead poisoning
(2) duration of the lead poisoning, especially if exposure starts in childhood
(3) other risk factors for osteoporosis (immobilization, post-menopausal, etc)
Lead that has been sequestered in bone may be mobilized during periods of bone resorption, resulting in late effects.
