Effects of Iron and/or Zinc Supplementation in Mexican School Children Exposed to Lead

We conducted a 2x2 factorial, placebo-controlled trial of 6-month iron and zinc supplementation among lead-exposed children in Torreón, Mexico (altitude 1060 m) to test the hypothesis that supplementation with iron, zinc or both will reduce blood lead concentrations of the children and improve their cognition and behavior. Nine schools were selected based on proximity to a lead smelter and first-graders were individually randomized to daily treatment with 30 mg iron, 30 mg zinc, both, or placebo. In addition to biochemical indicators (blood lead, serum ferritin, CRP, serum zinc, urinary arsenic concentrations), cognitive functions and behavior were measured. Assessments were conducted at three time points: at baseline, after the 6 month treatment, and again after another 6 months without treatment. At baseline, 602 children ages 6.2-8.5 years were enrolled.