Pediatrics. 2000 Sep; 106(3): 600-2.

Herbal vitamins: lead toxicity and developmental delay.

Moore C, Adler R.

Division of General Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.

A case of lead poisoning from an Indian herbal vitamin is presented. The patient who was developmentally delayed was given an herbal vitamin from India to strengthen his brain. The tablet contained large amounts of lead and mercury, leading to significant lead burden. Vulnerability of families and lack of awareness of health care professionals of dangers of unknown herbal supplementation are discussed.