A Healthy Diet
If your child has been determined to have lead poisoning, it is important to make sure that he or she receives a proper diet. A child with lead poisoning should have a diet that includes proper amounts of iron, Vitamin C and calcium.
To provide children with a good amount of iron-containing foods:
- Introduce pureed meats as soon as the child is old enough (6-9 months old).
- Give one serving or more of lead red meat per day to children 1 year old or older.
- Give iron supplements only under the supervision of a physician or nutritionist and only when anemia or iron deficiency is documented.
To provide children with a good amount of vitamin C:
- Give two servings of fruit juices (orange, apple) or fruits per day.
- Give vitamin supplements only under the supervision of a physician or nutritionist.
To provide children with a good amount of calcium:
- Give two or more servings per day of dairy products or other calcium-rich foods.
- Give calcium supplements only under the supervision of a physician or nutritionist.
Healthy and nutritious foods can be expensive. Developing a food budget is one good way to help ensure a healthy diet for your child. Monroe County has several programs that can help you learn how to budget your money, and learn to provide healthy and nutritious meals for your family. The following are programs that can assist you:
- Food stamps
- W.I.C. - Woman, Infants, and Children
To learn more information about the programs listed above, please contact the Pediatric Social Worker for the Lead Poisoning Prevention and Treatment Center at (585) 922-3983.