Lead Detoxifying Effects of Ascorbic Acid Among School Going Adolescents of Karachi- A Cluster Randomized Control Trial

Lead Detoxifying Effects of Ascorbic Acid Among School Going Adolescents of Karachi- A Cluster Randomized Control Trial

The toxic nature of lead has been recognized ubiquitous for than 2,000 years and today it is a persistent and common environmental contaminant in most parts of the world. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and a metabolic co factor playing an important role in many biological processes and biochemical functions (hydroxylation reactions). The research objective is to assess the effect of oral ascorbic acid supplementation 500mg and 250 mg once a day for 4 weeks on Blood Lead level among school going urban adolescents, using a cluster randomized trial study design. Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) 250 and 500 mg will be administered in two study arms.

Inclusion Criteria:

1-school going adolescents, aged 13-18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Children with history or presence of chronic illness or bleeding disorders, requiring red blood cell transfusion, dialysis
2. Using multivitamins
3. Those who planning to leave study place within 2 months of start of study