Prophylactic effect of high magnesium intake in rabbits exposed to prolonged lead intoxication.

The ability of magnesium to prevent chronic lead intoxication was investigated by simultaneous oral treatment with lead and magnesium. Rabbits were intubated daily, for 28 d, with aqueous solutions of lead nitrate and magnesium acetate to give a lead dose level of 20 mg/kg and a magnesium dose level of 40 mg/kg body weight per day. A control group was treated only with lead. Supplementation with magnesium was found to be effective in reducing the lead content in blood and enhancing lead elimination via the urine. Results suggest that oral treatment with magnesium could possibly prevent deposition of lead in the body.