To the Editor: In August 2020, the South Eastern Sydney Public Health Unit, located in New South Wales, Australia, received a statutory laboratory notification of an elevated blood lead level of 0.34 µmol/L in a preschool‐aged child recently diagnosed with autism. This was above the 0.24 µmol/L level requiring notification under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW). The test had been requested by the child's paediatrician due to concern about the child’s recent consumption of an oral Ayurvedic medicine prescribed by a naturopath.
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- 1. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Manasmithra Vatika (manasamitram pills) Ayurvedic medicine. Safety advisory – contains dangerous levels of lead and other metals. 25 Sept 2020. https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/manasmithra‐vatika‐manasamitram‐pills‐ayurvedic‐medicine? (viewed July 2021).
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We acknowledge Antony Underwood for his clinical acumen in linking the possibility of lead poisoning with consumption of Ayurvedic medication in the index case, and thank all those who assisted in the public health response.
No relevant disclosures.