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Blood lead concentrations and iron deficiency in Canadian aboriginal infants
Noreen D Willows1, Katherine Gray-Donald
1Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton.
Insights
Elevated blood lead levels in Aboriginal Cree infants are linked to higher rates of anemia and iron-deficiency anemia. This study highlights the need for monitoring and intervention strategies to protect infant health in northern Quebec.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Lead exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants.
- Anemia and iron deficiency are common nutritional deficiencies in infants, impacting development.
- Aboriginal communities may face unique environmental exposures and health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of elevated blood lead concentrations, anemia, and iron deficiency in 9-month-old Aboriginal Cree infants in northern Quebec.
- To investigate the relationship between blood lead levels and iron status indicators (anemia, iron-deficiency anemia).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional screening of 274 infants for anemia and 186 for blood lead concentration.
- Iron status determined for 141 infants with measured blood lead.
- Statistical analysis to compare blood lead levels based on anemia and iron status.
Main Results:
- Median blood lead concentration was 0.08 micromol/l, with 2.7% of infants having elevated levels (> 0.48 micromol/l).
- Prevalence of anemia was 25.0%, and iron-deficiency anemia was 7.9%.
- Infants with anemia and iron-deficiency anemia showed significantly higher mean blood lead concentrations compared to those without these conditions. Negative correlations were found between blood lead and hemoglobin/serum ferritin.
Conclusions:
- Elevated blood lead concentrations are associated with anemia and iron-deficiency anemia in this cohort of Aboriginal Cree infants.
- Findings underscore the importance of environmental lead exposure monitoring and nutritional support in Indigenous communities.
- Dietary intake of traditional foods did not significantly influence blood lead or iron status in this study population.
Abstract:
Aboriginal Cree infants living in northern Quebec who were 9 months of age were screened for anemia, iron deficiency and elevated blood lead concentrations. Of the 314 infants who were eligible to participate, 274 (87.3%) were screened for anemia, 186 had blood lead concentration measured and 141 of the latter group had iron status determined. The median blood lead concentration was 0.08 micromol/l (range 0.01-1.00 micromol/l). The 25, 50 and 75 percentiles for blood lead concentration were 0.05, 0.08 and 0.12 micromol/l, respectively. The prevalence of elevated blood lead concentrations (> 0.48 micromol/l) was 2.7% (95% Cl 0.36-5.0). Among infants who had blood lead measured, the prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin < 110 g/l) was 25.0% and 7.9% of infants had iron-deficiency anemia (hemoglobin < 110 g/l and serum ferritin < 10 microg/l). Anemic infants had a higher mean geometric blood lead concentration than did babies without anemia (0.11 micromol/l vs. 0.07 micromol/l, P = 0.003). Likewise, infants with iron-deficiency anemia had a significantly higher mean geometric blood lead concentration than infants without iron deficiency anemia (0.16 micromol/l vs. 0.07 micromol/l, P = 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between blood lead and hemoglobin concentrations (r = -0.203, P = 0.006) and between blood lead and serum ferritin concentrations (r = -0.245, P = 0.003). Infants who were fed traditional food (fish, fowl and game) did not have a significantly different mean geometric blood lead concentration, hemoglobin concentration or serum ferritin concentration than infants who did not eat traditional food. Few infants (5.3%) ate traditional food daily.