Feeding practices and blood lead levels in infants in Nagpur, India
Archana Behram Patel1, Hrishikesh Belsare, Anita Banerjee
1Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur, India. dr_apatel@yahoo.com
Insights
This study found a high prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in infants in Nagpur, India. Infant feeding patterns did not influence blood lead levels, but boiling water was linked to higher levels in non-breastfed infants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lead exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries.
- Infant exposure pathways and risk factors require thorough investigation to inform preventive strategies.
- Understanding the role of feeding patterns in lead absorption is crucial for infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (EBLL) in infants aged 4-9 months in Nagpur, India.
- To investigate the association between infant feeding patterns (breastfeeding, formula, dairy milk) and blood lead levels.
- To identify risk factors for EBLL in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 infants aged 4-9 months.
- Blood lead levels were measured and analyzed in relation to feeding patterns and other potential risk factors.
- Statistical analysis, including odds ratios and confidence intervals, was used to assess risk factor associations.
Main Results:
- The mean blood lead level was 10.148 microg/dl, with an EBLL prevalence of 38.2%.
- Risk factors for EBLL included recent house paint removal (OR 5.6), use of surma (OR 4.27), and maternal use of sindur (OR 2.118).
- Infant feeding method did not significantly affect blood lead levels; however, boiling water was associated with EBLL in non-breastfed infants (OR 1.97).
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of infants in Nagpur exhibit elevated blood lead levels, highlighting an urgent public health issue.
- Environmental and maternal factors, rather than infant feeding methods, are primary drivers of lead exposure.
- Interventions should focus on reducing environmental lead hazards and educating mothers on safe practices, especially concerning water preparation for non-breastfed infants.
Abstract:
In a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 200 infants age 4-9 months in an Indian city (Nagpur), the authors determined the prevalence of elevated blood lead level (EBLL) and mean blood lead levels with respect to feeding patterns, i.e., breastfed or fed with formula or dairy milk. The blood lead levels in this study population ranged from 0.048 microg/dl to 42.944 microg/dl; the mean blood lead level was 10.148 microg/dl (+/- 9.128); EBLL prevalence was 38.2%. EBLL risk factors included removal of house paint in the past year, odds ratio (OR), 5.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-19.65); use of surma (eye cosmetic), OR 4.27 (95% CI, 1.39-13.08); maternal use of sindur (vermillion), OR 2.118 (95% CI, 1.07-4.44). Feeding method (breastfed or not) did not appear to have an effect on blood lead level. In non-breastfed infants, boiling of water was significantly associated with EBLL, OR 1.97 (95% CI, 1.01-3.84).
