Anaemia in Adult Nigerians in Ebonyi State, South Eastern Nigeria is not Related to Plasma Mineral Element Levels
Introduction: Anaemia remains one of the major public health challenges with global impacts, especially in developing countries. Causes of anaemia are multiple and variable among which are social, dietary, physiological and environmental factors with evidences suggestive of contributory roles of...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Pvt. Ltd.
2016-10-01
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| Series: | National Journal of Laboratory Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.njlm.net/articles/PDF/2171/18072_F(GH)_PF1(VsuGH)_PFA(GH)_PF2(VsuGH).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Anaemia remains one of the major public health
challenges with global impacts, especially in developing
countries. Causes of anaemia are multiple and variable among
which are social, dietary, physiological and environmental
factors with evidences suggestive of contributory roles of metal
interactions.
Aim: To determine the relationship of anaemia with plasma
levels of lead, iron and zinc in adult Nigerians.
Materials and Methods: Total 428 subjects (111 males, 184
non-pregnant female and 133 pregnant female), aged ≥18
years (mean=38.4±13.7 years) were enrolled in the study.
Sociodemographic data were collected using structured
questionnaire while blood samples were collected for the
determination of haemoglobin and mineral elements using
standard methods and techniques. Anaemia was defined
as haemoglobin <12.0g/dl (non-pregnant women), <11.0g/
dl (pregnant women) and <13.0g/dl (men), respectively.
Ninety three anaemic subjects were compared with 335
non-anaemic subjects.
Results: Although the plasma levels of all the elements were
lower in anaemic in comparison to non-anaemic subjects, only
lead was significant (0.004±0.002 vs 0.005±0.012 µg/dl; p =
0.027). While none of the elements showed any relationship
with haemoglobin, plasma iron was positively correlated with
zinc (r = 0.837; p = 0.001).
Conclusion: The absence or weak significant relationship
between anaemia and any of the elements suggests that
relative concentrations of the elements may be important
determinant of anaemia in this population. While further studies
are desired to substantiate these findings, food diversification
and reduction in toxic metals exposure are recommended to
improve the nutritional status of residents and reduce anaemia
prevalence with its attendant health consequences. |
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| ISSN: | 2277-8551 2455-6882 |