Anaemia in Adult Nigerians in Ebonyi State, South Eastern Nigeria is not Related to Plasma Mineral Element Levels

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• food diversification
• heavy metal
• micronutrient interaction