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7119208 
Journal Article 
Abstract 
Blood lead toxicity is not associated with anemia and iron deficiency in children from Bhaktapur, Nepal 
Chandyo, RK; Shrestha, B; Zhao, B; Ulak, M; Shrestha, PS; Shrestha, R; Bodhidatta, L; Mason, C; Shrestha, L; Strand, T; Shrestha, S 
2017 
Yes 
FASEB Journal
ISSN: 0892-6638
EISSN: 1530-6860 
31(Suppl. 1) 
786.2 
English 
WOS:000405461405226 
Background
Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, is still common among children from resource poor settings. Besides inadequate intake of iron rich foods, lead toxicity may be an important underlying cause for anemia and iron deficiency. However, there are lack of data on lead toxicity and its relation with anemia and iron deficiency.

Methods
Blood samples were collected from 225 healthy children at 15 months of age who were participating in a cohort study on malnutrition and interaction with enteric infection (MAL-ED). Blood was analyzed for leads hemoglobin, plasma ferritin, and transferrin receptor concentrations.

Results
The prevalence of anemia (Hb <11 g/dl) was 51% and 54% of children were iron deficient as indicated by low ferritin and/or high transferrin receptor concentrations. The mean (SD) blood lead concentration was 12.8 μg/dl (7.6) and 60% of children were having high lead concentrations (>10 μg/dl). Sixty-three percent of the anemic children had high blood lead concentrations compared with 56% among the non-anemic children (p=0.2). Similarly, high lead concentration was found among 61% children with iron deficiency and in 54% of the non-deficient (p=0.2).

Conclusion
Anemia, iron deficiency and high blood lead concentration was common among healthy infants in Bhaktapur. However, higher lead concentration was not associated with anemia and iron deficiency. 
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