Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Background: Canada is among countries with the lowest prevalence of anemia (3%). However, this prevalence is invariably higher among its First Nations (FN), particularly children. Childhood anemia is associated with growth, developmental, cognitive, psychomotor and immune system impairments. In indigenous communities, iron and other micronutrients deficiencies, infections and lead exposure are frequent, and possibly the main causes of anemia. Iron is a metal that interact with manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). They share common absorptive pathways. Iron deficiency (ID) is known to increase the intestinal absorption of the Mn and Pb, thereby increasing their concentrations in the blood and eventually their neurotoxicity. Data from the transversal pilot study, First Nation Youth Health and Environment Pilot Study (YEH!) - conducted in 2015 among children aged 3 to 19 years old (n = 198) from four communities in Quebec, Canada - were used to: i) Characterize anemia (types and severity), iron status and their specific risk factors; ii) Study the associations between blood Mn, Pb and iron biomarkers. Methods: Hemoglobin, iron biomarkers, blood Mn and Pb results and risk factors were assessed using blood analysis and interview-administered questionnaires. Descriptive and multiple regression analysis adjusting for relevant co-variables will be used to evaluate research objectives. Results: A high prevalence of ID, anemia and iron deficiency anemia (15,0%, 18,1% and 8,3% respectively) was found. Moreover, preliminary results show that 11,9% presented elevated blood Mn (median = 15,9 µg/L, range 7,1 - 31,9 µg/L), that negatively correlated to ferritin status ( -0,42; p < 0,0001). Conversely, blood levels of Pb were relatively low (median = 5,8 µg/L, range 1,8 - 50,4 µg/L). Conclusions: This study will provide a better description of risk factors associated with youth anemia and ID, and interactions between ID, Pb and Mn, in order to foster healthier food environments of FN.