Effect of dietary calcium intake on lead exposure in Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik

Abstract

High blood lead levels (BLLs) can be found in Inuit from Nunavik. At the same time, various nutrients such as calcium could lower lead absorption and toxicity. We examined the effect of dietary calcium intakes on BLLs in 245 preschool Inuit children attending childcare centres in Nunavik. Calcium intake was assessed with one 24-h dietary recall and BLLs were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in whole blood samples. Multiple imputation was performed to deal with missing data. Median blood lead concentration was 0.08 μmol/L. A high proportion of children did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement for vitamin D intake (73 %) and, to a lower extent, for calcium (20 %). Calcium intake was negatively associated with BLLs (p = 0.0001) while child's age and energy intake were positively associated with BLLs (p = 0.015 and p = 0.024, respectively). Consuming traditional foods rich in calcium as well as milk and alternatives may protect against lead exposure.

Nutritional status and diet as predictors of children's lead concentrations in blood and urine

“…In this low-intake context, possibly representing a calcium-deficient population, children with highest calcium consumption (386 – 812 mg/kcal/day) had lower Pb-B (p<0.10) and Pb-U (p<0.05) than children with lowest consumption (51 – 279 mg/1000 kcal/day). Our study is consistent with previous observational evidence on calcium intake (Lacasaña et al 2000; Mahaffey et al 1986; Schell et al 2004; Turgeon O’Brien et al 2014), but contradicts findings from supplementation trials, which show limited success in lowering children’s Pb-Bs by providing calcium supplements (Keating et al 2011; Markowitz et al 2004) or calcium-rich foods (Keating et al 2011).…”

A review of health and wellness studies involving Inuit of Manitoba and Nunavut

“…Some food-related studies were linked to maternal and child health [ 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 , 127 , 128 ; 92 ]. The psychometric evaluation (a standard scientific method used to measure individuals’ mental capabilities and behavioural style) of a modified Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was explored [ 122 ].…”

Anthroposophic lifestyle influences the concentration of metals in placenta and cord blood

“…According to the Swedish Food Administration (www.slv.se), the current main dietary sources of lead in Sweden include cereals and vegetables, although most of those have low concentrations. It is known that the gastrointestinal absorption of lead may be influenced by calcium (Turgeon O'Brien et al, 2014), but we don't believe that the intake of calcium differed between the study groups. The diet in the Nordic countries is generally rich in calcium, and therefore calcium deficiency is uncommon.…”