Higher n3-fatty acid status is associated with lower risk of iron depletion among food insecure Canadian Inuit women

Abstract

BackgroundHigh rates of iron deficiency and anemia are common among Inuit and Arctic women despite a traditional diet based on animal source foods. However, representative data on iron status and relevant determinants for this population are lacking. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of anemia and depletion of iron stores, then to identify correlates of iron status in non-pregnant Canadian Inuit women.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey of 1550 women in the International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey, 2007-2008, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (on a subset), C-reactive protein (CRP), RBC fatty acid composition, and H pylori serology were analyzed on fasting venous blood. Sociodemographic, food security status, anthropometric, dietary, and health data were collected. Correlates of iron status were assessed with multivariate linear and logistic models.ResultsAnemia was observed in 21.7% and iron deficient erythropoiesis in 3.3% of women. For women with CRP ≤ 10 mg/L (n = 1260) 29.4% had depleted iron stores. Inadequate iron intakes were observed in 16% of premenopausal and <1% of postmenopausal women. Among food insecure women, higher long-chain (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) status, which reflects a more traditional food pattern, was associated with reduced risk of iron depletion.ConclusionsIron depletion and anemia are a concern for Inuit women despite adequate total dietary iron intake primarily from heme sources. The high prevalence of H. pylori exposure, together with dietary iron adequacy, suggests an inflammation-driven iron deficiency and mild anemia. The anti-inflammatory properties of LC-PUFA may be important for iron status in this population.

Nutritional status, food insecurity, and biodiversity among theKhasi inMeghalaya,North‐EastIndia

“…Given the poor intake of iron‐rich food groups among both women and children, it is not surprising there is extensive anaemia, but underlying causes include more than nutritional iron intake. They include infection such as Helicobacter pylori and parasitosis; various nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, copper, folate, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, riboflavin, thiamin, and niacin; and ingesting insufficient essential amino acids and fatty acids for erythropoiesis (Jamieson & Kuhnlein, ; Jamieson, Kuhnlein, Weiler, & Egeland, ).…”

Mother and child nutrition among the Chakhesang tribe in the state of Nagaland, North‐East India

“…Anaemia is a well‐known health occurrence in developing countries and has a multifaceted aetiology wherever it occurs that is indicative of multi‐micronutrient deficiency (Jamieson & Kuhnlein, ; Jamieson, Kuhnlein, Weiler, & Egeland, ). Prevalence of anaemia among children below 5 years of age at the Indian national level was 51% (Stevens et al, ), much higher than in this study (26.3%).…”

Prevalence of unexplained anaemia in Inuit men and Inuit post-menopausal women in Northern Labrador: International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey

“…It is interesting that % RBC EPA, but not % DHA, was associated with lower Hb and increased risk of UA, despite positive associations between long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) and SF. 2,3 There is biological plausibility for this effect, including increased RBC oxidative stress, accelerated RBC turnover, and increased RBC vitamin E requirement with a highly unsaturated fish oil-rich diet. 23 Although not measured in the current study, vitamin E intakes were previously a concern for adequacy among Inuit adults.…”

“…Among premenopausal women, iron depletion (ID) was associated with most cases of anaemia, although this is likely an overestimate of IDA based on a one-parameter model for classifying ID. 3 Nonetheless, ID among premenopausal women with and without accompanying anaemia was pervasive. For women with UA, 17% of cases also had an elevated hs-CRP.…”