In a cross-sectional study allotted by the ethical committee of the ETH Zurich, we are investigating the extent of anemia, iron deficiency and lead intoxication in young children. For this purpose an assessment of body lead burden and iron status was conducted in a cohort of individuals residing in areas of presumed high lead exposure. Associations between lead burden and iron status will be investigated in the near future (current status of the study). In a follow-on intervention study, the effect of iron fortification with and without NaEDTA on blood lead levels in lead-exposed children will be evaluated; and the relative impact of these two strategies on child growth, motor and cognitive test performance will be compared. This study will investigate the potential use of iron fortification to not only combat anemia but also reduce body lead burden in lead-exposed populations; it specifically investigates whether iron fortification with NaFeEDTA could have additional beneficial effects to iron alone.
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body lead burden
Timeframe: 8 months