Prevalence and determinants of iron depletion and anemia among Canadian Inuit

Abstract

Accelerated loss of traditional lifestyles may place Inuit at risk of iron depletion, given that anemia has been frequently observed. Study objectives were to determine the prevalence of anemia, storage iron depletion and iron overload; and to identify correlates of iron status in Canadian Inuit adults. In a cross‐sectional survey of 2550 adults, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (on a subset), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured on fasting venous blood. Anthropometry, dietary, sociodemographic and health data were collected. Correlates of iron status were assessed with multivariate linear and logistics models. Low prevalence of inadequate iron intake was observed (<10 %). For men with CRP<10 mg/L (n=804) 6.5 % had depleted and 10.3 % had elevated iron stores. For women with CRP<10 mg/L (n=1260) 29.4 % had depleted iron stores. Anemia was present in 16.1 % of men and 21.7 % of women. Iron depletion explained 51 % of anemia cases in women but few cases in men (15 %). Odds ratios for iron depletion were 2.3 (1.2–4.6 95% CI) for food insecure men and 2.1 (1.0–4.1) for men without a household hunter. Among food insecure women, higher n3‐PUFA status was associated with reduced risk of iron depletion (OR=0.84; 0.72–0.98). Iron depletion is a concern for young Canadian Inuit women. Interventions should address food security and traditional food access. Funding: IPY, HC, CIHR, INA, GNHSS, ArcticNet.