Blood lead, anemia, and short stature are independently associated with cognitive performance in Mexican school children

Katarzyna Kordas, Patricia Lopez, Jorge L Rosado, Gonzalo García Vargas, Javier Alatorre Rico, Dolores Ronquillo, Mariano E Cebrián, Rebecca J Stoltzfus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

74 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Lead exposure and nutritional factors are both associated with cognitive performance. Lead toxicity and nutritional status are also associated with each other. We examined whether nutritional status variables account for part or all of the association between cognitive performance and lead exposure. First-grade children (n = 724) ages 6-8 y, attending Mexican public schools located in the vicinity of a metal foundry were asked to participate and 602 enrolled in the study. Blood lead, iron status, anemia, anthropometry, and cognitive function were assessed. Results from 7 standardized tests are presented here. The mean blood lead concentration was 11.5 +/- 6.1 micro g/dL (0.56 +/- 0.30 micro mol/L) and 50% of the children had concentrations >10 micro g/dL (0.48 micro mol/L). The prevalence of mild anemia (
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)363-71
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Nutrition
Volume134
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2004

Keywords

  • Anemia
  • Body Height
  • Child
  • Cognition
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence Tests
  • Lead
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Nutritional Status
  • Social Class

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Blood lead, anemia, and short stature are independently associated with cognitive performance in Mexican school children'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this