Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Cindy Fitch

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between BLL and dietary intake in rural WV infants. Forty-seven infants, (6-24 months) were recruited. The mean BLL was 2.9 ± 1.6 mcg/dL. The relationship between blood lead levels and dietary intake was analyzed using stepwise regression procedure. BLL were positively associated with protein intake (p= 0.003) and negatively associated with vitamin E and phosphorus (p = 0.009 and 0.006 respectively). No other significant association was found. Results from T-test did not demonstrate any significant difference in mean BLL between subjects with iron deficiency compared with those with normal iron status. It is important to consider that the source of lead may have been the prenatal environment and not their current environment. The associations between blood lead levels and protein, vitamin E and phosphorus intake, indicate that these nutrients are also important in the prevention of lead poisoning in children.

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