Multiple studies have demonstrated strong links between diet and anemia, but few have explored the impact of food groups on hemoglobin (Hb). We analyzed the correlation between Ghanaian diet and Hb levels to explore reduction of anemia prevalence through dietary interventions. Demographics, food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), and blood samples were obtained from 140 volunteers (ages 18–65) in five locations across Ghana. Hb was measured; estimated iron consumption was calculated. FFQ items were grouped by food type, and a regression analysis was performed to determine the most important dietary predictors of Hb. Moreover, 47% of total participants were anemic; 64% of females and 28% of males. Hb levels were highest in Mole (13.9 g/dL, SD = ±1.9), independent of sex distribution. The regression model revealed a 62.7% adjusted correlation between food groups and Hb levels. Animal foods (β = 0.016, t = 5.08, p < 0.01) and plant protein (β = 0.013, t = 2.86, p < 0.01) were the most influential groups to Hb levels. It is of vital importance to emphasize the benefits of consuming animal foods and plant proteins within the Ghanaian population. The ease of access to plant proteins makes it likely that this food group will be most influential and have the greatest impact in reduction of anemia in the Ghanaian population.

Objectives Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. Multiple studies have demonstrated strong links between diet and anemia, but few have explored the impact of specific food groups on hemoglobin (Hb) levels. We analyzed the correlation between Ghanian diet and Hb to explore reduction of anemia prevalence through dietary interventions that align with current local consumption practices. Methods Demographics, food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), and blood samples were obtained from 140 volunteers (ages 18–65) in five locations across Ghana. Hb was measured and estimated iron consumption was calculated. Anemia prevalence was estimated based on the World Health Organization guidelines. FFQ items were grouped by food type, and a regression equation was formed for Hb based on the estimated amount of calories consumed from each food group. Results 47% of total participants were anemic based on Hb levels; 64% of women and 28% of men. This aligned with previous studies which estimate anemia prevalence in Ghana to be around 40%. The area with the highest average Hb was Mole (13.9 g/dL, SD = ±1.9),  with the lowest mean in Larabanga (11.9 g/dL ± 1.9). Post-hoc analysis revealed that location was significant with a p-value of 0.01. The regression model revealed a 62.7% adjusted correlation between food groups and Hb levels. Animal foods (β = 0.016, t = 5.08, p &lt; 0.01) and plant protein (β = 0.013, t = 2.86, p &lt; 0.01) were the most influential food groups on Hb levels. Conclusions It is of vital importance to emphasize the benefits of consuming animal foods and plant proteins within the Ghanian population. The ease of access to plant proteins, and prevalence within the current diet, makes it likely that this food group will be most influential and have the greatest impact in reduction of anemia in the Ghanaian population if consumption is increased. Funding Sources Weber State University Research, Scholarship, and Professional Growth Committee.

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Objectives Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is an accumulation of health factors that increase an individual's chance of chronic diseases and disabling conditions, such as type II diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Multiple studies have shown a positive association between sugar consumption and aggravation of parameters related to MetS. We analyzed the effects of meeting the acceptable macronutrient range (AMDR) for sugar consumption on MetS parameters among college students. We hypothesized that meeting this recommendation would be associated with positive outcomes for MetS parameters. Methods Plasma lipids, glucose, and waist circumference (WC) were measured in 167 Weber State Students (ages 18–65). A two-day diet record was collected and analyzed using diet and wellness plus. Participants were separated into two groups, based on whether or not they met the AMDR of consuming less than 25% of total calories from sugar. Mean comparisons between low sugar (LS) and high sugar (HS) consumers were performed using independent samples t-test. Results 63% of participants met the sugar AMDR recommendation. LS group participants presented lower WC (75.8 ± 10.5 vs. 75.5 ± 11.5 cm, P = 0.03) and plasma triglycerides (TG) (76.0 ± 47.6 vs. 121.6 ± 99.9 mg/dL, P = 0.001) compared to their HS counterparts. In addition, we observed a positive trend in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (52.7 ± 16.9 vs 47.59 ± 17.14, P = 0.06) levels of the HS group, compared to the LS group. Conclusions We observed that the percentage of total calories consumed from sugar is an important modulator of circulating triglycerides and central adiposity. This is in accordance with previous studies, which show that excess fructose consumption exerts adipogenic effects, and can trigger de novo lipogenesis in the liver, resulting in increased triglyceride production and secretion. Funding Sources Weber State University Office of Undergraduate Research.