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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 < 0.01) and plant protein (β = 0.013, t = 2.86, p < 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.

Objectives We analyzed macronutrient distribution and its effects on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among Weber State students. We hypothesized that MetS parameters will be positively affected by meeting the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs) for carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Methods MetS data and two-day diet records were analyzed from 385 Weber State students (ages 18 to 65). Participants were separated by gender (Male: 128; Female: 257), and by macronutrient distribution. Groups indicated those who met all AMDRs for carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and those who did not. We also categorized participants as deficient (below 67% DRI) or sufficient in fiber intake (above/equal to 100% DRI). The mean differences on MetS parameters were evaluated by independent samples t-test. Results Females who met all the AMDR's, had significantly lower body weight (BW) (μ1 = 64.8 vs μ2 = 69.9 Kg; P = 0.042), waist circumference (WC) (μ1 = 77 vs μ2 = 81.2 cm; P = 0.028), HDL-C (μ1 = 51.2 vs μ2 = 56.3 mg/dL; P = 0.032), and blood glucose levels (μ1 = 87.4 vs μ2 = 90.2 mg/dL; P = 0.029) than those who failed to meet these recommendations. Participants consuming adequate fiber had lower BW (μ1 = 75.3 vs μ2 = 67.3 Kg; P = 0.005), lower WC (μ1 = 83.3 vs μ2 = 77.8 cm; P = 0.009), and higher HDL-C (μ1 = 48.5 vs μ2 = 55.4 mg/dL; P = 0.021) (P < 0.05) when compared with their deficient counterparts. Conclusions Meeting AMDRs showed no effect on MetS factors among males. In females, meeting AMDRs had positive effects on most MetS parameters with exception of HDL-C. Although HDL-C was decreased, total cholesterol was also reduced. Thus, leading to an unaffected HDL/Total-cholesterol-ratio, a more reliable predictor of cardiovascular disease. Adequate fiber intake beneficially affected central adiposity and HDL-C levels. Funding Sources Weber State University Office of Undergraduate Research.

Objectives USDA established MyPlate as a guide to establish healthier eating choices. We investigated the influence of USDA MyPlate food group consumption on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) parameters in Weber State students. We hypothesize that variation in the consumption amount and the percentage of daily calorie goals for each of the five food groups (grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and empty calories) will significantly modulate MetS in the study participants. Methods etS parameters were measured in 236 Weber State University student participants, ages 18–59 years. Two-day diet records for each participant were collected and analyzed using Diet and Wellness Plus. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was conducted to determine the influences of food groups on the MetS parameters. Results According to the MLR analysis conducted using MetS and food groups as predictors; we found that for an ounce increase in grain, SBP increased by 0.67239 mm/Hg (P = .001). DBP decreased by 0.87999 mm/Hg (P = .001448) per cup increase of dairy. Similarly, a one cup increase of fruit was associated with a Glucose increase of 0.96578 mg/dL (P = .029). For each percentage increase of empty calorie percentage, HDL-C increased by 0.018054 mg/dL (P = .001)and LDL-C increased by 0.014072 mg/dL (P = .005). Conclusions Specific food groups accounted for some of the variability of multiple parameters. Among the food groups studied; Grain consumption was the best predictor for systolic blood pressure. Dairy was the most influential for diastolic blood pressure. Glucose was influenced by fruit amount consumption. Empty calorie consumption was the most important predictor of HDL-C and LDL-C. Finally, details on specific food components within the food groups may help to enhance the models to predict these metabolic parameters. Funding Sources Weber State University, Office of Undergraduate Research.

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