Comparing dietary macronutrient composition and food sources between native and diasporic Ghanaian adults

Abstract

BackgroundDietary acculturation may contribute to the increased burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in diasporic populations of African ancestry.ObjectiveTo assess nutritional composition and the contribution that traditional foods make to the diets of native and UK-dwelling Ghanaian adults.DesignAn observational study of Ghanaian adults living in Accra (n=26) and London (n=57) was undertaken. Three-day food records were translated to nutrient data using culturally sensitive methods and comparisons were made for energy, macronutrients, and dietary fibre between cohorts. The contribution of traditional foods to dietary intake was measured and the foods contributing to each nutrient were identified.ResultsCompared to native Ghanaians, UK-Ghanaians derived a significantly higher proportion of energy from protein (16.9±3.9 vs. 14.1±2.8%, p=0.001), fat (29.9±7.9 vs. 24.4±8.5%, p=0.005), and saturated fat (8.5±3.4 vs. 5.8±3.7%, p<0.001) and a significantly lower energy from carbohydrate (52.2±7.7 vs. 61.5±9.3%, p<0.001). Dietary fibre intake was significantly higher in the UK-Ghanaian diet compared to the native Ghanaian diet (8.3±3.1 vs. 6.7±2.2 g/1,000 kcal, p=0.007). There was significantly less energy, macronutrients, and fibre derived from traditional foods post-migration. Non-traditional foods including breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, and processed meats made a greater contribution to nutrient intake post-migration.ConclusionsOur findings show the migrant Ghanaian diet is characterised by significantly higher intakes of fat, saturated fat, and protein and significantly lower intakes of carbohydrate; a macronutrient profile which may promote increased risk of NCDs amongst UK-Ghanaians. These differences in the nutrient profile are likely to be modulated by the consumption of ‘Western’ foods observed in migrant communities.

Large –scale wheat flour folic acid fortification program increases plasma folate levels among women of reproductive age in urban Tanzania

“…At baseline, the energy intake was comprised of protein (12%), fat (32%) and carbohydrate (56%). The mean intake values for fat and carbohydrates did not differ markedly from the fat and carbohydrate intakes observed in other African populations[ 40 ]. However, the vast majority of women in this study did not meet the recommended intakes for folic acid intake before fortification.…”

Validity of an FFQ to measure nutrient and food intakes in Tanzania

“…Such questionnaires, which were developed in the 1980s, have been widely used by researchers in the USA and Europe. However, as the validity of FFQ is sensitive to cultural and regional factors (20)(21)(22) , FFQ need to be validated before being extended for use outside the USA and Europe, such as in SSA where diets, availability of foods and dishes, portion sizes, numeracy, literacy and customs differ from those in the USA and Europe (23,24) . Within SSA, full-length FFQ intended to measure the entire diet have been validated for use in Mali, South Africa and Botswana (25)(26)(27)(28)(29) .…”

Meal skipping habits and nutritional status among Ghanaian students living in Korea

“…16 Similarly, another study, comparing the food intake of Ghanaians staying in Ghana with Ghanaians in the UK, showed that among the native Ghanaians, fish (23%) and soup and stews (23%), were the major protein sources. 17 This indicates that there is possibly a shift in the source of protein consumed by Ghanaian students, after coming to Korea. A change in dietary pattern was similarly observed by Pan et al, which found an increase in consumption of dairy products among Asian immigrants after moving to the USA.…”