Effects of Indigenous Diet Iron Content and Location on Hemoglobin Levels of Ghanaians

Callister, April; Gautney, Joanna; Aguilar, C.V.; Chan, Julian; Aguilar, David

doi:10.3390/nu12092710

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 22 publications

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“…A study conducted in Ghana showed that animal foods per calorie have a higher influence on hemoglobin levels [21]. However, a typical Ghanaian diet is chiefly carbohydrate with little animal protein.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Anemia and Undernutrition of Adolescent Females in Selected Schools in Ghana

Tandoh

Appiah

Edusei

2021

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

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Anemia among adolescent females is a major worldwide public health problem which should be given appropriate attention. Half of all anemic cases are caused by iron deficiency. In addition to anemia, poor nutrition is also a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the prevalence of anemia and undernutrition among adolescent females in school. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 adolescent females in four basic schools in the Ahafo region of Ghana. The hemoglobin level and anthropometry measures of participants were taken to determine their anemic and nutritional status. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent females in school was 50.3%. Out of the 151 participants, 6.6%, 19.9%, and 23.8% were severely anemic, moderately anemic, or mildly anemic, respectively. Only 2% of the participants were underweight, but the rate of stunting was 26.5%. The notable high prevalence of anemia that was found among adolescent females was correlated with other health and wellness concerns. Anemia and under nutrition negatively affect academic performance, productivity, and general wellbeing of adolescents; therefore, effective measures should be put in place to correct and eradicate these nutritional problems.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Anemia and Undernutrition of Adolescent Females in Selected Schools in Ghana

Tandoh

Appiah

Edusei

2021

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

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Iron deficiency anemia and its association with cognitive function among adolescents in the Ashanti Region - Ghana

Yeboah,

Bioh,

Amoani

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a global health concern, and has been associated with cognitive decline. However, very few studies have explored the association between IDA and cognitive function among Ghanaians. We assessed the association between IDA and cognitive function among adolescents in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 250 adolescents from Kumasi, Ghana. Sociodemographic and dietary data were obtained using a well-structured questionnaire. Blood samples were drawn for estimation of ferritin and complete blood count. The Test of Non-verbal Intelligence (TONI-4) was used to assess cognitive function. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of cognitive function. Results The prevalence of IDA was 30.4%, which was higher among adolescents with poor cognitive performance test scores (CPTS) (71%). Being female [aOR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.10–0.99), p = 0.0480)], father having junior high education [aOR = 0.08, 95% CI (0.02–0.45), p = 0.0040)], being in a category B school [aOR = 0.26, 95% CI (0.09–0.81), p = 0.0200)] and C [aOR = 0.08, 95% CI (0.02–0.40), p = 0.0020)] and non-fruit consumption [aOR = 0.18, 95% CI (0.06–0.52), p = 0.0010)], were significantly associated with lower likelihood of having very good cognitive function. Moreover, ferritin (r = 0.451, p < 0.001) and hemoglobin (r = 0.402, p < 0.001) demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with CPTS. Conclusion The prevalence of IDA is high in our study population and was linked with poor cognitive function. Adolescents with IDA had low cognitive performance test scores. High levels of hemoglobin and ferritin showed a moderate correlation with higher cognitive performance. These findings suggest that adolescents’ cognitive function may be moderately influenced by IDA, highlighting the potential impact of iron status on cognitive outcomes.

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Contribution of natural food environments to nutritional intake and biomarker status: insights from the women of indigenous santhal communities of Jharkhand, India

et al. 2023

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Background Many indigenous communities reside in biodiverse environments replete with natural food sources but show poor access and utilization. Methods To understand the links between indigenous food access, dietary intakes, and biomarkers, we conducted a cross-sectional study among women of the Santhal Community (n = 211) from 17 villages in the Godda district of Jharkhand, India. Survey methods included household surveys, dietary intake assessment (24 HDR) and micronutrient and inflammatory biomarkers' estimation. Results The diversity in access to foods from different natural sources expressed as Food access diversity index was low. This led to poor consumption and thus a low Minimum Dietary Diversity. The mean nutrient intake was less than the estimated average requirement for all nutrients. Women with higher dietary diversity scores had higher nutrient intakes. Thiamine and calcium intakes were significantly higher in women consuming indigenous foods than non-consumers. One-fourth of the women had elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers. The prevalence of iron deficiency was approximately 70%. Vitamin A insufficiency (measured as retinol-binding protein) was observed in around 33.6% women, while 28.4% were deficient. Household access to natural food sources was associated with specific biomarkers. The access to kitchen garden (baari) was positively associated with retinol-binding protein levels and negatively with inflammatory biomarkers, while access to ponds was positively associated with ferritin levels. Conclusion The findings highlight the role of access to diverse natural foods resources, including indigenous foods, for improving nutrition security in indigenous communities. Nutrition and health programs promoting indigenous food sources should include the assessment of biomarkers for effective monitoring and surveillance.

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Effects of Indigenous Diet Iron Content and Location on Hemoglobin Levels of Ghanaians

Cited by 3 publications

References 22 publications

Prevalence of Anemia and Undernutrition of Adolescent Females in Selected Schools in Ghana

Prevalence of Anemia and Undernutrition of Adolescent Females in Selected Schools in Ghana

Iron deficiency anemia and its association with cognitive function among adolescents in the Ashanti Region - Ghana

Contribution of natural food environments to nutritional intake and biomarker status: insights from the women of indigenous santhal communities of Jharkhand, India

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