Contribution of Amaranthus cruentus and Solanum macrocarpon Leaves Flour to Nutrient Intake and Effect on Nutritional Status of Rural School Children in Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background. Plant-based foods are staple diets and main micronutrient sources of most rural Ghanaian households. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Amaranthus cruentus and Solanum macrocarpon leafy vegetable flour on micronutrient intake and nutritional status of rural Ghanaian school children. Method. This study was a randomized controlled trial that consisted of baseline data collection and a three-month nutrition intervention feeding program. Two groups of 53 children, age 4–9 years, involved in the Ghana School Feeding Program took part in the study. An experimental group consumed Amaranthus cruentus and Solanum macrocarpon leaves flour (ACSMLVF) stews and soup. The control group consumed stews and soup without ACSMLVF. Haemoglobin and serum vitamin A concentrations were determined. Dietary and anthropometric data were collected and analysed. Participants were screened for malaria parasitaemia and hookworm. Results. Anaemia was present in 41.5% and 37.3%, respectively, of the intervention and control groups at baseline. It was present in 28.3% and 53.3%, respectively, at the end of the study. This was significantly different (p=0.024). There was a low vitamin A concentration in 66.0% and 64.7% at baseline and 20.8% and 23.4% at the end of the study in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean iron, zinc, and provitamin A (beta-carotene) intakes of the intervention group were 14.2 ± 7.1 mg, 5.7 ± 2.1 mg, and 214.5 ± 22.6 μg, respectively, at baseline. Those of the control were 13.7 ± 6.1 mg, 5.4 ± 2.1 mg, and 210.6 ± 20.1 μg, respectively. At the end of the study, the mean intake of iron, zinc, and beta-carotene for the intervention group was 24.1 ± 10.9 mg, 13.8 ± 8.2 mg, and 694.2 ± 33.1 μg, respectively. The intake of these micronutrients for the control at the end of the study was 14.8 ± 6.2 mg, 5.9 ± 2.3 mg, and 418.4 ± 34.7 μg, respectively. Conclusion. Consumption of ACSMLVF stews and soup increased iron, zinc, and beta-carotene intakes. Anaemia prevalence was lower in the intervention group at the end of the study.

Salinity differently affects antioxidant content and amino acid profile in two cultivars of Amaranthus cruentus differing in salinity tolerance

“…Although salt stress induces both an osmotic and an ionic constraint, it obviously increased Fe content in the leaves of A. cruentus. Because of this high Fe content, A. cruentus consumption may be recommended as a cheap strategy to reduce anemia in the population of rural areas 6,10,36,37 and our work suggests that moderate doses of NaCl even increase both leaf biomass and Fe content. Increase in the total Fe content is not a guarantee of food improvement since phytate may reduce Fe bioavailability for the human body.…”

Dietary diversity and preferences among pregnant women and its association with anaemia

“…The prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy is a significant public health concern in low-and middle-income nations (Victora et al, 2021). According to Egbi et al (2020), there has been a reduction in the occurrence of anaemia among pregnant women (aged 15-49 years) in Ghana over the past six years, with the prevalence decreasing from 59% to 56.3%. However, it is important to note that despite this decline, the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Ghana still remains at a high level.…”

“…, 2021). According to Egbi et al. (2020), there has been a reduction in the occurrence of anaemia among pregnant women (aged 15–49 years) in Ghana over the past six years, with the prevalence decreasing from 59% to 56.3%.…”

“…However, it is important to note that despite this decline, the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Ghana still remains at a high level. Inadequate dietary practises and suboptimal food selection among pregnant women, particularly in the context of Ghana, have been identified as significant contributors to the prevalence of anaemia (Egbi et al. , 2020).…”

Assessment of food hygiene and safety knowledge, attitude, and practices of fruit and vegetable vendors in the Ho central market, Ghana

“…Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals that help in promoting good health [ [1] , [2] , [3] ]. Local markets serve as the primary centers for the distribution of fruits and vegetables [ [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] ].…”