Food Insecurity and Micronutrient Status among Ghanaian Women Planning to Become Pregnant
Date
2020-02-13
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
nutrients
Abstract
We examined the association between food insecurity (FIS) and micronutrient status
among Ghanaian women planning to become pregnant. A cross-sectional analysis was completed of
95 women aged 18–35 years, living in the Upper Manya Krobo District in the Eastern Region
of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic and food security
data; weight and height were measured. Blood was drawn from an antecubital vein; one drop
was used to assess hemoglobin via Hemocue. Zinc and copper were analyzed using flame
atomic spectrophotometry while iron biomarkers, retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were analyzed
using ELISA, ultra-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass
spectrometry, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship
between food insecurity (FIS) and micronutrient deficiencies. FIS was reported among 23% of the
households, while micronutrient deficiencies ranged from 7–28% irrespective of FIS status. Retinol
concentrations were negatively associated with FIS (p = 0.043) after controlling for covariates, although
levels were within the normal range in both groups. No statistically significant associations between
FIS and micronutrient deficiencies were found. Among those with FIS, 59% were deficient in at
least one nutrient with 18% deficient in two nutrients. Unmarried women were at higher risk of
FIS (p = 0.017) than married women. FIS was associated with retinol concentrations but not other
micronutrient biomarkers in Ghanaian women expecting to become pregnant in the next 6 months
Description
Research Article
Keywords
micronutrients, food insecurity, women of reproductive age, anemia, iron, retinol, zinc, copper