Baseline diet quality indicators and 6-month changes in iron and vitamin A biomarkers among rural Ghanaian adolescent schoolgirls: A secondary analysis of the Ten2Twenty-Ghana trial.
Am J Clin NutrAug 18, 2026 (epub)
Priscilla Ifeoma Offoh, Fusta Azupogo, Inge D Brouwer et al.
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In 30 seconds
This secondary analysis of the Ten2Twenty-Ghana randomized controlled trial examined the relationship between baseline diet quality and changes in iron and vitamin A biomarkers among 300 rural Ghanaian adolescent girls aged 10 to 17. Higher intake of whole or minimally processed foods was positively associated with soluble transferrin receptor concentrations (β: 3.0%; 95% CI: 1.0%, 6.2%).
Key findings
- At baseline, 38% of participants had anemia, including 6.2% with iron-deficiency anemia.
- Higher intake of whole or minimally processed foods was associated with increased soluble transferrin receptor concentrations.
- Ultraprocessed food intake was negatively associated with soluble transferrin receptor concentrations (β: -3.9%; 95% CI: -5.8%, -1.0%).
- No significant associations were found with hemoglobin levels or vitamin A biomarkers.
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between diet quality and micronutrient status in adolescents is crucial for developing effective nutritional interventions, particularly in resource-limited settings where deficiencies are prevalent.