(P21-04-26) Dietary Patterns, Nutrient Intake, and Hematological Indicators Among Farming Households in Ghana

Objectives: Dietary factors influence hematopoiesis, yet pattern-based evidence in rural farming populations is limited. We examined relationships between dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and hematological indicators among adults in farming households in Ghana to identify priority nutrient targets for improving blood health.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 125 adults, habitual intake was assessed using a 12-month food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. A 24-hour recall estimated nutrient intake. Venous blood was analyzed for hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets, and red blood cell indices. Associations were tested using ANOVA, t-tests, and correlations (p < 0.05).

Results: Five dietary patterns explained 75.4% of intake variance, including a Mixed Staple and Protein Pattern and an Energy-Dense Pattern. Pattern scores were not significantly associated with hematological indicators. However, 79.2% of participants had low MCHC. Platelet counts were associated with total fat (p=0.009), iron (p=0.047), and selenium (p=0.037). Hematocrit was associated with protein, fiber, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, and polyunsaturated fat (all p≤0.048). MCHC was associated with magnesium (p < 0.001), fiber (p=0.001), vitamin B6 (p=0.004), iron (p=0.049), folate (p=0.021), vitamins A and E, and dietary fats.

Conclusions: Overall dietary patterns were not linked to hematological indicators, but nutrient components were strongly related to blood health in rural adults. Interventions that improve intakes of iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, and other key minerals, alongside dietary fiber and healthy fats, may help address hematological abnormalities. Prospective studies are needed to clarify causality.

Funding Sources: N/A