Exploring Limiting Nutrients in the Diets of Urban-Dwelling Women, Children and Adolescents in Two Cities of Ghana

Objectives: Low- and middle-income countries are challenged by high rates of food and nutrition insecurity. Suboptimal production, distribution, availability, and affordability of nutritious foods, especially at the local level, disproportionately affect nutritionally vulnerable groups. We identified nutrient deficiencies among women, young children, and adolescents as part of the NutriShed project implemented in Ghana. Design: Using a survey design, dietary behavior was assessed by administering an interactive multi-pass 24-hour recall tool. Setting: This study was conducted in Asesewa and Takoradi, in GhanaParticipants: Survey participants were adult women (18 years and older), young children (2–5 years) and adolescents (12–18 years) living in the two communities. Main outcome measures: Data from 581 participants, comprising 187 women, 197 children, and 197 adolescents were analyzed. Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) were determined for each nutrient using data on the type and quantity of food consumed during the 24-hour period preceding the recall. The median EAR was compared to reference EAR for each nutrient. Limiting nutrients were identified based on age-sex specific cut-off reference EAR values.Results: Calcium, folic acid, and riboflavin were identified as key limiting micronutrients in the diets of women, children, and adolescents in both Asesewa and Takoradi. However, inadequacy for the three limiting nutrients was more prevalent in Asesewa than in Takoradi.Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies that address suboptimal diets in urban communities in Ghana. Particularly, strategies are needed to address nutrient inadequacy among women and adolescents, in Asesewa, who may be at greater risk.