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February 19, 2026Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture0 citations

Addressing vitamin A deficiency in Ghana using orange‐fleshed sweet potato as a food fortifier in composite flour development: a review

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SYSamuel YoungeRARobert Sarpong Amoah

Key Points

  • The review aims to explore the role of orange-fleshed sweet potato in alleviating vitamin A deficiency in Ghana.
  • Examined the nutritional value of orange-fleshed sweet potato and its biofortification properties.
  • Reviewed existing literature on food systems and micronutrient deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Analyzed the integration of orange-fleshed sweet potato into composite flour formulations.
  • Orange-fleshed sweet potato is rich in β-carotene, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
  • Incorporating orange-fleshed sweet potato into flours improves nutritional quality and consumer acceptability.
  • Challenges include limited processing methods and low consumer awareness affecting OFSP adoption.

Abstract

Abstract Transforming food systems is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3, particularly in reducing hunger and micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A deficiency in sub‐Saharan Africa. This requires prioritising the specific food micronutrients and establishing approaches to ensure their efficient delivery to the consuming public. This review examines the potential of nutrient‐dense indigenous crops, with emphasis on orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), as sustainable food‐based strategies for addressing vitamin A deficiency in Ghana and sub‐Saharan Africa at large. Evidence shows that, as a biofortified crop, OFSP is rich in β‐carotene, essential vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and antioxidant bioactive compounds. The review establishes that incorporating OFSP into composite flour formulations significantly improves the nutritional quality, functional properties, and consumer acceptability of staple foods, thereby enhancing dietary vitamin A intake. Despite these benefits, the use of OFSP in commonly consumed Ghanaian foods remains limited due to processing challenges, low consumer awareness, and weak integration into formal food value chains. The review concludes that promoting OFSP utilisation in composite flours represents a culturally acceptable and sustainable approach to reducing vitamin A malnutrition, strengthening food system resilience, and supporting nutrition‐sensitive agriculture in sub‐Saharan Africa. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

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Cite This Study

Younge et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6996a7e3ecb39a600b3edfaahttps://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.70520
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