Mary Amoako

Biochemistry and Biotechnology

About

Dr. Mary Adjepong is a lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. With a doctoral degree from Michigan State University, an MPhil in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from KNUST and a professional certification as a Registered Dietician from the Allied Health Professions Council, her research interests focus on improving health and nutrition outcomes among Ghanaians, through nutrition and lifestyle. She has conducted research on the causes of maternal mortality in Ghana and antioxidant nutrition among burns(thermally injured) patients. Her lab also studies various facets of chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, stunting, cognition deficits) and its intervention (prevention and treatment) in infants, children and adults.With her expertise in whole blood fatty acid and food analysis, she has conducted research studies on the role of fatty acids in growth and cognitive function in Ghanaian children. She is a founding member of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics where she serves as the committee member on the advocacy committee.

Research Summary

(inferred from publications by AI)

The researcher's work integrates a comprehensive exploration of nutrition and health, emphasizing its profound impact on mental health and body composition across diverse populations. Through systematic reviews and thematic analyses, they examine gender differences in diet-related behaviors, the effects of burn injury on recovery, the role of antioxidant nutrients in wound healing, the relationship between dietary factors and mental health in traumatic individuals (e.g., burn injuries and post-pandemic stress), and the nutritional foundations of body weight. The researcher also investigates the link between dietary patterns and cognitive development, particularly in rural areas, employing methods like peanut plant studies to quantify fatty acid and mineral compositions while examining their effects on growth, cognition, and health outcomes. Furthermore, they highlight interventions that improve metabolic health by integrating diet education into maternal practices, such as exclusive breastfeeding. This work underscores the intricate role of nutrition in both physical and emotional well-being, offering insights into how dietary choices influence mental health trajectories and overall health outcomes.

Research Themes

All Papers

Gender Differences in the Relationships between Perceived Stress, Eating Behaviors, Sleep, Dietary Risk, and Body Mass Index(2022)

Emotional Eating among Ghanaian University Students: Associations with Physical and Mental Health Measures(2023)

The role of antioxidant micronutrients in the rate of recovery of burn patients: a systematic review(2016)

The effect of dietary intake of antioxidant micronutrients on burn wound healing: a study in a tertiary health institution in a developing country(2015)

Limited negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health measures of Ghanaian university students(2022)

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviors of Higher Education Students in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study(2022)

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Intake, Dietary Behavior, Mental Health, and Academic Performance of a Ghanaian University Students(2023)

Evaluation of fatty acid and mineral content of Tanzanian seeds and oils(2016)

Association of whole blood n-6 fatty acids with stunting in 2-to-6-year-old Northern Ghanaian children: A cross-sectional study(2018)

Whole blood n-3 fatty acids are associated with executive function in 2–6-year-old Northern Ghanaian children(2018)

Quantification of fatty acid and mineral levels of selected seeds, nuts, and oils in Northern Ghana(2018)

Improving the Cognitive Development of Children in Rural Areas as Development Tool(2021)

Whole Blood Saturated Fatty Acids Are Negatively Associated with Executive Function in 2 to 6‐Year‐Old Ghanaian Children(2017)

Fatty Acids and Desaturase Enzyme Estimates are Associated with Growth Stunting in 2‐to‐6 Year Old Northern Ghanaian Children: A Cross‐sectional Study(2017)

Quantification of fatty acid and mineral levels of selected seeds, nuts, and oils in Ghana(2017)

Quantification of fatty acid and mineral levels of selected seeds, nuts and oils in Ghana(2016)

Exclusive breastfeeding: an exploratory thematic analysis of the perspectives of breastfeeding mothers and significant others in the Tamale metropolis of Northern Ghana(2024)

Effect of a ginger-spiced millet-soya drink and breastfeeding education on prolactin levels and breast milk volumes in postpartum mothers in northern Ghana: a randomized controlled trial(2025)

Association of Whole Blood Fatty Acids and Growth in Southern Ghanaian Children 2–6 Years of Age(2018)

Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding are Associated With Cognition and Vision in Rural Ghanaian Infants(2025)

Reply to Kuo et al. Comment on “Du et al. Gender Differences in the Relationships between Perceived Stress, Eating Behaviors, Sleep, Dietary Risk, and Body Mass Index. Nutrients 2022, 14, 1045”(2022)

Biomarkers for Assessing Diet-Related Neurocognitive Deficits in Children—A Systematic Review(2024)

Diet Therapy Improves Body Composition, Blood Pressure and Glycemic Status in Individuals Living with Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study(2025)

Characterization of Fatty Acid and Mineral Composition of Selected Seeds, Nuts and Oils in Northern Ghana(2017)

Characterization of Fatty Acid and Mineral Composition of Selected Seeds, Nuts and Oils in Tanzania(2016)

Relationship Between Food Security, Dietary Intake, Physical Activity Levels and Glycaemic Status of Adults in A Peri-Urban Community in Ghana(2024)

Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Anemia in Kumasi Ghana(2025)

Maternal Dietary Patterns, Food Security and Multivitamin Use as Determinants of Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts Risk in Ghana: A Case–Control Study(2025)

Collaboration Network

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Research Collaboration Map

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About This Profile

This profile is generated from publicly available publication metadata and is intended for research discovery purposes. Themes, summaries, and trajectories are inferred computationally and may not capture the full scope of the lecturer's work. For authoritative information, please refer to the official KNUST profile.