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Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the current macro- and micronutrient intake of children (both boys and girls) in two selected communities in the Breede Valley, Worcester.Design: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study.Setting: The study focused on two disadvantaged communities in Worcester (Avian Park and Zweletemba) in the Breede Valley, Western Cape province.Subjects: The study subjects were 248 children (Avian Park, n= 117; Zweletemba, n= 131) aged 12–36 months.Method: The macro-and micronutrient intake of the children was determined using a validated, interviewer-administered quantitative food frequency questionaire, and compared against the estimated average requirement (EAR) and adequate intake (AI) of nutrients. The nutrient adequacy ratio was calculated, as well as percentage deviation from the EAR and AI.Results: More than 20% of the children had a calcium and folate intake that deviated by more than 50% below the EAR in both communities and for both genders. More participants in Zweletemba had an intake that deviated by more than 50% above the EAR and AI, compared to Avian Park, for carbohydrate, thiamine, niacin and iron.Conclusion: With the exception of folate, calcium and selenium, the average reported nutrient intake of the children (boys and girls) in both the communities was adequate.

The following case study was discussed during the fourth-year dietetics evaluation process at North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. It is a reflection of the opinion of the dietitians, students and lecturers involved, describes the actions taken during the nutritional management of the case, and is based on current literature and guidelines relevant to the topic.

Background: The objective was to develop a standardised education manual for healthcare professionals in South Africa on the nutritional management of diabetes mellitus.Method: The manual was developed using seven steps: needs assessment and problem definition, a literature search, the first draft of the manual, peer review, the second draft of the manual, expert panel evaluation and the final manual.Results: Following the literature search, the first draft of the manual was developed and sent for peer review and language editing. Recommended changes were made and the second draft was developed and sent to 77 dietitians, of whom the majority were satisfied with the content, which led to the final manual.Conclusion: A diabetes mellitus nutritional management manual for healthcare professionals in South Africa was developed using a systematic approach using peer review and expert panels. The next step will be to evaluate its impact on the knowledge of healthcare professionals.

AbstractAll infant formulas must support the normal growth and development of infants, and this needs to be scientifically demonstrated. Formulas have to contain sufficient amounts of basic nutrients, and so are nutritionally interchangeable, with no evidence indicating that one brand is superior to another.1,2

AbstractObjectives:The objective was to understand the local food distribution system in Avian Park, with a focus on food availability and accessibility.Study design:This was a quantitative food store survey that employed semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.Setting:The study was conducted in Avian Park, situated in the Breede Valley, in the Western Cape province.Subjects:Thirteen spaza shops, three chain supermarkets, three street vendors, two butchers, two wholesalers, a community café and a small, independent supermarket randomly selected from the community were included. Food retail outlet managers and community residents were also included.Outcome measures:The outcome measures were food prices, availability, and access and quality.Results:The café stocked 56% of the surveyed food items, spaza shops 66% and the supermarket 69%. Spaza shops stocked sweetened products, basic staples and processed food. A variety of vegetables was available at the café and supermarket, with less variety in the spaza shops. Processed and staple food was most expensive in the spaza shops, while fruit and vegetables were generally cheaper. Food prices were below the national average in all of the food categories, except for bread, cereals, grains, sweets and sugar. Interviews with shop owners indicated that fruit and vegetables were not kept because of spoilage, space limitations, storage issues and lack of transport. Focus group discussions with residents indicated a need for fruit, vegetables and meat outlets within walking distance.Conclusion:Community food prices were not the main factor inhibiting food accessibility, but rather variety and quality.

AbstractThickened infant formula is widely used as a first-line treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in infants. The use thereof remains controversial, and conflicting evidence exists with regards to its efficiency. The safety of anti-reflux formula has been proven, with only a few adverse effects reported, making it safe for infants with mild symptoms of reflux.

AbstractAll infant formulas must support the normal growth and development of infants, and this needs to be scientifically demonstrated. Formulas have to contain sufficient amounts of basic nutrients, and so are nutritionally interchangeable, with no evidence indicating that one brand is superior to another.1,2

AbstractThe development of effective methods to prevent acute gastroenteritis is an important goal for infant health. Exclusive breastfeeding and postponement of complementary foods until the age of six months is recommended for healthy infants. However, at times, infant formula is required. Various types are commercially available. Acidified cow's milk formula has been found to prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria and concurring diarrhoeal disease.

AbstractThere are recommendations to guide parents to help their infants make the transition from milk to weaning foods, but they differ in their focus in developed or developing countries and on the physiological and behavioural reasons that underlie the introduction of weaning foods. According to recommendations, ideally, term infants should begin weaning at six months, while breastfeeding should continue for two years. The recommendations on nutrients in complementary foods are based on the nutrient gap between the composition and volume of breast milk after approximately six months of exclusive breastfeeding and the physiology of infant nutritional requirements.

AbstractDiets that exclude dairy may decrease gastrointestinal symptoms in symptomatic individuals who have lactose malabsorption or lactose intolerance. However, most lactose-intolerant adults can consume some lactose without experiencing major symptoms, thereby reducing the need for strict elimination of dairy products from the diet.

AbstractGastrointestinal flora influences health, but the composition of flora can be changed with prebiotics or probiotics. The addition of probiotics to powdered infant formula has not been demonstrated to be harmful to healthy term infants. However, evidence of clinical efficacy regarding their addition is insufficient to recommend the routine use of such formula. The administration of probiotic (single or in combination) supplementation in infant or follow-on formula, and given beyond early infancy, may be associated with some clinical benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of nonspecific gastrointestinal infections, a reduced risk of antibiotic use and a lower frequency of colic and irritability. Confirmatory well-designed clinical research studies are necessary.

AbstractExclusive breastfeeding and postponement of complementary foods to four to six months of age are recommended for the prevention of food allergies. However, many infants receive formula milk for a number of reasons. Various types of formula are indicated to prevent or treat allergy and food intolerance.