Search

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems doing tasks that usually need human intelligence. AI is constantly changing and is revolutionizing the healthcare field, including nutrition. This review’s purpose is four-fold: (i) to investigate AI’s role in nutrition research; (ii) to identify areas in nutrition using AI; (iii) to understand AI’s future potential impact; (iv) to investigate possible concerns about AI’s use in nutrition research. Eight databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Agricola, Scopus, IEEE Explore, Google Scholar and Cochrane. A total of 1737 articles were retrieved, of which 22 were included in the review. Article screening phases included duplicates elimination, title-abstract selection, full-text review, and quality assessment. The key findings indicated AI’s role in nutrition is at a developmental stage, focusing mainly on dietary assessment and less on malnutrition prediction, lifestyle interventions, and diet-related diseases comprehension. Clinical research is needed to determine AI’s intervention efficacy. The ethics of AI use, a main concern, remains unresolved and needs to be considered for collateral damage prevention to certain populations. The studies’ heterogeneity in this review limited the focus on specific nutritional areas. Future research should prioritize specialized reviews in nutrition and dieting for a deeper understanding of AI’s potential in human nutrition.

Abstract Objective: Multisectoral nutrition governance (MNG) is a vital enabling determinant of improved nutrition outcomes. Despite this, it remains to be a complex phenomenon that lacks adequate understanding, especially in developing countries like Kenya. This narrative review aims to discuss the evolution of MNG, the current state of MNG, barriers and challenges, and based on these identify entry points for improvement within the complex governance structure in Kenya. Design: The Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to ensure rigorous and transparent identification of literature and interpretation. Setting: Kenya and developing countries with similar contexts. Participants: The review included forty-five documents (peer-reviewed articles and grey literature) that reported on MNG in developing countries. Results: We acknowledge that MNG is a complex and evolving determinant of better nutrition outcomes. The paper highlights challenges Kenya and other developing countries face such as inadequate leadership, inadequate coordination, insufficient capacity, inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems, and limited financial resources, among others. For Kenya in particular, there is inadequate understanding of what MNG is and how it can be effectively operationalised and tracked. Conclusions: To enhance understanding of MNG in Kenya, a country-specific assessment of MNG processes and impact outcomes using standard tools and defined metrics is vital. Such assessment will generate evidence of progress, successes, and challenges that will compel the government and stakeholders to invest more in multisectoral nutrition approaches to achieve its nutrition goals.

Background: The existence of multiple forms of malnutrition is a growing problem in developing countries. Children living in the Eastern Cape have a relatively high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and food insecurity, suggesting the possibility of the several coexisting forms of malnutrition. Due to the negative long-term consequences of undernutrition, overnutrition and, to a greater extent, a combination of both, it is important for this issue to be identified early in children and addressed. Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of the different forms of malnutrition in children living in the Eastern Cape province. Methods: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional sample of 237 school-aged children, aged 6–18 years, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was conducted. The variables included in the analysis were the demographic data, anthropometric data and biochemical data, specifically blood profiles related to micronutrient deficiencies and CVD risk factors. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the prevalence rates of several coexisting forms of malnutrition in the children. All data analysis was conducted in R version 4.0.3 and statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: In children with overweight/obesity, 13.6% had a micronutrient deficiency, while 37.71% of the children within the normal weight range had coexisting micronutrient deficiencies and CVD risk factors. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 73.0%, iron deficiency 6.3%, and hyperglycaemia was at 10.6%. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the prevalence rates between genders and no statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand the relatively high prevalence of CVD risk factors in these children within the normal weight range and to investigate how dietary intake contributes to the overall double burden of malnutrition in children.

Objective: A study was undertaken to explore the differences in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices and their correlations among adults in both urban and rural communities in the Free State province of South Africa. Design: This study forms part of the cross-sectional Assuring Health for All in the Free-State (AHA-FS) study. Setting: The AHA-FS study is conducted in urban and rural parts of the Free State province of South Africa. The rural and urban stages of the study were conducted in 2007 and 2009, respectively. Subjects: The sample included 846 adult household members, aged between 25 and 65 years, from both rural and urban areas of the Free State province. Outcome measures: Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices were measured. Results: The sample included predominantly females (78.2%). Rural adults had significantly better nutrition knowledge (p

The programme aimed to improve selected cardiometabolic risk (CMR) variables using a nutritional intervention among farmers who reported hypertensive disorders as hindrances during agricultural activities. The intervention had two case controls (n = 103) [experimental group-EG (n = 53) and control group-CG (n = 50)] which were tracked and whose blood pressure measurements, dietary intake, blood indices for cholesterol concentration and glucose levels from pre- and post-intervention surveys after the baseline survey (n = 112) were analysed. The interval for data collection was 12 weeks (±120 days) after five legume varieties were consumed between 3 and 5 times a day, and servings were not p p = 0.003) and cholesterol (p = 0.001) as opposed to the CG. A trend analysis revealed that cholesterol (p = 0.033) and systolic blood pressure (SBP); (p = 0.013) were statistically significant when comparing genders for all study phases. Interventions focusing on legumes can improve hypertension and cardiovascular disease and fast-track the achievement of SGDs 3 and 12 through community-based programmes.

This study aimed to evaluate the associations of dietary changes with risk factors of type 2 diabetes among older populations in Sharpeville, South Africa. A 24 h recall assessment, dietary diversity, and anthropometrics were measured. Blood samples were collected to assess fasting glucose and insulin. Regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. The mean BMI of the total of 103 participants was 30.63 kg/m2 at baseline and 29.66 kg/m2 at follow-up. Significantly higher BMI levels were reported in women than men both at baseline (p = 0.003) and follow-up (p = 0.009). Waist circumference significantly decreased from 96.20 cm to 93.16 cm (p = 0.046). The mean levels of HOMA-B significantly increased from 88.99 to 111.19 (p = 0.021). BMI was positively associated with intakes of total energy (p = 0.22), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.050), and cholesterol (p = 0.006). Waist circumference was strongly associated with total energy (p = 0.048), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.037), trans fatty acids (p = 0.039), and cholesterol (p = 0.000). HOMA-IR and HOMA-B were associated with intakes of fat (HOMA-IR: p = 0.013; HOMA-B: p = 0.040) and monounsaturated fatty acids (HOMA-IR: p = 0.003; HOMA-B: p = 0.040).

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of weight control attempts along with their strategies and motivations. This study used a retrospective observational qualitative method, and adults who had body mass index (BMI) of at least 25 kg/m2 were included. The qualitative data were analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. The summaries and emergence of major concepts identified by the participants were analyzed in-depth using a systematized retrieval and review of the data. NVivo was used to establish interrater reliability and percent agreement and analyze and manage the data. 91.7% of participants had tried to lose weight, and 72% were successful at least in one of their attempts. Health, appearance, and sports training were salient motivating factors. Their attempts to lose weight ranged from 2 to 30 times (median 4 times). Different dietary strategies and physical exercises were often tried. Among the most notable strategies were diet methods, following weight management programs, and consulting with dietitians. A number of barriers were reported, including ineffective weight loss, non-sustainability, demotivation, and unaffordability. For advancing evidence-based long-term weight control, it is vital to evaluate the quality and nature of weight management strategies and services from the perspective of users.

Background: Childhood obesity has become a growing global epidemic. In South Africa, overweight and obesity during childhood and adolescence are rising. The objectives of this study were (i) to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among selected students in Cofimvaba, a rural settlement in Eastern Cape province, South Africa, and (ii) to assess the accuracy of the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and ultrasound triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF) methods of predicting these health parameters Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 students (109 girls and 102 boys) selected randomly from five public schools in Cofimvaba and aged 6–19 years. The weight, height, MUAC and TSF were determined by standard techniques. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. P

Vitamin D status was determined in a sample of 79 elderly people and the results showed that 38% of the elderly had inadequate vitamin D status that was accompanied by various symptoms associated with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been used to discover genetic polymorphisms that affect cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been identified as a robust multivariate analysis tool. However, there is a paucity of research that has conducted SEM in African populations. The purpose of this study was to create a model that may be used to examine the relationships between genetic polymorphisms and their respective cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors. The procedure involved three steps. Firstly, the creation of latent variables and the hypothesis model. Next, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the relationships between the latent variables, SNPs, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, with their respective indicators. Then finally, model fitting using JASP statistical software v.0.16.4.0. The indicators for the SNPs and dyslipidemia all indicated significant factor loadings, −0.96 to 0.91 (p = p ≤ 0.001), respectively. The indicators for metabolic syndrome also had significant coefficients of 0.20 (p = 0.673), 0.36 (p = 0.645) and 0.15 (p = 0.576), but they were not statistically significant. There were no significant relationships observed between the SNPs, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. The SEM produced an acceptable model according to the fit indices.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a theory-based, multicomponent eHealth intervention aimed at improving child health behaviors and parental psychosocial attributes and feeding practices. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted among 73 parents with children (1–3 years). Intervention group participants (IG, n = 37) received theory-based educational videos, cooking tutorials, and text messages with key information for a total of 8 weeks. Control group participants (CG, n = 36) received a booklet about general nutrition recommendations for children. A parent-administered questionnaire was used for data collection at baseline and post-intervention. Linear models were performed using R version 4.1.1. for data analysis. Children in the IG significantly increased their daily intake of fruit (ΔΔ = 0.89 servings, p = 0.00057) and vegetables (ΔΔ = 0.60 servings, p = 0.0037) and decreased use of screen time (ΔΔ = −33.87 min, p = 0.026), compared to the CG. Parents in the IG improved significantly more than the CG in self-efficacy (p = 0.0068) and comprehensive feeding practices (p = 0.0069). There were no significant differences between the study groups for changes in child outcomes, such as physical activity and sedentary behaviors, and parental nutrition knowledge and attitudes.

Despite the severity of food insecurity in Afghanistan, little is known about the factors contributing to household food insecurity (HFI) under the Taliban regime. Therefore, this paper investigated the social determinants of severe HFI in rural areas of Afghanistan. We used the fifth-round survey of 6019 rural households from 25 provinces, collected between July and August 2022 by the Food and Agriculture Organization. We used binary logistic regression to examine the association between household characteristics and HFI. The majority of household heads were male (97.8%) with no education (62.8%). The findings showed that female-headed households had significantly higher odds of severe HFI. Household heads with any level of formal education had significantly reduced odds of severe HFI, while the odds of severe HFI was not different among those with religious/informal household-head education compared to those with no education. Likewise, engagement in any type of agricultural activity decreased the odds of severe HFI. Additionally, household income per member was negatively, while household size was positively associated with severe HFI. In summary, interventions to alleviate HFI among rural households should prioritize income-generating opportunities and skills targeting households with female heads, low levels of household-head education, larger size, no agricultural activities, and low income.

Context: Foodborne disease is one of the leading causes of early childhood death and childhood diarrhea worldwide. Providing food safety education is believed to be of necessity to prevent foodborne diseases among school-aged students; however, limited studies have addressed food safety education worldwide, particularly for elementary school students. Hence, we conducted this comprehensive review to examine the availability and impact of food safety education for elementary school students worldwide and identify areas that are still needed for future research. Evidence Acquisition: Our inclusion criteria comprised all the studies on elementary school students (aged 5-12) and food safety components that have been published in English between 2010 and 2020, without geographic restriction. In this review project, we utilized nine major data sources, including PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and CINAHL. Results: Food safety guidelines and educational resources have been established worldwide; however, limited food safety education has been targeted to elementary school students, particularly in developing countries. There is a lack of additional findings concerning food safety behaviors among elementary school students, and insufficient food safety training for teachers. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to provide effective food safety education to elementary school students, which specifically focuses on improving their behaviors. Furthermore, sufficient food safety training and professional development needs to be provided for school teachers.

Studies have shown that the elderly are at a higher risk of developing malnutrition due to physiological and pathological changes. Several studies have confirmed that older South Africans have insufficient dietary diversity, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, poor and uninformed dietary choices are associated with the development of several diseases and increased mortality. Following the Elderly Food Based Dietary Guidelines (EFBDGs) related to promoting elderly health could ensure that the elderly have an adequate intake of nutritious foods. This paper provides an overview of six FBDGs relating to promoting health and is based on the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines.

Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are not a new concept and are being used in many countries to promote healthy eating and the prevention of diet-related chronic diseases. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended FBDGs as an approach to prevent malnutrition and promote healthy dietary behaviours in populations, taking into consideration local conditions, traditional dietary practices and socioeconomic and cultural factors whilst at the same time using evidence-based scientific principles. South Africa (SA) currently has two sets of guidelines, namely the paediatric food-based dietary guidelines and the South African FBDGs for the population aged seven years and older. The recognition that elderly malnutrition remains a major public health concern in SA led to the formulation of a specific set of guidelines for this vulnerable population group based on existing nutrition-related health issues, local dietary habits and barriers to food intake experienced by those aged 60 and above. This introductory paper on the development of the elderly food-based dietary guidelines (EFBDGs) will be followed by six technical papers motivating why these guidelines are suited to address nutrition-related issues among the elderly in SA.

The goal of this paper is to support the ‘Be active!’ food-based dietary guideline (FBDG) for South Africans of seven years and older by means of a technical guideline regarding physical activity (PA) specifically for the elderly. Optimal nutrition and physical activity (PA) are essential to ensure healthy ageing. PA is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle; however; the rate of low PA in the elderly (59.7%) is high in South Africa (SA). Regular PA reduces the risks of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and cancers. Therefore, this review study aims to gather available information concerning PA and suitable methods to promote PA among the elderly in SA. Lack of environmental support for PA, trainers, PA-educated caregivers, poor knowledge about the recommended level of PA and its benefits, lack of motivation by healthcare providers, poor health and nutritional status, and lack of opportunity for social engagement prevent the elderly from participating in PA. Elderly individuals without any physical challenges should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic PA in a week, or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA or an equivalent combination of both types of aerobic PA. It is better to start PA slowly and increase the duration and frequency gradually. Even those who have some disease limitations should try to change their status from ‘inactive or no activity’ to ‘some level of activity’ to enjoy the health benefits of PA. More research and programmes focusing on promotion of PA need to be implemented in order to improve PA among the elderly in SA.

The use and misuse of alcohol has become a public health problem among the South African (SA) elderly population, among whom risky drinking is a common practice. Previous publications encouraging alcohol use have referred to two supposedly beneficial effects of alcohol, categorised as: (1) cardioprotective and haemostatic; and (2) promoting a positive balance in iron status. However, more recent evidence has weakened these assertions for all age groups as the disadvantages of alcohol use far outweigh these benefits. Some of these disadvantages can cause severe medical and physical harm to the elderly. Attempts to curb risky drinking among the SA elderly must be adopted through screening by clinicians during consultations, use of various screening and diagnostic tools available for addressing alcohol use and abuse, and exploiting the channels of alcohol exposure for appropriate interventions. Elderly populations are vulnerable to alcohol misuse irrespective of their consumption patterns or levels of use because of their ageing condition and the interaction of alcohol with medication. Therefore, there is a need to sensitise the SA elderly population on the risk posed by alcohol use, misuse or abuse, hence the FBDG ‘If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly’.

Dietary patterns among South African older adults indicate a moderate intake of total fat and salt, as well as a high sugar intake. Total fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt intakes are associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mortality. Processed and ultra-processed foods are common in elderly households and contain high levels of fat, sugar and salt and are associated with frailty. This paper aims to review the available scientific evidence on the effect on health status of dietary sugar, fat and salt consumption among the elderly. This information will be used to confirm the need for dietary sugar, fat and salt food-based dietary guidelines for the elderly South African population.

This review summarises information from available literature to support the dietary guideline ‘Drink Clean, Safe Water and/or Other Fluids Through-Out the Day Even if You Do Not Feel Thirsty’ set for the elderly of South Africa (SA). Water is essential for life and is necessary for important functions of the body like maintenance of tissue structure, blood volume regulation, temperature regulation and excretion of metabolites through kidneys. Though water is necessary for all, the elderly are especially at risk of dehydration due to altered hormonal activity and body functions that reduce their sensitivity to thirst (water intake) and urination (water excretion). Total body water is also reduced in the elderly, so they are unable to buffer the effects of water loss in the body. Therefore, water intake should be monitored properly in the elderly so that they can lead a happy and healthy life and reduce the economic burden due to hospitalisation caused by water imbalance or dehydration, which is common in the elderly. Two litres of water per day is generally considered adequate, but there is no consensus regarding the exact requirement for water as need varies due to climate and physical activity levels. The importance of water to maintain bodily functions and the risk of dehydration substantiate the need for a dietary guideline to address the importance of clean and safe water/fluid consumption regularly throughout the day among the elderly in SA.

As the population of elderly individuals in South Africa (SA) grows, there is a need to promote the continued health of these persons as they progress through the life cycle. Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) for the SA elderly were developed to address this need. These thirteen guidelines for the elderly collectively offer a basis of health practices that the elderly can follow to ensure that they are taking the right steps toward maintaining their health. While the guideline ‘Eat clean and safe food’ is not included in the current SA FBDGs, this recommendation is of particular importance to the elderly, who face a much higher risk of foodborne illness than most of the general population due to a number of factors. Reduced immunity and other physiological changes are a result of ageing, malnutrition, diseases and and/or medication side effects. All these factors play a role in the elderly’s risk of foodborne illness. Increased susceptibility to certain pathogens also causes higher rates of foodborne illness infection. Lastly, elderly people’s food safety knowledge and pre-established beliefs and practices regarding food handling and preparation can be influential in their sensitivity to foodborne disease. These risk factors, coupled with the heavy burden of foodborne illness and existing gaps in food safety policy, practices and education in SA, substantiate the need for a dietary guideline to address the importance of clean and safe food consumption among the elderly in SA.

Poor birth outcomes such as low birth weight, low birth length and short gestational age, are public health concern issues in South Africa (SA). This study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore how nutritional and social factors contribute to favorable fetal growth conditions (FFGC) in pregnant women living with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in the Free State Province of SA. Sociodemographic characteristics, stress, health and nutrition-related information, and birth outcomes data were collected and analyzed from a subsample of 305 women enrolled in a cohort study from 2018–2020. Descriptive statistics were analyzed in R version 4.1.2 and SEM was conducted in Lavaan version 0.6–5. Higher gestational body mass index (GBMI) and income levels were associated with higher FFGC (p < 0.05). Household incomes were positively associated with dietary micronutrient quality (p = 0.002), GBMI (p = 0.012) and food security (p = 0.001). Low incomes (p = 0.004) and food insecurity (p < 0.001) were associated with higher stress, while social support was positively associated with food security status (p = 0.008). These findings highlight the complex interconnections between the social and nutritional factors that are associated with fetal growth conditions. Multisectoral community-based programs may be a useful strategy to address these challenges.

Background: Amongst the cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors, hypertension (HT) and obesity appear to be prominent in post-menopausal women. The underlying mechanisms of HT development in menopause are not fully understood. Aim: To determine the association between HT, obesity and dietary intakes in post-menopausal women from rural Zambia. Setting: This study was conducted in Twatasha Compound of Kitwe and Ndeke Community of Ndola. Methods: Blood pressure (BP), weight, height and dietary intakes (24-h recall) were measured in 153 women ( 50 years) from households. The South African Hypertension Society (SAHS), the World Health Organization (WHO) and estimated average requirements (EARs) guidelines were followed for HT, obesity and dietary intake definitions, respectively. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results: Prevalence of HT was 70%, whilst 37.25% and 28.10% of the participants were overweight and obese, respectively. The median interquartile range (IQR) dietary intakes showed inadequate intakes for most nutrients, except for carbohydrates (170 g [133; 225]). The total fat intake represented 14% of total energy intake. All median fatty acid intakes and sodium intakes (409 mg [169; 662]) were below the recommended levels. Only body mass index (BMI) correlated with HT (r = 0.268; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Despite low dietary intakes, an alarming prevalence of HT and obesity was found in our population. Hormonal changes, a high energy-dense diet and poor treatment adherence, may be possible underlying factors. We recommend measures to better manage HT as a CVR factor. Contribution: This article supplements evidence on the prevalence of obesity-related hypertension in post-menopausal women and the link to dietary intake.

Objectives: The objective was to determine the long-term effect (18 months) of 40 g daily consumption of whole soy bean on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in apparently healthy women. Design: Single-system experimental design. Subjects and setting: Ninety women were randomly recruited from three communities in Qwa-Qwa, Free State province. Outcome measures: Dietary intake (24-h recall questionnaire), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, fasting venous blood samples for total serum cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TRGs) and glucose analyses. Results: The prevalence of MetS was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced from 53.3% to 34.4% after the intervention. The most prominent risk factors were low serum HDL-C and high serum TRG levels followed by obesity (WC). After the intervention, the MetS group had significantly improved mean serum glucose (p = 0.013), systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p < 0.001) blood pressure. No significant improvements were observed in the non-MetS group. Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS is high in black women residing in Qwa-Qwa. Despite the beneficial metabolic effects observed in this study, a relationship between soy protein consumption and MetS risk factors could not statistically be confirmed. However, soy is a source of good-quality protein and is often used in low-income households as a replacement for other more expensive protein sources and the use of soy should not be discontinued as it may have a beneficial effect on MetS and may play a role in preventing MetS. More research is needed in large-scale case-control studies to determine the effect of soy consumption on MetS risk factors. Social media message: Research has shown that soy may be beneficial for ameliorating some of the metabolic syndrome risk factors.

A barrier analysis study was carried out in Mwenezi and Chiredzi Districts of Zimbabwe, to guide the development of a community-based behaviour change program. The aim of the barrier analysis was to identify factors that influenced a woman’s infant feeding and care practices. This paper reports the findings for one behaviour, exclusive breastfeeding. The study was based on the methodology from “A Practical Guide to Conducting a Barrier Analysis” (Kittle 2013). Structured in-depth interviews were administered to 91 women who were mothers of infants under the age of six months, 46 of whom who were exclusively breastfeeding and 45 who were not. Issues pertaining to self-efficacy, social support and perceived risks and benefits, as well as cultural and community norms and rules were identified. The qualitative analysis included sorting and identifying themes. Common barriers for exclusive breastfeeding were influence from the mother-in-law, high maternal workload, and perceived breast milk insufficiency. The main enablers were breastfeeding knowledge, the presence of a spouse/partner who assisted with chores and nurses who provided breastfeeding information. The insights gained from this study were used by Nutrition Action Zimbabwe to develop a behaviour change programme that was implemented from 2018-2020.

Abstract Background This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of household food insecurity and the association between food insecurity and coping strategies among women asylum seekers and refugees in the city of Durban in South Africa. Methods A coping strategy questionnaire was used to determine food security as this gives a good indication of what the women have to go through in order to provide safe and nutritionally sound meals to family members. The questionnaire also presents an indicator of food security, with a higher score indicating a higher level of food insecurity. Participants were recruited in the Durban city centre from church and community meetings and in their workplace. Data were collected from 200 women. Households were classified as food-secure and food-insecure groups for comparison purposes. Data were analysed on SPSS, version 23.0, for descriptive statistics, correlations, and logistic and bivariate linear regression. Results The results showed that 96.2% of the women were living in poverty (

Objectives: This study investigated the possible associations between micronutrient deficiencies and child growth in the rural community of Qwa-Qwa in the Free State province of South Africa (SA). Design: Cross-sectional observational baseline survey. Setting: Rural Qwa-Qwa, Free State, SA. Subjects: Children 7- 15 years of age (n = 73; randomly selected). Outcome Measures: Nutritional status in terms of height and weight measurements, and serum haemoglobin, vitamins A and E and zinc. Results and conclusions: The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference between the mean age of the two genders (p = 0.94). The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies were 47.3% vitamin E, 25.0% zinc, 3.9% iron deficiency haemoglobin and 1.4% vitamin A. The prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight was 19.2, 13.7 and 11.4%, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed statistically significant positive correlations between weight-for-age (WAZ) and haemoglobin (r = 0.38, p = 0.049), zinc (r = 0.71, p = 0.008) and vitamin E (r = 0.43, p = 0.029) levels, while there were no significant correlations between vitamin A with WAZ, height-for-age (HAZ) and body mass index-(BMI)-for-age (BAZ). This study shows that there are some associations between child growth and certain micronutrient deficiencies that affects the growth and well-being. Therefore, regular and continued monitoring is recommended for the benefit of, specifically South African children, but also the general population, researchers and the government.

This study aimed to develop a set of mean ± standard deviation (SD) intake values for South African (SA) children for 36 of the 45 food parameters included in the original Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) tool. The SA food composition database contains 30 of the 45 food parameters included in the original DII®, and a supplementary database was developed for six of the food parameters not included in the SA database. The SA child mean ± SD intake of macronutrients, micronutrients and select flavonoids was calculated by age in years, using eight data sets from dietary surveys conducted in SA in the last three decades. A total sample of 5412 children was included in the calculation of the mean ± SD. The current study sample was determined to be representative of 1–

Food insecurity, leading from insufficient dietary intakes to nutritional insecurity and ultimately to malnutrition, is a persistent problem in developing countries and also South Africa. One of the strategies that can be employed to address food insecurity is the provision of affordable, nutrient-dense, culturally acceptable foods that are safe for human consumption. Even though there is limited literature on food and nutrition security with this technology, extrusion is an ideal processing method for the manufacturing of a wide range of affordable foods with a long shelf life. Furthermore, the beneficial nutritional effects of extruded foods range from increased protein and starch digestibility to retention of various micronutrients. This will result in nutrient-dense meals being consumed. Extruded foods thus may benefit food and nutrition insecurity through availability of affordable, nutrient-dense, safe foods that are easily accessible to both urban and rural food-insecure households as well as poorer disadvantaged communities.

The risk for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and ischaemic heart disease in the elderly continues to be on the increase. It is shaped and modified by factors such as economic status and experiences across the whole lifespan. Although malnutrition in this population could be due to poor dietary practices, the nutrition transition of communities in South Africa is partially responsible for nutritional problems. Because of the degree of dependency on others for help and care in communities, the elderly are at risk for malnutrition. The elderly of the Umlazi community are overburdened with the social responsibility of grandchildren and trying to bring stability by managing various households. This becomes a double burden and puts more strain on their quality of life, further impacting on their nutritional status.

Background: The growth, learning, and contribution to active life in the communities are better in well-nourished children, and various factors influence infants' feeding. In this study, we assessed whether household socioeconomic status (SES) affects infants' length-for-age, weight-for-age (indicators of health and nutritional status) and breastfeeding (BF) (a necessity for optimal growth and health) status. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 households with infants of 1–1.5 years old were interviewed on these variables: family size, dwelling ownership, duration of BF, exclusive BF (EBF) for 6 months, parents' age, parents' ethnicity, birth order, delivery type, and parents' education. Weight and length at 4 and 12 months were obtained from centers' records. To determine SES, we assessed total years of parents' education and household asset ownership by an index of nine owned assets. Results: The average of 4-month length in the low SES group was significantly lower than the two others (P < 0.05). In middle socioeconomic group, duration of BF was significantly higher (19.5 ± 7.3 months vs. 18.0 ± 8.0 months in low and 17.5 ± 7.9 months in high SES groups) (P < 0.05). Comparing illiterate mothers, university degree holders and university students were 73% less likely to not having EBF. Moreover, those with middle SES showed to be about 40% less likely to not having EBF. Conclusions: Nutritional status, duration of BF, and EBF might be determined by household SES and maternal education. Therefore, these findings can be used to decide how to focus on appropriate target groups in family education planning to improve children's development to its most possible.

With the advent of industrialisation, food processors are constantly looking for ways to cut costs, increase production and maximise profits at the expense of quality. Commercial food processors have since shifted their focus from endogenous ways of processing food to more profitable commercial food processing techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the holistic impact of commercial food processing techniques on nutrition by comparing commercially (industrially) processed food products and endogenously processed food products through chemical analysis of selected foods. Eight food samples which included commercially processed peanut butter, mealie-meal, dried vegetables (mufushwa) and rice and endogenously processed peanut butter, mealie-meal, dried vegetables (mufushwa) and rice were randomly sampled from rural communities in the south-eastern and central provinces of Zimbabwe. They were analysed for ash, zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, protein, fat, carbohydrates, energy, crude fibre, vitamin C and moisture contents. The results of chemical analysis indicate that endogenously processed mealie-meal, dried vegetables and rice contained higher ash values of 2.00g/100g, 17.83g/100g, and 3.28g/100g respectively than commercially processed mealie-meal, dried vegetables and rice, which had ash values of 1.56g/100g, 15.25g/100g and 1.46g/100g respectively. The results also show that endogenously processed foods have correspondingly higher iron, zinc and magnesium contents and, on the whole, a higher protein content. The results also indicate that commercially processed foods have higher fat and energy contents. The result led to the conclusion that the foods are likely to pose a higher risk of causing adverse conditions to health, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases to susceptible individuals. Based on these findings, it can, therefore, be concluded that endogenously processed foods have a better nutrient value and health implications than commercially processed foods.

Despite the large number of people currently living in poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, the debate about the definition and meaning of poverty continues. Two distinct problems exist regarding the measurement of poverty, namely the difficulty of identifying the poor in a population and the difficulty in developing an index for the measurement of poverty. The main objective of the survey was to apply a poverty model for determining the depth of poverty in an informal settlement in the Vaal Region, as well as the impact of possible income-generating activities on the community. A questionnaire, which had been devised for measuring poverty indicators, was administered to 429 randomly selected households in the informal settlement, with the poverty model being applied to measure the degree of poverty. The results of the survey showed that 286 households lived in poverty at the time. The impact of extra income on the poverty levels of these 286 households was then determined. The results of the survey also showed that the unemployment level was 91% and that the mean monthly income was R612.50. The average poverty gap was R1017.21, with the poverty gap ratio being 56%. The poverty model showed that an increase of R500 in monthly household income resulted in a poverty gap ratio of 35%. The results indicated that the community was a poverty-stricken community, suffering from chronic food insecurity. The results of the study will be used to facilitate the planning and implementation of sustainable, income-generating, community-based interventions aimed at promoting urban food security and alleviating poverty in the community in question. Opsomming Ten spyte van die groot hoeveelheid mense wat steeds wêrelwyd in armoede leef, duur die debat oor die definisie en betekenis van armoede nog altyd voort. Daar word twee definitiewe probleme met die meting van armoede ervaar, naamlik die identifisering van die armes in 'n gemeenskap, en die ontwikkeling van 'n indeks vir die meet van armoede. Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie was om 'n armoedemodel vir die dieptemeting van armoede in 'n informele nedersetting in die Vaal-area toe te pas, en om die impak van moontlike aktiwiteite wat inkomste genereer in dieselfde gemeenskap te bepaal. 'n Vraelys wat ontwerp is om armoede aan te dui en te meet is ewekansig aan 429 huishoudings in die informele nedersetting uitgedeel om te voltooi en die armoedemodel is toegepas om die diepte van armoede te meet. Die resultate het getoon dat 286 huishoudings in armoede leef. Die impak van ekstra inkomste op armoedevlakke is in die 286 huishoudings bepaal. Die resultate het verder getoon dat die werkloosheidsvlak 91% was en dat die gemiddelde maandelikse huishoudelike inkomste R612.50 was. Die gemiddelde armoedegaping was R1017.21, met 'n armoedegapingverhouding van 56%. Die armoedemodel het getoon dat 'n verhoging van R500 in maandelikse huishoudelike inkomste die armoedegapingverhouding na 35% verlaag het. Die resultate het bewys dat hierdie 'n armoedige gemeenskap met kroniese voedselonsekerheid was. Die uitkoms van die studie sal gebruik word vir die beplanning en implementering van gemeenskapgebaseerde ingrypings om volhoubare inkomste te genereer om stedelike voedselsekerheid te bevorder en die armoede in hierdie gemeenskap te verlig.

The aim of this study was to compare the impact of three school feeding strategies on the nutritional status of primary school children aged six to 13 in an informal settlement in Gauteng. The methods included dietary surveys and anthropometric and biochemical measurements of a sample of 160 primary school children allocated to three different school feeding intervention groups. One group (n=60) received a whole wheat pilchard and spinach vetkoek, a second received food according to the Government Primary School Nutrition Programme (PSNP)(n=60), and a third (n=40) received fruit. The children were given these items every day for seven months, except during school holidays and weekends. The baseline anthropometric measurements indicated that 13.6%, 20.9% and 10.8% of the children in the vetkoek, PSNP and fruit groups respectively were underweight (lesser than 5th percentile for weight-for-age) and 17.3%, 23.6% and 5.2% were stunted (lesser than 5th percentile for height-for-age). The post-intervention results indicated that the children in all three groups had improved significantly in weight and height, and in dietary intakes of zinc and iron. The results of this study indicated that all three feeding strategies contributed to an improved nutritional status. Providing fruit as a school feeding strategy may be the most affordable and easy to implement. More research is recommended to measure the impact of these strategies on a long- term basis. Opsomming Die doel van die studie was om die impak van drie skoolvoedingstrategieë op die voedingstatus van ses tot dertien jaar oue laerskoolkinders in 'n informele nedersetting in Gauteng te bepaal. Die metodes het die volgende ingesluit: dieetopnames, antropometriese en biochemiese metings in 'n steekproef van 160 laerskoolkinders, wat ewekansig in drie skoolvoedingintervensiegroepe verdeel is. Die groepe het bestaan uit 'n volkoring sardyn-en-spinasie-vetkoek groep (n=60), die Government Primary School Nutrition Programme (PSNP) groep (n=60), en 'n vrugtegroep (n=40) wat hierdie items elke dag vir sewe maande, behalwe vir skoolvakansies en naweke, ontvang het. Die antropometriese metings voor die intervensie het bevind dat 13.6%, 20.9% en 10.8% van die kinders ondergewig (kleiner as 5de persentiel vir gewig-vir-ouderdom) was in die vetkoek-, PSNP- en vrugtegroep, respektiewelik, en 17.3%, 23.6% en 5.2% se groei is belemmer (kleiner as 5de persentiel vir lengte-vir-ouderdom). Die na-intervensieresultate het aangedui dat die kinders in al drie die groepe se gewig, lengte, sowel as sink en ysterinname betekenisvol verbeter het. Die resultate van hierdie studie het aangetoon dat al drie die voedingstrategieë bygedra het tot ’n verbeterde voedingstatus. Die voorsiening van vrugte as ’n skoolvoedingstrategie is egter bekostigbaar en maklik om te implementeer. Meer navorsing om die impak op die langtermyn te toets, word aanbeveel.