Nutritional status of children on the National School Nutrition Programme in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background. School feeding programmes are intended to alleviate short-term hunger, improve nutrition and cognition of children, andprovide incomes to families.Objectives. To assess the nutritional status of children receiving meals provided by the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) inCapricorn Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Methods. The setting was 18 randomly selected schools on the NSNP in Capricorn District. The total sample comprised 602 randomlyselected schoolchildren from grades 4 to 7, aged 10 (26.6%), 11 (35.4%) and 12 (35.4%). Socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometricmeasurements, dietary patterns and school attendance were determined. Children were interviewed to assess their nutritional status using avalidated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations (SDs) and ranges were used for socioeconomic parametersand dietary patterns, and z-scores for anthropometric data.Results. The results showed that boys (9.5%) and girls (7.8% ) were underweight. The prevalence of stunting in the sample was 11.3% forboys and 7.4% for girls, whereas boys (3.6%) and girls (4.2%)were wasted, with az-score of –2 SD. School attendance was good.Conclusion. The nutritional status of most subjects in the study was within the acceptable range as indicated by the assessment of growthusing anthropometric measurements

Nutritional status of children on the National School Nutrition Programme in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

CITATION: Malongane, F. & Mbhenyane, X. G. 2017. Nutritional status of children on the National School Nutrition Programme in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Child Health, 11(1):11-15, doi:10.7196/SAJCH.2017.v11i1.1124.The original publication is available at http://www.sajch.org.zaBackground. School feeding programmes are intended to alleviate short-term hunger, improve nutrition and cognition of children, andprovide incomes to families.Objectives. To assess the nutritional status of children receiving meals provided by the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) inCapricorn Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Methods. The setting was 18 randomly selected schools on the NSNP in Capricorn District. The total sample comprised 602 randomlyselected schoolchildren from grades 4 to 7, aged 10 (26.6%), 11 (35.4%) and 12 (35.4%). Socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometricmeasurements, dietary patterns and school attendance were determined. Children were interviewed to assess their nutritional status using avalidated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations (SDs) and ranges were used for socioeconomic parametersand dietary patterns, and z-scores for anthropometric data.Results. The results showed that boys (9.5%) and girls (7.8% ) were underweight. The prevalence of stunting in the sample was 11.3% forboys and 7.4% for girls, whereas boys (3.6%) and girls (4.2%)were wasted, with az-score of –2 SD. School attendance was good.Conclusion. The nutritional status of most subjects in the study was within the acceptable range as indicated by the assessment of growthusing anthropometric measurements.http://www.sajch.org.za/index.php/SAJCH/article/view/1124Publisher's versio

Health Benefits and Omega-3-Fatty Acid Content of Selected Indigenous Foods in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

The article is based on a study that aimed at identifying indigenous foods in the Limpopo Province that are believed to have health benefits and to analyse the omega-3-fatty acid content of the selected identified foods. The objectives of this study were to identify the indigenous foods believed to have health benefits with possible functional properties, to determine the different ailments that these foods were used for, and to analyse the omega- 3-fatty acid content of the identified indigenous foods. The study population consisted of 46 women whose ages were above 60 years old. The participants were recruited from four districts in the Limpopo Province namely Waterberg, Vhembe, Mopani and Sekhukhune. Focus group discussions were held, wherein an interview schedule was used to lead the discussions. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The fresh raw food samples were collected and taken to the CSIR for chemical analysis of bioactive compounds. The results of the study revealed that some indigenous green leafy vegetables have a high content of omega-3-fatty acids per fatty acid content. Indigenous foods were taken for their functional properties. Food items like Mormodica balsamina were identified to treat and prevent hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The food item is known as Mokhutsega in Northern Soth, Nkaka in Xitsonga and Tshibavhi in Tshivenda. Some of the food items that were mentioned to treat diseases were Amaranthus thurnbergii and Cajanus cajan for the prevention of constipation. Donkey milk was taken to treat whooping cough. Of the seven indigenous foods analysed, six of them were green leafy vegetables and one was a fruit. The samples were analysed for omega-3-fatty acid content. The green leafy vegetables were found to contain omega-3- fatty acids. Linolenic acid, which has 18 carbon chains and three double bonds, was found to be the most abundant omega-3- fatty acid found in plant foods. The omega-3-fatty acids are said to be a factor in HDL concentration, thereby confirming the lowering of coronary heart diseases by green leafy vegetables.Keywords: Omega-3-fatty acid, indigenous foods, health benefits, green leafy vegetables

Dietary patterns and food behaviours of pregnant youth : a survey in the Polokwane Local Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa

CITATION: Bopape, M. M., Alberts, M. & Mbhenyane, X. G. 2018. Dietary patterns and food behaviours of pregnant youth : a survey in the Polokwane Local Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Journal of Nutrition and Health, 4(1):1-6.The original publication is available at http://www.avensonline.orgYouth pregnancy continues to be a public health concern in South Africa, while nutrition during the first thousand days has become a focus of child and maternal focus and interventions. The study aimed to determine the food behaviours and dietary patterns of pregnant youth in the Polokwane Local Municipality of Limpopo province. It was a descriptive, exploratory and quantitative study. The study was conducted at five randomly selected primary health care clinics in the Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo province and pregnant youth aged between fifteen and twenty one years were recruited from these clinics. Sociodemographic data were collected using a validated questionnaire and dietary data were collected using a repeated twenty four hour recall and selected food frequency questionnaire. Blood was also collected to determine serum levels for iron, folate and vitamin B12. The food frequency questionnaire only included foods that are high in iron, folate and vitamin B12 as well as those food items that can enhance or inhibit iron absorption. Pregnant youth had an average of two meals per day, with breakfast being the most commonly skipped meal. There was generally less snacking as compared to studies conducted in urban areas. The nutrient intake was less than 67% of the estimated average requirements for energy, iron, folate, calcium and vitamin C and Vitamin B12. The diet was predominantly cereal-based, with a very low intake of fruit, vegetables and animal products.http://www.avensonline.org/fulltextarticles/JNH-2469-4185-04-0033.htmlPublisher's versio

Knowledge and Consumption of Indigenous Food by Primary School Children in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province

The article is based on a study that aimed at determining knowledge, availability and consumption of indigenous foods by primary school children. Two primary schools from two villages of the Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. One hundred and fiftyfour children aged 9-14 years in Grades 5 and 6 participated in the study. The data was collected using a questionnaire at baseline and after intervention. The information was obtained from 172 children at baseline and 154 post intervention. The baseline was in August while follow up was in February. The intervention was nutrition education on health benefits of indigenous foods. The results indicated that many children had prior knowledge about indigenous foods particularly fruits and vegetables. Data also suggested that their knowledge increased six months after the intervention. The results revealed that children consumed indigenous foods particularly fruits and vegetables and that there was an improvement six months after the intervention. The study revealed that knowledge of indigenous foods depends on availability and accessibility in the community where children live as well as on the household level. However, in order to improve awareness, there is need to include knowledge of indigenous foods as part of the school curriculum.Keywords: Knowledge, indigenous foods, nutrition, education

SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ WILLINGNESS TO ADOPT, CULTIVATE AND CONSUME PROVITAMIN A BIOFORTIFIED MAIZE IN KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the significant hidden hunger challenges in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and children are the most vulnerable group. Therefore, there is a need for interventions to reduce this deficiency. Provitamin A biofortified maize (PVABM) has the potential to reduce VAD for the vulnerable groups of SSA. The study investigated the possibility of incorporating provitamin A biofortified maize into smallholder farming systems and assessed the acceptability of typical PVABM meals for household consumption. Using a quantitative approach, a crosssectional study design was conducted in Bulwer local municipality of Sisonke district and Mhlathuze local municipality of uThungulu district, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. A total of 233 smallholder farmers were interviewed using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The sensory evaluation was done with 72 smallholder farmers assessing the sensory attributes of typical meals such as steamed mealies (ifutho) and crumbled maize meal (uphuthu) produced by PVABM and common maize. Knowledge about PVABM and the average household income highly influenced (p < 0.05) the farmers’ likeliness to accept and incorporate PVABM into their farming systems. About 82% (Bulwer) and 83% (Mhlathuze) of farmers from the areas were willing to incorporate PVABM in their farming systems, and they had positive perceptions about the success of the varieties in their systems. Farmers already growing yellow maize were more willing to integrate PVABM. Sensory evaluation showed that PVABM foods (uphuthu and ifutho) were accepted for consumption and the farmers expressed the willingness to consume PVABM in their diets for nutrient improvement. The response showed that the taste of ifutho was acceptable for both PVABM (52.8%) and white maize (52.8%). The colour of PVABM ifutho was acceptable (50%) and white maize (44.4%), and the aroma was good for PVABM (58.3%) and very good for white maize (44.4%). Overall, both maize sensory attributes were rated as acceptable. The study indicated that farmers could accept PVABM into farming systems and it can be consumed at the household level

Validation of a roadmap for mainstreaming nutrition-sensitive interventions at state level in Nigeria

Published online: 09 Sept 2020Background National programs are often developed with little consideration to the sub-national local factors that might affect program success. These factors include political support, capacity for implementation of program and variation in malnutrition indices being tackled. State context factors are evident in the distribution of malnutrition (e.g. high prevalence or gap among Local Government Areas), in the implementation of nutrition-sensitive interventions (e.g. access to early childhood education) and in the political economic context (e.g. presence of external funding agencies). Context is shaped by the economy, population, religion, and poverty, which impact everyday lives. Considering these contexts, a roadmap was developed and validated. The aim of this paper is to report expert review and stakeholder validation to determine feasibility of the developed contextualised roadmap for two Nigerian states. Methods A validation tool was developed and reviewed using three experts. The content review occurred in two rounds to obtain recommendation and revisions of the developed roadmap and the validation tool. A pilot test of the roadmap and validation tool was done using two stakeholders in South Africa. The roadmap and the validation tool were then sent to the stakeholders and potential end-users in Nigeria using electronic media. Two research assistants were also engaged to deliver and collect hard copies to those who preferred it. Results Of the ten stakeholders invited, nine responded. All participants showed an adequate understanding of the roadmap as evidenced by the scores given. Responses regarding the translation of the roadmap to implementation varied. The majority (86,6%) either strongly agreed or agreed that the actions were translatable (43.0 and 43.6% respectively). Conclusions The final roadmap comprises of actions that are appropriate for the state’s context. It is recommended that stakeholders or end-users of any programme must be involved in the validation of such contextual programmes to improve chances of success

Effects of rising food prices on household food security on femaleheaded households in Runnymede Village, Mopani District, South Africa

CITATION: Mkhawani, K., et al. 2016. Effects of rising food prices on household food security on femaleheaded households in Runnymede Village, Mopani District, South Africa. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 29(2):69-74.The original publication is available at http://www.sajcn.co.zaBackground: Rising food prices can have a devastating effect on the health of poor households by making it more difficult for them to afford basic food baskets. Although South Africa is food secure as a nation, it does not mean that every household is able to access nutritionally adequate food. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of rising food prices on people’s perceptions and coping strategies regarding household food security. Setting: Sixty femaleheaded households were selected from 250 households in Runnymede Village in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Mopani District, Limpopo province, South Africa. Design: A descriptive and exploratory study was conducted using quantitative methods by means of an administered, structured questionnaire. The accessible population was femaleheaded households residing in Runnymede Village. Participants representing 60 femaleheaded households were purposively selected from the 250 households. Open and closed-ended questions were used to collect the data. Results: The majority (58%) of participants indicated that their eating habits had changed owing to rising food prices. Approximately 60% of the participants indicated that they bought food in bulk as a shortterm strategy to cope with rising food prices. Approximately 50% had a vegetable garden to alleviate food unavailability, and harvested for subsistence to meet non-food expenses. The majority (57%) of participants converted to buying cheaper brands, such as generic store brands. In addition, rising food prices made high quality food scarce for poorer households, forcing them to resort to cheaper or less nutritious foods. Conclusion: Rising food prices had a negative impact on poor, femaleheaded households in Runnymede Village.http://www.sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/994Publisher's versio

Vitamin A supplementation in iodine-deficient African children decreases thyrotropin stimulation of the thyroid and reduces the goiter rate 1-3

Background: Vitamin A (VA) deficiency (VAD) and iodine deficiency (ID) often coexist in children in Africa. VAD may affect thyroid function and the response to iodine prophylaxis. Objective: The aim was to investigate the effects of supplementation with iodine or VA alone, and in combination, in children with concurrent VAD and ID. Design: A 6-mo randomized, double-blind, 2 x 2 intervention trial was conducted in 5¿14 y-old South African children (n = 404), who, on average, had mild-to-moderate VAD and ID. At baseline and after 3 mo, children received 1) iodine (191 mg I as oral iodized oil) + placebo (IS group), 2) VA (200000 IU VA as retinyl palmitate) + placebo (VAS group), 3) both iodine and VA (IS+VAS group), or 4) placebo. At baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo, urinary iodine (UI), thyroid volume, thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone; TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), thyroglobulin, serum retinol (SR), and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were measured. Results: SR and RBP increased significantly with VA supplementation (P <0.05). For UI, SR, and RBP, there were no significant treatment interactions between iodine and vitamin A. The 3-factor and all three 2-factor interactions were significant for thyroid volume, TSH, and thyroglobulin (P <0.001), whereas none of these interactions were significant for TT4. There was a clear effect of VAS without IS on TSH, thyroglobulin, and thyroid volume; all 3 variables decreased significantly (P <0.05). Conclusions: Iodine prophylaxis is effective in controlling ID in areas of poor vitamin A status. VA supplements are effective in treating VAD in areas of mild ID and have an additional benefit¿through suppression of the pituitary TSHß gene, VAS can decrease excess TSH stimulation of the thyroid and thereby reduce the risk of goiter and its sequelae