Salt Used for the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) in Rural Schools of Limpopo Province, South Africa, has Adequate Levels of Iodine.

Background: Salt iodisation is considered the most effective long-term public health intervention for achieving optimal iodine nutrition. Effective salt iodisation is a prerequisite for the sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders. The aim of this study was to determine iodine concentration of salt used for the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP).

Nutrition knowledge and care practices of home-based caregivers in Vhembe District, South Africa.

Background: Home-based care is provided to clients in their homes to promote and maintain good health, hygiene and nutrition.

Objective: This study assessed nutrition knowledge and care practices of home-based caregivers in Vhembe District, South Africa.

Methods: The design was cross sectional, descriptive and exploratory using quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Dried Blood Spot Thyroglobulin as a Biomarker of Iodine Status in Pregnant Women.

Context: Thyroglobulin (Tg) could be a sensitive biomarker of iodine nutrition in pregnant women (PW). A dried blood spot (DBS) assay would simplify collection and transport in field studies.

Objectives: Our aims were to (1) establish and test a reference range for DBS-Tg in PW; (2) determine whether co-measurement of Tg antibodies (Abs) is necessary to define population iodine status.

Prevalence of iron and zinc deficiencies among preschool children ages 3 to 5 y in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa.

Objectives: Children under the age of 5 y constitute the most vulnerable group for iron and zinc deficiencies and their nutritional status is a sensitive indicator of community health and nutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of zinc and iron deficiency among preschool children aged 3 to 5 y in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa.

Methods: This study included 349 preschool children recruited from two municipalities of Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa.

Knowledge and practices of pre-school teachers on growth monitoring program--South Africa.

The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and practices of pre-school teachers on growth monitoring. A quasi-experimental, one-group pre- and post-test intervention study was conducted in eight conveniently selected government subsidized pre-schools in Vhembe and Mopani districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Fifteen pre-school teachers participated in the study.

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

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.