Correlation of Eight (8) Polymorphisms and Their Genotypes with the Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in a Black Elderly Population.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study correlated eight SNPs with the risk factors of CVD in a black elderly population. Genotyping was used to detect eight polymorphisms; rs675 (ApoA-IV), rs699 (Angiotensinogen (AGT)), rs247616 and rs1968905 (Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)), rs1801278 (Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1)), rs1805087 (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)) and rs28362286 and rs67608943 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)), as well as their genotypes in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from peripheral blood.

Snack consumption frequency of children and adults in the Vaal region of Gauteng, South Africa.

Background: Energy-dense, nutrient-poor snacks are associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the double burden of malnutrition, especially among poor communities.

Aim: To determine and compare the snacking preferences and consumption frequency of children and adults from a low SES community in South Africa.

Setting: A preschool, primary school, and an elderly centre in Gauteng.

The Winning Weaning Food (WWF): The Development of a Complementary Food for Food-Insecure Infants and Young Children in Malawi.

Growing evidence exists for the benefits of adequate infant and young children feeding (IYCF) practices at the weaning stage (≥ 6 months), including optimal growth, building the immune system, cognitive development, healthy food preferences, and reduced mortality and morbidity rates. However, these outcomes are not universally experienced. To ensure that a developing country such as Malawi, where recent studies have shown high rates of food insecurity and malnutrition benefits from adequate IYCF, five nutrient-dense complementary foods (Recipes 1 to 5) were developed.

Comparative analysis of the factors contributing to sustainability of a food and nutrition intervention programme: Two case studies from South Africa.

Sustainability of health interventions is a consistent and ongoing issue in Africa. Understanding key aspects of sustainable interventions provides the necessary methods for success. This research evaluates a nutrition intervention implemented in two peri-urban communities in the Free State and Gauteng province in South Africa (SA) respectively.

Socio-Economic Variables and Nutrient Adequacy of Women in the Vaal Region of South Africa.

The aim of this cross-sectional, observational baseline survey was to examine the association between nutrient intakes and selected socio-economic variables in 722 women, aged 19 to 90 years living in peri-urban settlements. Measurements included socio-demographic data and 24-hour recall dietary intake data. The results showed poor nutrient intakes with the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) not met for the mean intakes of all nutrients except carbohydrates, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

Effect of drying and cooking on nutritional value and antioxidant capacity of morogo (Amaranthus hybridus) a traditional leafy vegetable grown in South Africa.

Morogo (vegetables in Tswana) is a green leafy vegetable from the Amaranthaceae family that can be harvested from wild growing or cultivated. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional value, the total antioxidant capacity and selected bioactive compounds present in morogo leaves, and evaluate the effect of drying and cooking. Results showed that morogo contained a significant amount of protein (3.

Is obesity associated with iron status in the elderly? A case study from Sharpeville, South Africa.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between poor Fe status and overweight or obesity in elderly respondents in South Africa.

Design: Cross-sectional, observational baseline survey.

Setting: Sharpeville, South Africa.

Presentation and interpretation of food intake data: factors affecting comparability across studies.

Non-uniform, unclear, or incomplete presentation of food intake data limits interpretation, usefulness, and comparisons across studies. In this contribution, we discuss factors affecting uniform reporting of food intake across studies. The amount of food eaten can be reported as mean portion size, number of servings or total amount of food consumed per day; the absolute intake value for the specific study depends on the denominator used because food intake data can be presented as per capita intake or for consumers only.

Breakfast, midday meals and academic achievement in rural primary schools in Uganda: implications for education and school health policy.

Background: Underachievement in schools is a global problem and is especially prevalent in developing countries. Indicators of educational performance show that Uganda has done remarkably well on education access-related targets since the introduction of universal primary education in 1997. However, educational outcomes remain disappointing.

Serum concentration and dietary intake of vitamins A and E in low-income South African elderly.

Background & Aims: Adequate dietary intake of antioxidants is vital for the promotion of health, well being and longevity of the elderly. This study assessed the prevalence of vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) deficiency in a population of low-income South African elderly.

Methods: Serum vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations were determined in 235 persons aged 60-93 years in Sharpeville, South Africa.

Food variety and dietary diversity as indicators of the dietary adequacy and health status of an elderly population in Sharpeville, South Africa.

This cross-sectional, analytical study was a comprehensive health assessment focusing on dietary quality of 170 randomly selected elderly respondents in Sharpeville, South Africa. The methods included a sociodemographic, health food frequency questionnaire, 24h-recall questionnaires, and anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The low mean +/- standard deviation (SD) dietary diversity score (3.

Impact of food and nutrition interventions on poverty in an informal settlement in the Vaal Region of South Africa.

UNICEF has stated that urban poverty is primarily found in squatter settlements. At present 13.5% of all South African households live in informal settlements.

Poverty, household food insecurity and nutrition: coping strategies in an informal settlement in the Vaal Triangle, South Africa.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine household food security and coping strategies of an informal settlement in the Vaal Triangle.

Study Design: A survey study design was used.

Methods: Pre-tested socio-demographic questionnaires were administered to 357 randomly selected caregivers and 149 children aged 9-13 years old.