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.

Impact of food aid on food variety and dietary diversity of an elderly community in Sharpeville, South Africa.

Objective: The objective of this paper was to discuss the impact of a two-year food aid intervention programme on dietary diversity and adequacy of an elderly community. This project was undertaken amongst the elderly (n=300), voluntarily attending a day care centre in Sharpeville, South Africa. In a baseline study (2004) in this community the dietary diversity scoring (DDS) method revealed low dietary diversity (3.

Zinc deficiency among the elderly attending a care centre in Sharpeville, South Africa.

Background: The elderly are particularly prone to zinc deficiency because of nutritional and physiological vulnerabilities associated with ageing. A low socio-economic status may further increase the risk of zinc deficiency. This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the zinc status of an elderly sample in the Vaal region, 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.