Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:50:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-04-29 / Introdução: Estudo previamente realizado em nosso laboratório demonstrou que a restrição alimentar intra-uterina (RAIU) provoca um retardo na termorregulação dos recém-nascidos. Em neonatos o tecido adiposo marrom (TAM) é essencial para a termogênese, principalmente devido à presença de proteínas desacopladoras (UCPs), cuja expressão pode ser modificada pela ação de hormônios como os hormônios da tireóide, a leptina e a insulina, que podem ser afetados pela restrição alimentar. A bomba de cálcio do retículo sarcoplasmático (SERCA1), presente no músculo e recentemente identificada no TAM, pode contribuir para a produção de calor. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão das proteínas UCP1, UCP2, UCP3 e da SERCA1 no TAM e da UCP3 e da SERCA1 no músculo esquelético (ME) de animais submetidos a RAIU, bem como o perfil plasmático de insulina, leptina e hormônios tireoidianos destes filhotes. Métodos: Ratos fêmeas Wistar EPM-1 controle (C) receberam ração ad libitum durante todo o período gestacional e o grupo restrito (R) recebeu 50% desta quantidade. Quinze horas após o nascimento (pico de expressão das UCPs), os filhotes foram pesados e decapitados para coleta de sangue (pool) para a dosagem plasmática de insulina, leptina, T3 e T4 por ELISA. Foram coletados TAM e ME, para determinação da expressão das UCPs e da SERCA1 por imuno-histoquímica. Para análise dos resultados, utilizou-se o teste “t” de Student não pareado, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Os animais R (n=16) apresentaram durante a gestação um ganho de peso corporal (g) significantemente inferior quando comparado ao C (n=16), (27,6 ± 3,8 e 109,0 ± 4,1). Os filhotes R (n=172) apresentaram redução significante do peso corporal (g) ao nascimento em relação aos filhotes C (n=169) (4,82 ± 0,05 e 5,83 ± 0,04); entretanto, não houve redução no número de filhotes por ninhada. A RAIU levou a um aumento significante na expressão (pixels) da UCP1 e da UCP2 no TAM da prole R em relação à prole C (em 42% e 53%, respectivamente). Não observamos diferença significante entre os grupos em relação à expressão da UCP3 e da SERCA1 no TAM e no ME. A concentração plasmática de insulina (ng/ml) foi significantemente maior nos filhotes R (n=8) em relação aos C (n=13) (3,34 ± 0,78 e 1,17 ± 0,18) e os níveis plasmáticos de T3 (ng/ml) foram significantemente menores nos filhotes R (n=10) quando comparados aos C (n=14) (0,82 ± 0,06 e 1,09 ± 0,08). Não houve diferenças significantes para as dosagens plasmáticas de leptina (pg/ml) (R (n=8) 987,79 ± 261,08 e C (n=11) 1255,54 ± 392,37) e T4 (ng/ml) (R (n=10) 20,99 ± 3,74 e C (n=12) 16,00 ± 1,68). Conclusão: O atraso no desenvolvimento da termorregulação previamente descritos nesses animais não parece resultar de redução na termogênese, mas de aumento na termólise, pois a RAIU provocou baixo peso dos filhotes ao nascimento, levando a uma maior relação superfície/ volume. A maior expressão da UCP1 e UCP2 no TAM observada nos filhotes restritos possivelmente ocorreu como um mecanismo compensatório para aumentar a termogênese, o que pode ter sido modulado por ação hormonal. / Background: Previous study from our laboratory has shown that intrauterine food restriction (IUFR) delayed thermoregulation of the newborns. In neonates brown adipose tissue (BAT) is essential for thermogenesis mainly due to the presence of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and their expression can be modified by action of hormones such as thyroid hormone, leptin and insulin, which can be affected by food restriction. The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++ ATPase, (SERCA1) recently identified in BAT may contribute to heat production. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein expression of UCP1, UCP2, UCP3 and SERCA1 in BAT and UCP3 and SERCA1 in skeletal muscle (SM) and the plasmatic concentration of insulin, leptin, T3 and T4 of newborn rats exposed to IUFR. Methods: Female Wistar EPM-1 control rats received chow ad libitum during pregnancy period (C) and food-restricted rats (R) received 50% of the amount ingested by C. Fifteen hours after birth, newborns were weighted and sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was collected for determination of insulin, leptin, T3 and T4 by ELISA. BAT and SM were used for determination of protein expression (UCPs and SERCA1) by immunohistochemistry. Unpaired Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis of the results (p<0,05). Results: R animals (n=16) showed a significant lower weight gain (g) during pregnancy when compared to C (n=16) (27,6 ± 3,8 and 109,0 ± 4,1). R pups (n=172) showed a significant reduction in their body weight (g) at birth when compared to C (n=169) (4,82 ± 0,05 and 5,83 ± 0,04); however, there was no reduction in number of pups per litter. IUFR caused a significant increase in the expression (pixels) of UCP1 and UCP2 in BAT of the pups (42% and 53% respectively). UCP3 and SERCA1 expression in BAT and SM showed no significant differences between groups. Plasmatic insulin (ng/ml) was significantly higher in R pups (n=8) when compared to C (n=13) (3,34 ± 0,78 and 1,17 ± 0,18) and T3 levels (ng/ml) was significantly lower in R pups (n=10) when compared to C (n=14) (0,82 ± 0,06 and 1,09 ± 0,08). No differences between groups were found for leptin (pg/ml) (R (n=8) 987,79 ± 261,08 and C (n=11) 1255,54 ± 392,37) and T4 (ng/ml) levels (R (n=10) 20,99 ± 3,74 and C (n=12) 16,00 ± 1,68). Conclusion: The delay in development of thermoregulation previously described in these animals appears not to result from impairment in thermogenesis, but from an increase in heat loss, since IUFR caused low birth weight in pups, leading to greater surface/ volume ratio. The higher expression of UCP1 and UCP2 in BAT showed by R pups possibly occurred as a compensatory mechanism to increase thermogenesis, which may have been modulated by hormonal regulation. / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

INTRODUÇÃO: O presente estudo justifica-se, inicialmente, pela elevada prevalência de excesso de peso na infância em nosso país e por suas consequências a curto e longo prazo. Porto Alegre possui 34 escolas infantis com cerca de 4.000 crianças, que permanecem na instituição em turno integral. A grande maioria dessas escolas situa-se em locais de grande vulnerabilidade social e praticamente a totalidade das crianças reside próximo às escolas. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação entre a prevalência de excesso de peso em pré-escolares de escolas públicas e condições socioeconômicas da região de localização das escolas. MÉTODOS: As medidas de peso e altura foram provenientes de avaliação antropométrica realizada em todas as crianças matriculadas em escolas públicas de educação infantil de Porto Alegre em 2011. O excesso de peso foi definido como índice de massa corporal para idade > 1 escore z das curvas de crescimento da Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHO, 2006). Os dados socioeconômicos da região de moradia (alfabetização e renda mensal) foram coletados do Censo IBGE 2010, definidos a partir do setor censitário onde se localiza a escola e todos os setores que o circundam. Análise multinível foi utilizada para verificar as associações entre o desfecho e as variáveis de exposição. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 3.756 crianças, com média de idade de 51,6 meses (dp = 16,4). A prevalência de excesso de peso foi de 35,5%. Em nível individual, maior idade esteve associada a um efeito protetor, uma vez que a cada incremento de 12 meses de vida, as chances de IMC-para-idade acima do adequado foram 7% menores (RC ajustada = 0,93; IC 95% 0,89-0,98). Em relação à região de moradia, o incremento de ¼ de salário mínimo na renda per capita média da região esteve associado a um aumento de 7% nas chances de excesso de peso (RC ajustada = 1,07; IC 95% 1,03-1,11). CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo apresenta elevada prevalência de excesso de peso na população de crianças atendidas em escolas municipais de educação infantil, particularmente naquelas mais jovens e com maior renda. Assim, percebe-se a necessidade de planejamento de políticas públicas de educação alimentar infantil e familiar, promoção de aleitamento materno e alimentação complementar saudável considerando aspectos socioeconômicos do território. / INTRODUCTION: This study is justified due to the high prevalence of overweight in children in our country and its consequences in short and long term. Porto Alegre has 34 elementary schools with about 4,000 children, who remain in the institution fulltime. The vast majority of these schools are located in neighborhood of high social vulnerability and almost all children live near the school. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic conditions of the region of location of schools and the prevalence of overweight among preschool children in public schools. METHODS: Measurements of weight and height are from anthropometric measurements performed in all children enrolled in public child care centers in Porto Alegre in 2011. Overweight was defined as body mass index for age > 1 z score of the growth curves of the World Health Organization. The socioeconomic data of the region of residence (literacy and monthly income) were collected from the IBGE Census 2010, defined as the census tract where the school is located and the all the census tracts that surround it. Multilevel analysis was used to determine associations between the outcome and exposure variables. RESULTS: There were evaluated 3,756 children with an average age 31,6 months (SD 16.4). The prevalence of overweight was 35.5%. At the individual level, higher age was associated with a protective effect, once for each 12 months, 7% lower were the chances of being above appropriate BMI-for-age (adjusted OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98). With regard to region of residence, the increment of 1/4 of minimum wage in average per capita income in the region was associated with a 7% increase in the odds of overweight (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 -1.11). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high prevalence of overweight in children enrolled in public schools in early childhood education, particularly those younger and with higher income. These results show the necessity of planning specific actions as public education policies for infant and family feeding, promotion of breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding.

INTRODUÇÃO: O presente estudo justifica-se, inicialmente, pela elevada prevalência de excesso de peso na infância em nosso país e por suas consequências a curto e longo prazo. Porto Alegre possui 34 escolas infantis com cerca de 4.000 crianças, que permanecem na instituição em turno integral. A grande maioria dessas escolas situa-se em locais de grande vulnerabilidade social e praticamente a totalidade das crianças reside próximo às escolas. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação entre a prevalência de excesso de peso em pré-escolares de escolas públicas e condições socioeconômicas da região de localização das escolas. MÉTODOS: As medidas de peso e altura foram provenientes de avaliação antropométrica realizada em todas as crianças matriculadas em escolas públicas de educação infantil de Porto Alegre em 2011. O excesso de peso foi definido como índice de massa corporal para idade > 1 escore z das curvas de crescimento da Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHO, 2006). Os dados socioeconômicos da região de moradia (alfabetização e renda mensal) foram coletados do Censo IBGE 2010, definidos a partir do setor censitário onde se localiza a escola e todos os setores que o circundam. Análise multinível foi utilizada para verificar as associações entre o desfecho e as variáveis de exposição. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 3.756 crianças, com média de idade de 51,6 meses (dp = 16,4). A prevalência de excesso de peso foi de 35,5%. Em nível individual, maior idade esteve associada a um efeito protetor, uma vez que a cada incremento de 12 meses de vida, as chances de IMC-para-idade acima do adequado foram 7% menores (RC ajustada = 0,93; IC 95% 0,89-0,98). Em relação à região de moradia, o incremento de ¼ de salário mínimo na renda per capita média da região esteve associado a um aumento de 7% nas chances de excesso de peso (RC ajustada = 1,07; IC 95% 1,03-1,11). CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo apresenta elevada prevalência de excesso de peso na população de crianças atendidas em escolas municipais de educação infantil, particularmente naquelas mais jovens e com maior renda. Assim, percebe-se a necessidade de planejamento de políticas públicas de educação alimentar infantil e familiar, promoção de aleitamento materno e alimentação complementar saudável considerando aspectos socioeconômicos do território. / INTRODUCTION: This study is justified due to the high prevalence of overweight in children in our country and its consequences in short and long term. Porto Alegre has 34 elementary schools with about 4,000 children, who remain in the institution fulltime. The vast majority of these schools are located in neighborhood of high social vulnerability and almost all children live near the school. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic conditions of the region of location of schools and the prevalence of overweight among preschool children in public schools. METHODS: Measurements of weight and height are from anthropometric measurements performed in all children enrolled in public child care centers in Porto Alegre in 2011. Overweight was defined as body mass index for age > 1 z score of the growth curves of the World Health Organization. The socioeconomic data of the region of residence (literacy and monthly income) were collected from the IBGE Census 2010, defined as the census tract where the school is located and the all the census tracts that surround it. Multilevel analysis was used to determine associations between the outcome and exposure variables. RESULTS: There were evaluated 3,756 children with an average age 31,6 months (SD 16.4). The prevalence of overweight was 35.5%. At the individual level, higher age was associated with a protective effect, once for each 12 months, 7% lower were the chances of being above appropriate BMI-for-age (adjusted OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98). With regard to region of residence, the increment of 1/4 of minimum wage in average per capita income in the region was associated with a 7% increase in the odds of overweight (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 -1.11). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high prevalence of overweight in children enrolled in public schools in early childhood education, particularly those younger and with higher income. These results show the necessity of planning specific actions as public education policies for infant and family feeding, promotion of breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding.

INTRODUÇÃO: O presente estudo justifica-se, inicialmente, pela elevada prevalência de excesso de peso na infância em nosso país e por suas consequências a curto e longo prazo. Porto Alegre possui 34 escolas infantis com cerca de 4.000 crianças, que permanecem na instituição em turno integral. A grande maioria dessas escolas situa-se em locais de grande vulnerabilidade social e praticamente a totalidade das crianças reside próximo às escolas. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação entre a prevalência de excesso de peso em pré-escolares de escolas públicas e condições socioeconômicas da região de localização das escolas. MÉTODOS: As medidas de peso e altura foram provenientes de avaliação antropométrica realizada em todas as crianças matriculadas em escolas públicas de educação infantil de Porto Alegre em 2011. O excesso de peso foi definido como índice de massa corporal para idade > 1 escore z das curvas de crescimento da Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHO, 2006). Os dados socioeconômicos da região de moradia (alfabetização e renda mensal) foram coletados do Censo IBGE 2010, definidos a partir do setor censitário onde se localiza a escola e todos os setores que o circundam. Análise multinível foi utilizada para verificar as associações entre o desfecho e as variáveis de exposição. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 3.756 crianças, com média de idade de 51,6 meses (dp = 16,4). A prevalência de excesso de peso foi de 35,5%. Em nível individual, maior idade esteve associada a um efeito protetor, uma vez que a cada incremento de 12 meses de vida, as chances de IMC-para-idade acima do adequado foram 7% menores (RC ajustada = 0,93; IC 95% 0,89-0,98). Em relação à região de moradia, o incremento de ¼ de salário mínimo na renda per capita média da região esteve associado a um aumento de 7% nas chances de excesso de peso (RC ajustada = 1,07; IC 95% 1,03-1,11). CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo apresenta elevada prevalência de excesso de peso na população de crianças atendidas em escolas municipais de educação infantil, particularmente naquelas mais jovens e com maior renda. Assim, percebe-se a necessidade de planejamento de políticas públicas de educação alimentar infantil e familiar, promoção de aleitamento materno e alimentação complementar saudável considerando aspectos socioeconômicos do território. / INTRODUCTION: This study is justified due to the high prevalence of overweight in children in our country and its consequences in short and long term. Porto Alegre has 34 elementary schools with about 4,000 children, who remain in the institution fulltime. The vast majority of these schools are located in neighborhood of high social vulnerability and almost all children live near the school. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic conditions of the region of location of schools and the prevalence of overweight among preschool children in public schools. METHODS: Measurements of weight and height are from anthropometric measurements performed in all children enrolled in public child care centers in Porto Alegre in 2011. Overweight was defined as body mass index for age > 1 z score of the growth curves of the World Health Organization. The socioeconomic data of the region of residence (literacy and monthly income) were collected from the IBGE Census 2010, defined as the census tract where the school is located and the all the census tracts that surround it. Multilevel analysis was used to determine associations between the outcome and exposure variables. RESULTS: There were evaluated 3,756 children with an average age 31,6 months (SD 16.4). The prevalence of overweight was 35.5%. At the individual level, higher age was associated with a protective effect, once for each 12 months, 7% lower were the chances of being above appropriate BMI-for-age (adjusted OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98). With regard to region of residence, the increment of 1/4 of minimum wage in average per capita income in the region was associated with a 7% increase in the odds of overweight (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 -1.11). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high prevalence of overweight in children enrolled in public schools in early childhood education, particularly those younger and with higher income. These results show the necessity of planning specific actions as public education policies for infant and family feeding, promotion of breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding.

A community based survey to determine the nutritional status using anthropometric methods, of children and mothers and to assess certain socio-economic factors was carried out during November and December 1986 in Philippi, a predominantly vegetable farming area. Twenty-one (43%) of the 49 vegetable farms which were included in the study were selected by stratified random sampling. All children in the 0-6 year age group and their parents on the selected farms were included in the sample which consisted of 129 children and 212 parents. Questionnaires were administered and subjects' weights and heights were measured. It was found that 47% of children were below the National Centre for Health Statistics 5th percentile weight for age and 58% were under the 5th percentile height for age. There were 47 child deaths out of 279 births over a six-year period, thirty-four of which had occurred in the first year of life. Twenty eight percent of children had a birth weight of less than 2.5 kg. The number of cases of tuberculosis (10%) and severe diarrhoea (31%) contracted within the first year of life is unacceptably high. Twenty four percent of mothers were malnourished in terms of body mass index and fifty five percent of mothers were illiterate. Fifty nine percent of mothers were regular farm workers who worked for an average of 10.2 hours per day and a wage of R0.44 per hour. Grossly inadequate facilities existed for the care of children while the mothers worked. The average amount spent on food was insufficient to maintain normal nutrition. Although 91.5% of mothers breast fed their children and fed for a mean duration of 13.4 months, breast feeding was not exclusive. Supplementary feeding was introduced on average at 3 months of age. The long working hours of working mothers made it difficult for them to breast feed their children satisfactorily. Acceptance of the family planning services was high and immunisation cover was good. These statistics reflect the effects of extreme poverty and neglect of a community which is totally reliant on its employers for its livelihood. The parents poor educational level, coupled with their meagre financial and other physical resources gives them and their children little opportunity to improve their station in life and leaves them open to the scrounge of malnutrition and disease. Similarly, the dearth of educational and other child care facilities will ensure that this disastrous trend continues. A multidisciplinary approach, including active community involvement of both farmers and workers, to the many physical and social problems is urgently needed if the unacceptable human suffering is to be stopped.

MPH / Department of Public Health / Obesity has been viewed as a serious problem that affects people of all ages, races, ethnicity, and political, religious, social and economic status. It presents a major health challenge worldwide, with an estimated 2 to 3 billion of overweight adults and 700 million of obese individuals. A cross- sectional descriptive research survey using quantitative approach was used to collect data from 318 adults aged 18-45 at Tshikota Location.. Data will be analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Cross tabulations and the Pearson’s Chi-square test will be used to obtain the associations and strength of relationship between independent and dependent variables. Results: Higher prevalence of obesity (35.5%) and overweight (28.6%) was found among the sampled population. The prevalence of obesity was found to be higher in males (51.3%) than females (46.7%), males also showed high prevalence in overweight (57.1%) than females (42.9%). There was significant different between socioeconomic status, family history and BMI. 75.2% of the participants who are obese was of those participants who do not engage in physical activity. Majority of the participants (63.5%) take meals 3 times a day and they are more likely to be obese, 19.2% of the participants do not skip breakfast. Mode of transport was positive significant to BMI as a sedentary behaviour. Neighbourhoods environment and psychological factors showed negative significant to BMI. Conclusion: The findings of this study found the prevalence of obesity and overweight to be high among residents of Tshikota Location. Males showed higher prevalence of obesity than females, they also showed high prevalence in overweight compared to that of females. Factors contributing to obesity were found to be diverse, they include socio- demographic, lifestyle, behavioral, environment, psychological and family history. / NRF

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Globally, protein malnutrition remains problematic, adversely affecting several systems including the immune system. Although poorly understood, protein restriction severely disrupts host immunity and responses to infection. Induction of high-affinity, long-lasting immunity depends upon interactions between B and T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes exploit several pathways including endocytosis, macroautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy to capture and deliver antigens to the endosomal network. Within the endosomal network antigens are processed and loaded onto major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules for display and recognition by T lymphocytes. To examine the effect of macronutrient malnutrition on MHC class II antigen presentation, we grew B lymphocytes in media containing amino acids, sugars and vitamins but lacking serum, which contains several types of macronutrients. Our studies show macronutrient stress amplified macroautophagy, favoring MHC class II presentation of cytoplasmic antigens targeted to autophagosomes. By contrast, macronutrient stress diminished MHC class II presentation of membrane antigens including the B cell receptor (BCR) and cytoplasmic proteins that utilize the chaperone-mediated autophagy pathway. The BCR plays a critical role in MHC class II antigen presentation, as it captures exogenous antigens leading to internalization and degradation within the endosomal network. While intracellular protease activity increased with macronutrient stress, endocytic trafficking and proteolytic turnover of the BCR was impaired. Addition of high molecular mass macronutrients restored endocytosis and antigen presentation, evidence of tightly regulated membrane trafficking dependent on macronutrient status. Cytosolic chaperone HSC70 has been shown to play a role in endocytosis, macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy and proteolysis by the proteasome, potentially connecting distinct routes of antigen presentation. Here, altering the abundance of HSC70 was sufficient to overcome the inhibitory effects of nutritional stress on BCR trafficking and antigen presentation suggesting macronutrient deprivation alters the availability of HSC70. Together, these results reveal a key role for macronutrient sensing in regulating immune recognition and the importance of HSC70 in modulating distinct membrane trafficking pathways during cellular stress. These results offer a new explanation for impaired immune responses in protein malnourished individuals.

Text in English / Due to the fact that many adolescents do not follow a balanced diet, an investigation into the eating habits of adolescents was undertaken. Much research has been done on eating disorders but little research has been done on the concomitants and possible precursors to unhealthy eating habits among adolescents. A literature study was done to clarify which factors cause unhealthy eating habits. The developmental aspects of adolescence and the reciprocal effect on eating habits was also investigated. A valid and reliable measuring instrument was developed in order to measure eating habits of adolescents. This instrument was used in an empirical investigation including 340 respondents with the aim of determining the most important factors, which relate to the eating behaviour of adolescents. Educational implications of the findings are discussed in order to provide curriculum developers, teachers, parents, counsellors and the media with guidelines to help children to adopt healthy eating habits. / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

MPH / Department of Public Health

Children less than five years of age are at a risk of growth failure worldwide. The South African National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) of 1999 showed that 25.5% of children aged 1 - 3 years were stunted. Poor growth of young children in developing countries (South Africa included) has been associated with multiple micronutrient deficiencies because of the use of starchy plant-based complementary foods with little variety, especially among resource poor households. Dietary diversification through the use of crop and livestock production has been recommended as a strategy to improve the micronutrient intake and food security of households in resource poor settings. This study was a cross sectional secondary analysis of the South African NFCS of 1999 data, designed to investigate the impact of crop and livestock production on nutrient intake, dietary diversity, intake of selected food groups, hunger perceptions and anthropometric status of children aged 1 - 3 years in South Africa. Children from households producing crops only (n=211), crops and livestock (n=110), livestock only (n=93) and non-producers were compared at the national, in rural areas and among households with a total income of less than R12 000.00 per household per year. In rural areas and among households with a total income of less than R12 000.00 per household per year, children in the crops and livestock group had higher nutrient intakes for energy, vitamin 86, calcium and folate than the other groups (p<0.05), while the crops only group had higher nutrient intakes for vitamin A and vitamin C. The majority of children in all the four study groups had less than 67% of the RDAs for vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron and zinc. In addition , children in all the groups had a median dietary diversity score of four out of 13 food groups. In rural areas and among low income households, higher percentages (over 60%) of children in the crops only group consumed vegetables while the non-producers group was the lowest (47.7%). The non-producers group had the highest percentages of children consuming meat and meat products and the crops and livestock and livestock only groups had the lowest percentages. In both rural areas and among households withlow income, the majority of the households in all the study groups were experiencing hunger. In rural areas, one in five households were food secure. Crop and livestock production improved the nutrient intake and the intake of vegetables of children in rural and poor households. However, nutrient intakes were not adequate to meet the recommended nutrient levels. The high levels of food insecurity require support of these households to increase crop and livestock production and, integration of nutrition education to increase the consumption of the produced products. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.