Background - Food and nutrition insecurity severely compromises the quality of life in farm communities in South Africa. Although food‐based approaches are more sustainable strategies to address malnutrition, most other strategies only target the alleviation of single micronutrients. Synergies between nutrients demand a wider scope; food‐based strategies need to focus on improving both overall diet quality and the well‐being of rural and urban populations. Agricultural biodiversity is crucial in such strategies to improve food security and health. This thesis aims to investigate the effect of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) on the alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies in school children residing in the North West Province of South Africa. Methods - Four focus group discussions assessed primary caregivers’ (n=29) knowledge, perceptions and use of indigenous and traditional plants. Thereafter, the research focused on the leaves of Amaranthus cruentus (amaranth), Cleome gynandra (spiderplant), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea). Sensory acceptability to children of selected ALV dishes, prepared in a traditional way (n=98) and prepared with gravy, was assessed (n=80). The nutrient composition and the bio‐accessibility of iron and zinc in these ALVs were determined. A randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of consumption of these ALVs on the iron, vitamin A en zinc status of primary school children (grade R – grade 4) followed. Children of two rural farm schools were randomly allocated per grade and school to receive either daily (five days/week) 300 gram cooked ALVs with the school meal starch (N=86) or the normal school meal (N=81) for three months. Results - Caregivers were positive about using ALVs, transferring knowledge from generation to generation. Children found dishes made with ALVs, prepared in the traditional way as well as with gravy, acceptable in terms of colour, smell and taste. ALVs contributed 11.6 ‐ 15.8 mg iron and 1.4 ‐ 3.7 mg zinc per meal. Amaranth‐and‐spiderplant has the highest amount of bio‐accessible iron (0.42 mg iron). All dishes contain 0.3 mg bio‐accessible zinc. At baseline, intervention and control children were deficient for Hb <11.5 g/dL (16.0% and 10.5%), serum ferritin <15 μg/L (16.3% and 18.5%), serum retinol <20 μg/dL (7.0% and 2.5%) and serum zinc <65 μg/dL (75.6% and 75.3%). No significant estimated intervention effect was found. Conclusion - Caregivers possessed knowledge of ALVs and were positive about their use. Based on dialyzable iron and zinc, the contribution of the ALV dishes towards dietary requirements is more substantial for iron than zinc. The randomised controlled trial showed that ALVs unable to improve serum retinol, serum ferritin or hemoglobin in mildly deficient children or those with low status zinc. Furthermore, despite the low zinc status in our population, ALV consumption did not improve serum zinc concentrations. Based on the more theoretical and indirect study results, including both caregivers’ and children’ positive image of ALVs, and the nutrient composition and iron and zinc bio‐accessibility of the ALVs, these selected vegetables do have the potential to contribute to the micronutrient intake of school children. However, the importance of ALVs might not necessary be to serve as a strategy for micronutrient deficiency alleviation, but rather in the diversification of the diet in resource‐poor settings and thereby contribute to the micronutrient intake. / PhD (Nutrition), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Background - Food and nutrition insecurity severely compromises the quality of life in farm communities in South Africa. Although food‐based approaches are more sustainable strategies to address malnutrition, most other strategies only target the alleviation of single micronutrients. Synergies between nutrients demand a wider scope; food‐based strategies need to focus on improving both overall diet quality and the well‐being of rural and urban populations. Agricultural biodiversity is crucial in such strategies to improve food security and health. This thesis aims to investigate the effect of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) on the alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies in school children residing in the North West Province of South Africa. Methods - Four focus group discussions assessed primary caregivers’ (n=29) knowledge, perceptions and use of indigenous and traditional plants. Thereafter, the research focused on the leaves of Amaranthus cruentus (amaranth), Cleome gynandra (spiderplant), Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea). Sensory acceptability to children of selected ALV dishes, prepared in a traditional way (n=98) and prepared with gravy, was assessed (n=80). The nutrient composition and the bio‐accessibility of iron and zinc in these ALVs were determined. A randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of consumption of these ALVs on the iron, vitamin A en zinc status of primary school children (grade R – grade 4) followed. Children of two rural farm schools were randomly allocated per grade and school to receive either daily (five days/week) 300 gram cooked ALVs with the school meal starch (N=86) or the normal school meal (N=81) for three months. Results - Caregivers were positive about using ALVs, transferring knowledge from generation to generation. Children found dishes made with ALVs, prepared in the traditional way as well as with gravy, acceptable in terms of colour, smell and taste. ALVs contributed 11.6 ‐ 15.8 mg iron and 1.4 ‐ 3.7 mg zinc per meal. Amaranth‐and‐spiderplant has the highest amount of bio‐accessible iron (0.42 mg iron). All dishes contain 0.3 mg bio‐accessible zinc. At baseline, intervention and control children were deficient for Hb <11.5 g/dL (16.0% and 10.5%), serum ferritin <15 μg/L (16.3% and 18.5%), serum retinol <20 μg/dL (7.0% and 2.5%) and serum zinc <65 μg/dL (75.6% and 75.3%). No significant estimated intervention effect was found. Conclusion - Caregivers possessed knowledge of ALVs and were positive about their use. Based on dialyzable iron and zinc, the contribution of the ALV dishes towards dietary requirements is more substantial for iron than zinc. The randomised controlled trial showed that ALVs unable to improve serum retinol, serum ferritin or hemoglobin in mildly deficient children or those with low status zinc. Furthermore, despite the low zinc status in our population, ALV consumption did not improve serum zinc concentrations. Based on the more theoretical and indirect study results, including both caregivers’ and children’ positive image of ALVs, and the nutrient composition and iron and zinc bio‐accessibility of the ALVs, these selected vegetables do have the potential to contribute to the micronutrient intake of school children. However, the importance of ALVs might not necessary be to serve as a strategy for micronutrient deficiency alleviation, but rather in the diversification of the diet in resource‐poor settings and thereby contribute to the micronutrient intake. / PhD (Nutrition), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

abstract: A new type of electronics was envisioned, namely edible electronics. Edible electronics are made by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certified edible materials which can be eaten and digested by human body. Different from implantable electronics, test or treatment using edible electronics doesn’t require operations and perioperative complications. This dissertation bridges the food industry, material sciences, device fabrication, and biomedical engineering by demonstrating edible supercapacitors and electronic components and devices such as pH sensor. Edible supercapacitors were fabricated using food materials from grocery store. 5 of them were connected in series to power a snake camera. Tests result showed that the current generated by supercapacitor have the ability to kill bacteria. Next more food, processed food and non-toxic level electronic materials were investigated. A “preferred food kit” was created for component fabrication based on the investigation. Some edible electronic components, such as wires, resistor, inductor, etc., were developed and characterized utilizing the preferred food kit. These components make it possible to fabricate edible electronic/device in the future work. Some edible electronic components were integrated into an edible electronic system/device. Then edible pH sensor was introduced and fabricated. This edible pH sensor can be swallowed and test pH of gastric fluid. PH can be read in a phone within seconds after the pH sensor was swallowed. As a side project, an edible double network gel electrolyte was synthesized for the edible supercapacitor. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Chemical Engineering 2019

No description available.

Many of the world’s children, particularly those living in developing countries, subsist on diets that seldom vary and often do not allow for an adequate intake of the complete range of nutrients required for healthy living. Of concern is the absence of regular consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit that provide vitamin A which, if deficient, impairs children’s growth and development. In South Africa about 21% of children under the age of six years attend crèche facilities on a daily basis. The nutritional state of meals provided to children at many crèches tends to lack micronutrients, particularly vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is the main nutritional problem facing crèche children in South Africa today. Underlying causes are unsatisfactory diets restricted in variety and minimal knowledge of optimal dietary practices, a situation exacerbated by a high incidence of food insecurity. Limpopo is a province seriously affected by vitamin A deficiency. A South African study, based on a quantitative research paradigm, was undertaken (April-September 2007) in Thulamela municipality with the aim of developing and implementing nutrition strategies to improve crèche children’s consumption of vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit, as advocated by an officially recognised food-based dietary guideline. Through convenience sampling, 100 caregivers from 20 crèches in the study area responded to questionnaires and participated in a game. Ongoing observation continued. Information about the participants, their nutrition knowledge and the meals provided was collected following the triple-A cycle approach (assessment, analysis and action). The research process was structured in three phases. Phase one involved a situational assessment and analysis that provided baseline information. Limitations contributing to the problem under investigation were identified and data showed that the children’s intake of vitamin A from vegetables and fruit at crèches was low. This was found to be due to a lack of knowledge and information about vitamin A, coupled with the unavailability and inaccessibility of food primarily due to non-production and affordability. Food preparation, storage and preservation also posed challenges to caregivers. Using evidence from documented studies and the findings from phase one, nutrition strategies were developed and implemented in phase two. Caregivers were shown how to increase the availability and use of foods rich in vitamin A and were encouraged to grow, and use, both cultivated and non-cultivated vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit. Furthermore, the concept of the food-based dietary guideline “eat plenty of vegetables and fruits everyday” was introduced to the caregivers and became part of the developed nutrition strategies. Follow-up data collected in phase three showed substantial advancement in caregivers’ knowledge and skills. Access, availability and utilisation of vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruit had improved markedly. Flourishing vegetable gardens, planned menus and well prepared meals were concrete evidence, and vegetables and fruit were more frequently served to children. Implementation of the developed nutrition strategies epitomised the envisaged outcome of this study. Based on the research results, important recommendations are made to enhance the appropriate consumption of vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin A, leading to a reduction in disease and death caused by vitamin A deficiency among children. / Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

This parallel randomized control trial study assessed the effect of food-based strategies in improving the haemoglobin level; decreasing anaemia and thus the iron status of pregnant women. The study randomized 195 anaemic women enrolled from four randomly selected health centres in Dire Dawa while attending ANC into two intervention groups and control; and followed for 12weeks. The study intervened diet-based supplementation of 90mg/day vitamin C divided and consumed in three doses; combined with nutrition education intervention in intervention group 1; while only nutrition education intervention in group 2. Dietary diversity was assessed using past 24-hours and 7-days dietary recall approaches and haemoglobin levels were determined at baseline and end-line and compared to analyse treatment effects. By end of the study, intervention group 1 and 2 had significantly increased mean haemoglobin by 0.77 ± 0.11gm/dl and 0.398 ± 0.073gm/dl respectively; however, the control had significant decrease by -0.193 ± 0.05gm/dl. Anaemia prevalence also significantly decreased by 29% and 19.7% in intervention group 1 and 2 respectively. However, all women in the control were anaemic. Intervention group 1 and 2 also had significantly higher dietary diversity, consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, nutritional knowledge and modification practices. The researcher thus concludes that diet-based vitamin C supplementation integrated with nutrition education has a significant effect in improving haemoglobin, decreasing anaemia and thus improving the iron status of pregnant women in Dire Dawa. Based on the findings, the researcher developed a framework for an integrated food-based strategy for improving the iron status of pregnant women in Ethiopia. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Thesis (MNutr--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction Malnutrition, in both adults and children, is a problem worldwide with negative health consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) therefore initiated the implementation of country-specific food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) to be used as an educational tool to address nutrition-related health issues. They further suggested consumer testing to evaluate the comprehension and cultural acceptability thereof prior to the release of country-specific FBDGs. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were recommended for consumer testing. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the comprehension and applicability of the 2007 version of the preliminary South African paediatric food-based dietary guidelines (PFBDGs) for healthy infants aged 6–12 months in Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa. Specific objectives included qualitative evaluation of exposure to preliminary PFBDGs, participants’ interpretation thereof, cultural acceptability and practical application of the guidelines. Socio-demographic information was collected to determine whether these factors could potentially exert an influence on the comprehension and applicability of the FBDGs. This study could further inform emerging efforts to update public health initiatives to educate mothers/caregivers of infants. Methodology An observational, cross-sectional study design was followed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods. FGDs were utilised to assess comprehension of the PFBDGs and gather insight into perceptions, attitudes and appropriateness of the PFBDGs. Quantitative data were collected by means of a questionnaire regarding the socio-demographic profiles of participants. Setting This study focused on two small, densely populated towns, Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa, in the north western district of Tshwane in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The areas represent relatively low socio-economic communities that include a mix of formal and informal urban setting. Participants Twenty-seven Northern Sotho-speaking mothers and caregivers of infants aged 6–12 months participated in a total of six FGDs. Each FGD was attended by between three and six participants. Results None of the participants had previous exposure to the PFBDGs, although they were familiar with most of the concepts. Guidelines were generally well received and understood, but a few were misinterpreted; particularly those pertaining to “enjoy time with your baby”, “increase your baby’s meals to five times per day” and “teach your baby to drink from a cup”. These needed further explanation and rephrasing by the investigator to improve their comprehensibility. The guideline pertaining to breastfeeding was the most familiar, well accepted and most generally applied. Quantitative results indicated no significant difference between the socio-demographic profiles of participants in Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa. Participants’ education level, employment status and housing conditions were considered a good representation of the population. It appears that socio-demographic circumstances may affect exposure to, and interpretation and application of the PFBDGs. Conclusion Many of the adjustments recommended from this research is consistent with the changes incorporated in the recently published revised PFBDGs. Supportive documentation, educational material and health campaigns tailored to specific socio-demographic groups may further enhance the interpretation of the revised guidelines and their exposure to the public, once tested and adopted. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding Wanvoeding onder kinders en volwassenes, is ʼn wêreldwye probleem wat, as dit nie aangespreek word nie, ernstige gesondheidsgevolge kan inhou. Die Wêreldgesondheidsorganisasie (WGO) en die Voedsel-en-landbou-organisasie (VLO) het die implementering van voedselgebaseerde dieetriglyne (VGDR) spesifiek aan elke land geïnisieer sodat dit as opleidingshulpmiddel kan dien om voedselverwante gesondheidsprobleme op te los. Daar is voorgestel dat verbruikers die riglyne in fokusgroepbesprekings (FGBs) evalueer om begrip en die kulturele toepaslikheid van bevolking-spesifieke riglyne te toets voordat dit bekendgestel word. Doel Die doel van die studie was om begrip en die toepassing van die 2007 weergawe van die voorlopige Suid-Afrikaanse pediatriese voedselgebaseerde dieetriglyne (PVGDR) vir gesonde kinders van 6–12 maande te bepaal. Spesifieke doelwitte het kwalitatiewe evaluering ten opsigte van blootstelling, deelnemers se interpretasie, kulturele aanvaarbaarheid en praktiese toepassing van die riglyne ingesluit. Sosiodemografiese inligting is ingesamel om te bepaal of daar ʼn verband bestaan tussen hierdie omstandighede en die begrip en toepassing van PVGDR’s. Hierdie studie kan toekomstige pogings ondersteun om openbare-gesondheidsprogramme by te werk en om moeders en versorgers oor babas in te lig. Ontwerp Die studieontwerp was ’n waarnemende deursnit met kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetodes. FGBs was gebruik om die begrip van die PVGDR’s te bepaal en insigte oor die persepsies, houdings en geskiktheid van die PVGDR’s in te samel. Kwantitatiewe data is ingesamel met ʼn vraelys oor die sosiodemografiese profiele van deelnemers. Omgewing Die studie het gefokus op twee klein, digbevolkte stedelike gebiede, Soshanguve en Ga-Rankuwa in Tshwane, die noord-westelike distrik van die provinsie Gauteng in Suid-Afrika. Die areas verteenwoordig relatief lae sosio-ekonomiese gemeenskappe met ʼn mengsel van formele en informele stedelike nedersettings. Deelnemers Die studiegroep het 27 Noord-Sotho-sprekende moeders en versorgers ingesluit wat aan altesaam 6 FGB’s deelgeneem het. Tussen drie en ses deelnemers het elke FGB bygewoon. Resultate Geen deelnemers was voorheen aan PVGDR’s blootgestel nie, hoewel die meerderheid met meeste van die begrippe bekend was. Die riglyne was oor die algemeen goed aanvaar en verstaanbaar, maar ʼn paar was verkeerd geïnterpreteer; veral “geniet tyd saam met jou baba”, “vermeerder jou baba se maaltye na vyf kere per dag” en “leer jou baba om uit ʼn koppie te drink”. Verduideliking en herformulering was nodig om begrip te verbeter. Die riglyne oor borsvoeding was die bekendste, was die beste aanvaar en was in die algemeen toegepas. Kwantitatiewe resultate het aangedui dat die sosiodemografiese profiel van deelnemers uit Soshanguve en dié uit Ga-Rankuwa nie beduidend verskil nie. Deelnemers se opleidingsvlak, werkloosheidstatus en huislike omstandighede het die populasie goed verteenwoordig. Daar is bevind dat sosiodemografiese omstandighede blootstelling aan en begrip en toepassing van PVGDR’s kan beïnvloed. Gevolgtrekking Baie van die wysigings wat voorgestel is deur hierdie studie, stem ooreen met die verandering wat aangebring is in die onlangs gepubliseerde hersiene PVGDR’s. Ondersteunende dokumente, opvoedkundige materiaal en gesondheidsveldtogte vir spesifieke sosiodemografiese groepe sal die korrekte interpretasie van riglyne asook openbare bewusmaking bevorder. Die riglyne kan, met minimale aanpassings, suksesvol as ʼn voedingsverwante opvoedkundige hulpmiddel in die gemeenskap gebruik word. Baie van hierdie aanpassings is reeds aangebring tydens die ontwikkeling van die veranderde PVGDR’s. Die bevindinge van die studie kan ʼn kernbydrae tot die voorstelle lewer, en aanduidings vir voorstelle vir verdere ontwikkeling en evaluering oplewer.

Text in English with abstracts in English, isiXhosa and isiZulu / Mother’s nutrition knowledge, one of the guiding factors in developing children’s healthy eating patterns, has received relatively little research attention. This study determines the influence of demographic factors on mothers’ nutritional knowledge in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Quantitative, exploratory descriptive survey used group administrative questionnaire. Closed and open ended questions solicited data in 350 purposely and conveniently selected respondents. SSPS 26.0 Version analysed the data and Factor Analysis summarized for easy interpretation. Although SA FBDG are based on the current consumption of locally available foods, respondents were largely unaware of this tool. Mothers receive informal education on Dietary Guidelines from health centres, but no one knows the extent to which they understand and apply the information. There is general lack of correlation between nutrition knowledge and its application. Mothers require nutrition education and practical application of FBDG to improve their and children’s nutrition security. / Luncinane kwaye alukho nzulu uphando olukhe lwenziwa ngolwazi lomzalikazi ngendlela yokondla. Olu lwazi yenye yeenqobo zokukhokela isiqhelo sokutya ngokunempilo. Esi sifundo senziwe eMthatha, kwiMpuma Koloni yoMzantsi Afrika kwaye siqwalasela ifuthe leempawu zesimo soluntu kulwazi lomzalikazi ngendlela yokondla. Uphando lwenziwe ngokuqwalasela ulwazi olufunyenwe kubantu abaninzi ngokunika amaqela abantu uludwe lwemibuzo. Imibuzo enempendulo ethe gca (evalekileyo) okanye enempendulo exhomekeke kwizimvo zomntu (evulekileyo) yabuzwa kubantu abangama-350 ababekhethwe ngobuchule. Iinkcukacha zolwazi zahlalutywa ngokusebenzisa ubuchwepheshe beSSPS 26.0 lwaze uhlalutyo olwaziwa ngokuba yiFactor Analysis lwashwankathela ukuze ulwazi olufunyenweyo lutolikeke lula. Nangona isikhokelo sendlela yokutya esaziwa ngokuba yiSouth Africa food-based dietary guidelines (SA FBDG) sisekelwe kukutya okufumanekayo endaweni, abathathi nxaxheba abaninzi kolu phando babengazi nto ngesi sikhokelo. Abazalikazi bafumana imfundo engekho sesikweni ngesikhokelo sendlela yokutya kumaziko empilo, kodwa akukho mntu waziyo ukuba bayiqonda kangakanani, beyilandela kangakanani loo nto bayifundiswayo. Kukho ukungahambelani okuxhaphakileyo eluntwini phakathi kolwazi ngendlela yokutya nokulusebenzisa olo lwazi. Abazalikazi badinga ukufundiswa ngendlela yokutya nokusebenzisa isikhokelo iFBDG ukuze baphucule indlela yokutya bona nabantwana babo ngokukhuselekileyo. / Lusathole ukunakwa okuncane kakhulu kwezocwaningo ulwazi lukamama mayelana nokudla okunomsoco, okungenye yezinto eziqondisayo ekuthuthukiseni izindlela zokudla okunempilo ezinganeni. Lolu cwaningo luzocubungula futhi luhlonze umthelela wezimo zenhlalo ezigabeni zabantu abahlukahlukene olwazini lomama mayelana nokudla okunomsoco eMthatha esifundazweni saseMpumalanga Koloni eNingizimu Afrika. Ucwaningokuhlola (isaveyi) olukhwantithethivu (olugxile emananini kanye nobuningi) oluhlolisisayo futhi oluchazayo, lwasebenzisa iphephamibuzo eligcwaliswa ngababambiqhaza abayiqembu. Imibuzo evalekile kanye nemibuzo evulekile yasetshenziswa ukuthola idatha kubabambiqhaza bocwaningo abangama-350 ababekhethwe ngabomu ukufezekisa izinhloso zocwaningo. I-SSPS 26.0 Version yahlaziya idatha kanti futhi i-Factor Analysis yafingqa idatha ukuze ihumusheke kalula. Nakuba imihlahlandlela yokudla okunomsoco yaseNingizimu Afrika (SA FBDG) isuselwe ekudliweni kokudla okutholakala kuleli lizwe njengamanje, ababambiqhaza babengenalo ulwazi lokuthi kukhona imihlahlandlela enjengalena. Omama bayafundiswa, ngendlela engahlelekile, ezizindeni zezempilo mayelana neMihlahlandlela Yokudla Okunempilo, kodwake akekho owaziyo ukuthi baluqonda kangakanani ulwazi abaluthola lapho, futhi balusebenzisa kangakanani. Kuvamise ukuthi kungabi khona ukuhambisana nokuxhumana phakathi kolwazi oluphathelene nokudla okunomsoco kanye nokusetshenziswa kwalo. Omama bayakudinga ukufundiswa mayelana nokudla okunomsoco futhi kuqinisekiswe ukuthi imihlahlandlela yama-FBDG isetshenziswa ngendlela ephathekayo futhi ebonakalayo ukuze bakwazi ukwenza ngcono ukutholakala kokudla okunomsoco, kubona omama ngokwabo kanye nezingane zabo. / Life and Consumer Sciences / M.C.S.

No description available.

Life and Consumer Sciences / M.A. (Consumer Science)