Does sugar taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages alter purchasing behaviour of South African consumers? Perspectives of dietitians and key industry role-players
The prevalence of overweight and obesity, one of the known modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is reaching staggering statistics worldwide, claiming more lives every year.1,2 This dire situation has been highlighted by the increased risk for obese individuals to suffer from severe complications as a consequence of Covid-19.3 While the development of NCDs is linked to interactions of a variety of genetic, environmental and behavioural factors, increased consumption of free sugars in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with weight gain in both children and adults.2,4 Consumption patterns of SSBs vary considerably by geographic location, gender, age and socioeconomic status but are higher in younger age groups, adult males and in middle-income countries.
Prevalence of osteoporosis and factors associated with bone density in HIV-positive kidney transplant candidates and recipients from an HIV-positive donor
Following a kidney transplant, bone mineral density (BMD) decreases by 2.9% to 9.0%, with most changes occurring within the first 18 months. BMD loss is largely, though not exclusively, thought to be due to the high doses of glucocorticosteroids in the early transplant period1 as prior to transplantation, deterioration in bone micro-structure and density from chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disease (CKD-MBD) is already present, and worsened during dialysis. Consequently, both transplant candidates and recipients have a greater prevalence of osteoporosis and a higher frequency of fractures than the general population.
Risk of zinc deficiency among children aged 0–59 months in sub-Saharan Africa: a narrative review
Zinc is an essential element required by many human biological processes such as the normal growth and reproduction of all animals, humans and advanced plants. At subcellular level it is vital for the functionality of more than 300 enzymes, and for the stabilization of DNA and gene expression. Zinc is unique in that the body has no specific storage reserves and is hence classified as a Type II nutrient meaning deficiency causes growth retardation as the body tries to conserve the nutrient.
Adults living with type 2 diabetes experiences of a randomised adapted diabetes nutrition education programme: a qualitative process evaluation
Lifestyle modification with or without medication is the foundation for diabetes management. Alongside lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, physical activity, moderation of alcohol consumption and smoking cessation, people living with diabetes may have to perform other self-care activities such as self-monitoring of blood glucose to ensure glycaemic control. Self-management education is thus critical for self-management.
A plant-based dietary approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Africa: short communication of a multiple-case study
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia and peripheral insulin resistance, accounting for the vast majority of diabetes cases. Between 2015 and 2017, diabetes remained the second leading cause of death among South Africans, but the proportion of deaths have increased from 5.4% to 5.7%. In 2021, it was calculated that a significant proportion, 15.25%, of South Africans have T2DM.
Current practices and challenges of registered dietitians in the nutritional management of children with cerebral palsy in South Africa
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. CP is caused by an injury to the brain or due to abnormal development of the maturing brain. There is limited information available on South African (SA) statistics, yet the latest data describe the prevalence of children with CP in SA (0.3–1%) as higher than the global statistic (0.21%).
The role of plant-based dietary approach in managing type 2 diabetes in South Africa
The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is of great global health concern as it accounts for over 90% of all diabetes globally. Furthermore, the International Federation of Diabetes has reported that increasing overweight and obesity, decreasing levels of physical activity and rapid urbanisation have led to a rising burden of type 2 diabetes in the world. An estimated 462 million individuals are living with type 2 diabetes, which is approximately 6.28% of the global population, with projections of 643 million (11.3%) by 2030. A recent systematic review reported the prevalence of diabetes to be over 15% in South Africa. From 2018 to 2020, diabetes ranked first and second as a natural cause of death in South Africa, with an increase from 5.9% to 6.6%.