When classifying nutritional status in children with WT, the utilisation of weight and height in isolation can lead to an underestimation of the prevalence of malnutrition. Nutritional assessment of children with WT should also include MUAC and TSFT. Early aggressive nutritional resuscitation is recommended.

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Background: Internationally, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (RTEBC) make an important contribution to the nutritional intake of children. Significant differences have been found between the nutritional quality of children and non-children's RTEBC. South Africa has strict legislation regarding the use of nutrition claims to promote products. Objectives: To determine i) differences in nutritional quality between children's and non-children's RTEBC; and, ii) compliance of nutrition claims with current legislation. Outcome measures: An analysis of the nutrient content per 100 g and per recommended serving size; an audit of nutrient content claims. Design: This study examined the packages of 134 RTEBC that were categorised into children's cereal and six types of nonchildren's cereal. Results: Children's cereals formed 21% (n = 28) of the sample and were significantly more likely to have sugar as the first or second ingredient listed. Per 100 g, children's cereals contained significantly more carbohydrates, sugar and sodium than nonchildren's cereal collectively. Per 100 g and per serving, non-children's cereal was significantly higher in protein, fat and dietary fibre compared to children's cereal. Seventy-eight percent of all RTEBC (n = 104) had a nutrient content claim and 2% (n = 3) had a comparative claim. The most common claim was regarding dietary fibre (69 claims) followed by vitamins and minerals (65 claims). Ten nutrient claims were not compliant with legislation. Conclusion: Significant differences in nutritional quality exist between South African children's and non-children's RTEBC. Food manufacturers need to be more vigilant regarding nutrient claims and adhere to the labelling legislation.

A study was undertaken to quantify added sugar intake; to show the association between added sugar intake and body mass index (BMI); and to identify determinants of added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects: Non-probability sampling was used to recruit a sample of 387 undergraduate students, aged 18-25 years: 128 males and 259 females. Setting: The study was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. Outcome measures: BMI was calculated using weight and height. The mean added sugar and dietary energy intake was measured using a 24-hour dietary recall. The frequency and mean amount of added sugars consumed was analysed using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: Females (66.1%), Black Africans (90.4%), and students living away from home (76.7%) formed the majority of the study sample. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.1% and 8.5%, respectively, with 64.9% of students having a normal BMI. There was a significant association between the frequency of consuming flavoured milks, hot chocolate drinks, jam and chocolate bars and BMI. Female students and those living at home consumed added sugars significantly more frequently than their counterparts. Taste and price were significantly associated with purchasing/consuming SSBs. Conclusion: A significant association between the frequency of consuming certain food items containing added sugar and the students' BMI was observed. Poor dietary habits could impact negatively on an individual's weight status, thus highlighting the need for strategies to promote healthier dietary and lifestyle behaviours among young adults.

Background: Assessment of nutritional status of paediatric oncology patients is crucial, as it may influence treatment and clinical outcomes. Concurrent malnutrition and cancer in children may lead to reduced chemotherapy delivery due to impaired tolerance and increased toxicity. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nutritional status and the prevalence, frequency and duration of treatment-related neutropenia in a cohort of South African children with nephroblastoma. Methods: Seventy-seven children between the ages of 1 and 12 years diagnosed with nephroblastoma at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), Durban, between 2004 and 2012, were studied prospectively. Nutritional status was assessed using weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT) and serum albumin. The administration of filgastrim (Neupogen®) was used as a surrogate for neutropenia and the frequency and duration of its use was recorded. Results: There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of treatment-induced neutropenia and malnutrition defined by MUAC. The mean frequency and duration of neutropenia was significantly higher in those classified as malnourished using MUAC. There was a positive correlation between frequency and duration of neutropenia. Conclusions: Malnutrition was prevalent among children with nephroblastoma. The prevalence of treatment-induced neutropenia was higher in those with poor nutritional status, identified by MUAC. Poor nutritional status according to MUAC was also linked to an increased frequency and duration of neutropenia. It is important to include MUAC in the nutritional assessment of children with nephroblastoma.

International studies have highlighted the benefit of using a whole-food, plant-based diet (WFPBD) in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is imperative to gather the opinions of dietitians on this diet, in order to assess whether it is a suitable treatment option for the prevention of NCDs in South Africa. Objective: The aim was to determine whether dietitians would use a WFPBD to address NCDs, by assessing their opinions on the benefits and barriers of this diet. Methods: A cross-sectional study, using an online survey of dietitians who are practising in KwaZulu-Natal (n = 101). Results: Dietitians who work for the government were significantly more likely to have patients with NCDs referred than dietitians in private practice. The subjects reported that the training surrounding WFPBD was inadequate at university level; however, a significant sample was confident about prescribing this diet and they were interested in improving their knowledge on this topic. The strongest perceived benefits of a WFPBD were its association with improved fibre intake and the reduced consumption of saturated fats. The strongest barriers against prescribing a WFPBD were the lack of public awareness concerning the diet and personal preference for the consumption of meat and animal-sourced foods. Conclusion: Although the general opinion of a WFPBD was positive, the perceived barriers indicated suggest that this diet may be difficult to implement for the management of NCDs, particularly in the poverty-stricken areas of South Africa.