Childhood malnutrition is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. The choices of complementary foods, which are important in infant nutrition, are poorly described in this setting. We investigated infant feeding practices in a South African birth cohort, the Drakenstein Child Health Study. Longitudinal feeding data were collected from March 2012 to March 2015. Feeding practices at birth, 6-10 and 14 weeks and 6, 9, and 12 months, were investigated using food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometry was measured at birth and 12 months. The quality of the diet was analyzed using the World Health Organization infant and young child feeding indicators. Regression models were used to explore associations between feeding and growth outcomes at 1 year. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was low (13%), and 19% of infants were introduced to solid foods before 4 months. There was high daily consumption of processed meat (56%) and inappropriate foods such as fruit juice (82%), soft drinks (54%), and refined sugary foods (51%) at 1 year. Dietary diversity and consumption of iron rich foods were low at 6 months (5% and 3%, respectively) but higher by 12 months (75% and 78%). Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a lower height-for-age z-score at 1 year. Several dietary deficits and a rising trend in the consumption of inappropriate nutritionally poor foods were identified. These findings raise concern about poor dietary practices and the impact on child and long-term health.

A B S T R A C TPurpose: The effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on bone metabolism is inconsistent. Most studies are in high income settings and none from sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study in a paediatric epilepsy service with a comparison group assessed vitamin D metabolism.Results: Seventy-five children with epilepsy and 75 comparison group were recruited. Median age for children with epilepsy was 9 years (range 1-17 years) and controls 3 years (range 1-12 years). Vitamin D deficiency occurred in 11(16.2%) children with epilepsy versus 6 (8.8%) control group (p = 0.29). Vitamin D insufficiency occurred in 30 (44.1%) children with epilepsy compared to 27(39.7%) control group. Children on ASMs had lower mean vitamin D levels than the control group (p = 0.02). Children on enzyme-inducing ASMs had lower mean vitamin D levels (p = 0.08), vitaminD 2 (p = 0.0018), vitaminD 3 (p = 0.004), serum phosphate levels (p = 0.000), and higher mean parathyroid hormone levels (p = 0.03) compared to controls. There was no difference in dietary intake and ancestry, although the dietary content of both groups was low in vitamin D products.Conclusions: Low vitamin D levels were common in children from both groups, but statistically lower for the children on ASMs. Children on enzyme-inducing ASMs need screening for vitamin D deficiency. The literature supports extending this for all children on ASMs. This is the first study to report that children on enzymeinducing ASMs have lower levels of Vitamin D 2 and D 3 levels, probably as result of increased destruction of vitamin D. Improved vitamin D intake for children in vulnerable settings is important.in the liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 and subsequently 1α hydroxylation in the kidneys to form 1α, 25 dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 . The degradation of Vitamin D 3 in the kidneys occurs through an enzyme CYP24 to form the metabolites 24, 25 dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 and 1α, 24, 25 trihydroxy-vitamin D 3 [6,7]. In vitro studies support that CYP3A4 catalyzes the hydroxylation of 125 dihydroxy vitamin D 3 into inactive metabolites in the liver and small intestines, where CYP24A1 is nearly absent, which results in decreased intestinal calcium uptake. Notably, CYP3A4 also contributes to the catabolism of 25 hydroxy vitamin D 3 by catalyzing its hydroxylation into 425 dihydroxy vitamin D 3 [8].ASMs induce hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially https://doi.

Background & aims: The Remote Malnutrition Application (R-MAPP) was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide support for health care professionals (HCPs) working in the community to complete remote nutritional assessments, and provide practical guidance for nutritional care. The aim of this study was to modify the R-MAPP into a version suitable for children, Pediatric Remote Malnutrition Application (Pedi-R-MAPP), and provide a structured approach to completing a nutrition focused assessment as part of a technology enabled care service (TECS) consultation. Methods: A ten-step process was completed: 1) permission to modify adult R-MAPP, 2) literature search to inform the Pedi-R-MAPP content, 3) Pedi-R-MAPP draft, 4) international survey of HCP practice using TECS, 5) nutrition experts invited to participate in a modified Delphi process, 6) first stakeholder meeting to agree purpose/draft of the tool, 7) round-one online survey, 8) statements with consensus removed from survey, 9) round-two online survey for statements with no consensus and 10) second stakeholder meeting with finalisation of the Pedi-R-MAPP nutrition awareness tool. Results: The international survey completed by 463 HCPs, 55% paediatricians, 38% dietitians, 7% nurses/ others. When HCPs were asked to look back over the last 12 months, dietitians (n ¼ 110) reported that 5.7 ± 10.6 out of every 10 appointments were completed in person; compared to paediatricians (n ¼ 182) who reported 7.5 ± 7.0 out of every 10 appointments to be in person (p < 0.0001), with the remainder completed as TECS consultations.