Poor nutritional status in older black South Africans

Abstract

A cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken to describe the nutritional status and dietary intake of the elderly black population of Cape Town. A stratified proportional sample of 148 men and women aged 60 years and older (mean = 68.9+/-5.7) was selected from informal and formal peri-urban settlements. The study population was predominantly urbanized, although most subjects had migrated from non-urban areas. Trained fieldworkers conducted a 24-h recall dietary assessment and performed anthropometrical measurements. Mean energy intakes fell below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for both men and women; 27% and 36% of men and women, respectively, had energy intakes <67% RDA. Total fat intake was low and contributed 24-26% total energy. Mean dietary fibre intake was low at 11-16 g/day. Mean intakes fell below the RDA for vitamin D, calcium, zinc and vitamin B6. Less than two and a half servings per day were consumed from the vegetable and fruit group and less than one serving per day from the calcium-rich food group. Over half (51.3%) of the women and 18% of the male were obese (body mass index > or =30). We concluded that older black subjects in Cape Town have energy profiles in line with prudent dietary guidelines and more favorable than other elderly groups in the country, with regard to atherogenic risk. However, micronutrient and dietary fiber intake is inadequate, largely due to low reported energy intakes, particularly in women.

Reciprocal seasonal variation in vitamin D status and tuberculosis notifications in Cape Town, South Africa

“…Vitamin D status was determined in August through September in this study, precluding investigation of a seasonal effect on vitamin D status. A cross-sectional study of dietary intake among 148 black Capetonians aged ≥60 y found mean vitamin D intake below the recommended daily amount (35), and our finding of a significant seasonal variation in vitamin D status suggests that cutaneous synthesis is a major determinant of vitamin D status in this setting. The winter/spring trough in serum 25(OH)D concentrations that we report is likely to arise as a consequence of decreased ambient UVB light, decreased time spent out of doors, and increased clothing worn during these periods (22).…”

Vitamin D Deficiency Increases the Risk for Moderate to Severe Disease Activity in Crohn's Disease Patients in South Africa, Measured by the Harvey Bradshaw Index

“…Notably, TBH receives all 25(OH)D concentration requests in the Cape Metropole area, including those from GSH and Red Cross Hospital. Ethnic differences in vitamin D status have been described in South Africa [37]; in addition, 25(OH)D concentrations have often been described [38][39][40][41]. The latter is largely attributed to the fact that 25(OH)D is primarily derived from ultraviolet (UV) sunlight exposure to the skin but that the amount of UV permeation to the skin is inversely correlated with skin pigmentation.…”

Dietary intake, nutrition, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

“…Each respondent was queried about food and liquid consumption in a 24-hour dietary recall [45,46]. Field interviewers asked detailed questions to ascertain everything each woman drank or ate in the day preceding her interview by portion size, type, preparation, and seasoning.…”