Potchefstroom

Young women living with overweight OW or obesity OB face a higher risk of iron deficiency and anemia due to factors like inadequate dietary iron intake, poor iron bioavailability, and iron losses from menstruation and the gastrointestinal tract. This research evaluates iron absorption and losses over a long period in young South African women living with and without OW or OB. It also studies iron and inflammation status and dietary iron intake as important secondary outcomes. The study is a longitudinal interventional trial with two phases. In phase 1, 70 healthy, mildly- and non-anemic women receive a single test drink containing a 15 mg dose of isotopically labelled ferrous sulfate with ascorbic acid. Iron absorption is measured by the incorporation of the isotope into red blood cells 14 days later. After a one-year equilibration period with monthly health checks and periodic assessments, phase 2 begins with screening and an antihelminthic dose. During phase 2, participants attend four visits over six months for blood samples, dietary recalls, and iron and inflammation assessments, with additional hormonal and inflammatory testing for some participants at specific menstrual cycle phases. Participants are involved in regular health monitoring, including weight, hemoglobin, and pregnancy tests. Researchers collect blood samples at multiple visits to analyze iron absorption, losses, balance, and status, as well as inflammation markers. Dietary intake is tracked through recalls, and body composition and anthropometric measures are recorded. The study includes detailed menstrual cycle tracking for eligible participants. Outcomes focus on iron absorption and losses, with safety and health monitored throughout, and total participation spans over one year and six months during the two study phases.

Researchers are conducting a nationwide study in South Africa to develop the first nationally representative blood pressure and anthropometric reference values for children aged 5 to under 18 years. This study addresses the lack of appropriate African ancestry data, which currently results in reliance on European and US standards that may not suit the South African paediatric population. The goal is to improve understanding of blood pressure and hypertension in children and to establish clinical guidelines tailored to this population. The study involves measuring blood pressure and body measurements in a randomized sample of approximately 22,464 school-aged children from all provinces and various urban, peri-urban, and rural settings. Data collection will take place over five years, capturing a diverse group representative of South Africas ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These measurements will be used to create nomograms and inform national guidelines for hypertension management in children. Participants will have their blood pressure and anthropometric data collected during the study period. Researchers will analyze these data to determine normal reference values and develop clinical practice guidelines for managing childhood hypertension. The information gathered will also support community engagement and awareness initiatives. The studys findings aim to guide healthcare providers and inform national health policies for better paediatric hypertension care in South Africa.

Researchers are studying how individual health behaviors and broader societal factors like environment, policies, and health system quality affect health outcomes such as death and the development of chronic diseases. This study also explores genetic influences on non-communicable diseases through both a cross-sectional and a prospective cohort approach. It aims to understand these relationships across different socioeconomic and health resource settings worldwide. Participants are adults aged 35 to 70 years at enrollment. The study involves observing various health-related behaviors, societal determinants including built environment, food and nutrition policies, psychosocial and socioeconomic factors, and tobacco use. Researchers will track the incidence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, hypertension, and injuries over time, without administering any specific treatments. Participants will be followed for an average of 10 years, during which researchers will monitor health events such as new cases of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses, hospitalizations, and mortality. Data will be collected on genetic factors and changes in risk factors like smoking and diet. The study measures the impact of health systems and environmental influences on outcomes. Participants will be involved through regular assessments but will not receive interventions as this is an observational study.