Abstract:
AIM: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of non-pregnant women of childbearing age residing in a rural area of Limpopo Province, South Africa, and the effect of fortification of staple foods on their folate and iron status. The following objectives were carried out:
To assess the socio-demographic status and maternity history of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age.
To determine the following anthropometric measurements; body weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and waist hip ratio of women of childbearing age.
To assess dietary intake of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age using 24-hour recall and quantitative food frequency questionnaires prior to fortification of foods.
To determine folate status of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age by levels of serum and red blood cell folate, and assessing vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels before and after fortification of foods.
To determine iron status of non-pregnant rural women of childbearing age by full blood count, serum ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation and C–reactive protein before and after fortification of foods.
To determine albumin and liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST and GGT) of women of childbearing age before and after fortification.
To assess mycotoxins (i.e. fumonisins) in morogo samples collected randomly among participants from the study area.
