Nutritional parameters in urban and rural Zulus

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Anthropology
• Public Health

Background:

• Assessing nutritional status in diverse populations is crucial for public health.
• Zulu adults in urban (Durban) and rural (Tugela Ferry) settings represent distinct lifestyle environments.
• Understanding nutritional profiles can inform targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare anthropometric, biochemical, and haematological nutritional parameters in urban and rural Zulu adults.
• To identify potential nutritional deficiencies or excesses within these populations.
• To examine the influence of age and geographical location on nutritional status.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 103 urban and 109 rural Zulu adults.
• Measurement of anthropometric (weight, height, arm muscle circumference), biochemical (serum albumin), and haematological parameters.
• Hand grip strength assessed using dynamometry.

Main Results:

• Men generally had ideal weight for height; women were overweight (18% rural, 30% urban).
• Mean arm muscle circumference in men was between the 10th and 20th percentiles.
• Serum albumin levels were normal in both groups and did not significantly decrease with age in men, but did in women.
• Hand grip strength declined with age (P < 0.05).
• Mothers of kwashiorkor-affected infants exhibited normal nutritional profiles.

Conclusions:

• Zulu adults, both urban and rural, exhibit generally adequate nutritional status, particularly concerning serum albumin levels.
• Overweight prevalence in women requires attention, despite normal protein status.
• Age-related decline in muscle strength is observed, alongside a specific decrease in serum albumin in older women.