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Biomedical subjects

D Alnwick

Publications and source records attributed to D Alnwick.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Risks of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism after correction of iodine deficiency by iodized salt.

Biochemical signs of hyperthyroidism, or even overt and possibly lethal clinical hyperthyroidism were reported in 2 severely iodine-deficient African countries (Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo, RDC) soon after the introduction of iodized salt. The 2 countries had access to iodized salt produced in Botswana, as well as 5 other countries in the region, namely Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Therefore, a multicenter study was conducted in these 7 countries to evaluate whether the occurrence of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (IIH) after the introduction of iodized salt was a general phenomenon or corresponded to specific local situations in the 2 affected countries. Two or 3 areas with a past history of severe iodine deficiency that had recently been supplemented with iodized salt were selected in each of the 7 countries. The prevalence of goiter was determined in 4423 schoolchildren in these areas and the concentration of urinary iodine in 2258. Salt factories and health structures were visited for the evaluation of the quality of iodized salt and the possible occurrence of IIH. The study showed that iodine deficiency had been eliminated in all areas investigated, and that the prevalence of goiter had markedly decreased since the introduction of iodized salt. This is a remarkable achievement in terms of public health. However, some areas were now exposed to iodine excess due mostly to a poor monitoring of the quality of the iodized salt and of the iodine intake of the population. In these areas or countries, IIH occurred only when the introduction of iodized salt had been of recent onset (<2 years), namely in Zimbabwe and RDC. In conclusion, the risk of IIH after correction of iodine deficiency is closely related to a recent excessive increment of iodine supply.

Africa↗
PubMed1998

Candidate noninfectious disease conditions.

Important micronutrient deficiencies in at-risk populations can be addressed simultaneously with programmatically cost-effective results. Because of the interaction between many micronutrients, this would also be biologically effective. With adequate investment and political support, the chances of eliminating iodine deficiency as a problem in women of reproductive age and young children and of eliminating vitamin A deficiency as a problem in young children in the future are high. To eliminate iron deficiency and folic-acid-dependent neural tube defects (FADNTDs) in low-income populations, a new set of approaches will have to be developed. These same approaches, if successful, could be used to tackle other important micronutrient deficiencies.

Anemia, Iron-Deficiency↗
PubMed1996

Fermentation--a traditional anti-diarrhoeal practice lost? The use of fermented foods in urban and rural Kenya.

Whereas modern dietary advice emphasizes the importance of freshly preparing food, many African communities leave food to ferment. Fermentation of cereals is a traditional method of reducing the microbial contamination of porridges. Beliefs and consumption patterns of fermented food were examined among mothers of children aged under five and health workers in a rural and urban community in Kenya. The majority (83%) of rural mothers reported that their families regularly consumed fermented food and over half (66%) gave their young children fermented food. In the urban area, fewer mothers (56%) reported that their families ate fermented food and only (40%) gave their children some kind of fermented food. Several reasons for the declining uses of fermented food were given including education by health workers that fermented foods were bad, declining production and availability, and substitution of traditional foods by commercial products such as soft drinks. Health educators need to consider that mothers may be missing out on a potentially useful means of preventing diarrhoea in their children.

Attitude↗
PubMed1995

An evaluation of a project to improve child nutrition in Tanzania.

Dietary bulk has been cited as an important factor influencing the nutritional intake of young children in developing countries. In Tanzania, a potential solution to the problem of dietary bulk in weaning foods, has been the promotion of 'kimea' or 'power flour' which is a cereal grain that has been sprouted (germinated). Flour made from this germinated grain contains amylase and has a thinning effect when added in small quantities to thick porridge thus allowing small children to consume a greater quantity of porridge. Alternatively, the effect of adding kimea to porridge can be seen as improving energy density because more flour can be added to the mixture whilst the same consistency is maintained. The frequency of use of kimea and mothers' perceptions about its value for young child feeding were evaluated in eight villages of Kyela district, Mbeya region, Tanzania. In four villages kimea had been promoted (project villages) and in the other four villages there had been no special programme of promotion (nonproject). A total of 131 mothers attending MCH clinics and 37 dispensary staff were interviewed. Forty two per cent of project village mothers and 18% of nonproject village mothers had heard about the use of kimea for young child feeding but only 45% of these mothers used kimea when preparing porridge for their young children. Reasons for low adoption rates are discussed. Thirty seven per cent of mothers who had heard about kimea were unable to describe correctly how to use it to thin porridge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗