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Integrated nutrition science: from theory to practice in South Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2007

HH Vorster ,
BM Margetts ,
CS Venter  and
MP Wissing
HH Vorster*
Affiliation:
School of Physiology and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
BM Margetts
Affiliation:
School of Physiology and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
CS Venter
Affiliation:
School of Physiology and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
MP Wissing
Affiliation:
School of Psycho-Social and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
*
*Corresponding author: Email vgehhv@puk.ac.za
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Abstract

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Objective

To describe an integrated, holistic conceptual framework and research paradigm for a better understanding of the nutrition transition in middle- and low-income countries.

Motivation

Current inability effectively to prevent the increasing burden related to changes in food consumption patterns and other health behaviours of populations in transition motivates a new approach for nutrition research and practice. In this proposed approach, broader and integrated dimensions of science and practice may be applied for a better understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Result

Examples from our own studies are given and quoted to illustrate how results from transdisciplinary studies were used to design an integrated, holistic programme to improve quality of life of people infected with HIV.

Conclusion

Based on these experiences it is argued that the more holistic and integrated approach should and could lead to more effective and sustainable interventions to prevent the adverse health consequences of the nutrition transition. At the same time such an approach will contribute to efforts to conserve the environment and also human, living and natural resources.

Keywords

Nutrition transitionMiddle-income countriesLow-income countriesHolistic approachMulti- and transdisciplinarityBiopsychosocial healthEnvironmentCultureUrbanisation
Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 8 , Issue 6a , September 2005 , pp. 760 - 765
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2005

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