Regular physical activity is one of the corenrstones of health, and active lifestyles are often promoted to optimise well-being and prevent disease. For significant health benefits, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults (aged 18-64 years) engage in at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of these per week.
Nutrition
The Role of Milk and Dairy Foods in Adolescent Health
The Role of Milk and Dairy Foods in Adolescent Health
Adolescence represents a critical window of opportunity for nutrition interventions, as this period is marked by rapid growth and development alongside the development of lifelong dietary patterns. Milk and dairy products offer a unique combination of bioavailable nutrients essential for adolescent health, including calcium, high-quality protein, and micronutrients that support bone development, muscle growth, cognitive function and immune health. Despite the proven benefits, dairy intake among South African adolescents remains low, contributing to inadequate calcium intake and increased risk for poor health outcomes. This review explores the role of milk and dairy foods in supporting healthy dietary patterns during adolescence, focusing on their nutritional composition, contribution to bone and muscle development, impact on weight regulation and body composition, and potential cognitive benefits. Practical recommendations are provided to promote adequate intake, with emphasis on dairy’s nutrient density and alignment with national dietary guidelines. Ensuring access to and regular consumption of milk and other dairy foods may help bridge nutrient gaps and support long-term health and well-being among adolescents in South Africa.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5, 2025
Iron Micro Particles Improve Digestibility
Iron Micro Particles Improve Digestibility
Iron deficiency is one of the most important nutritional disorders, and can cause health problems. Food fortification with minerals often induces unacceptable organoleptic changes during the preparation process and storage, has low bioavailability and solubility, and is expensive. Micro particle surface modification to obtain novel characteristics can be a useful tool to overcome these problems.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2023
Busting the Dairy Myths
Busting the Dairy Myths – MM1705
Ongoing confusion and misinformation about dairy are hampering the important contribution it makes to the nutritional quality of the South African diet. That is the view of private practising dietitian Dr Tuschka Reynders, at a dieticians seminar, titled “Go with Your Gut.”
Modern Medicine – May 2017
The Role of Nutrition in Pregnancy
The Role of Nutrition in Pregnancy – MM1610
A woman’s suboptimal nutrition during pregnancy affects the development and health of her unborn child into adulthood. The process occurs via epigenetic changes that alter the ‘programming’ of developing organs and tissues. Suboptimal nutrition in utero can also result in these changes being transmitted to the woman’s grandchildren. Nutritional deficiencies can reduce a woman’s chance of conceiving and increase the likelihood of complications during pregnancy. The proportion of women with nutritional deficiencies is high. Nutritional testing and supplementation of women at risk is simple. Nutritional deficiency can also greatly increase the risk of cancer, mental illnesses and cardiovascular disease for the child in adulthood.
Modern Medicine – October 2016
Osteoarthritis Improvement Through Diet Alkalinisation
Osteoarthritis Improvement Through Diet Alkalinisation – MM1508
A study conducted at the MEDSAC hospital in Somerset West, Western Cape by researchers from the University of Stellenbosch, found that the dietary supplementation with A Vogel Multiforce (MF) Alkaline Powder significantly reduced pain, tenderness and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the hands.
Modern Medicine – August 2015
