Muthulisi Siwela

• Professor
• Professor (Associate) at University of KwaZulu-Natal

Background Consuming a variety of food groups is a proxy indicator of micronutrient adequacy among women of reproductive age (WRA). This study examined the association between minimum food group production diversity (MFGPD) and minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W); and the correlation between food group production diversity (FGPD) and women’...

Food from trees and green spaces can diversify diets and enhance food and nutrition security for households. However, sourcing food from these areas often receives little attention in addressing nutrition issues. This study assessed the contribution of trees and green spaces to household food consumption and nutrition in the eThekwini Municipal Are...

Background Consumsing a variety of food groups is a proxy indicator of micronutrient adequacy among women of reproductive age (WRA). This study examined the association between minimum food group production diversity (MFGPD) and minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W); and the correlation between food group production diversity (FGPD) and women...

Background Globally, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) disproportionately affects pregnant women due to the increased physiological demands of iron associated with fetal growth and development. However, the highest burden of IDA is on pregnant women who reside in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) because they predominantly consume staple legumes...

We investigated the trajectory of depressive symptoms (“depression”) from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa (March 2020) until 2021, between individuals with and without pre-pandemic depression, specifically regarding the role of food security. Our investigation used publicly available panel data (N = 6,930) from the South African...

Uganda's lactating mothers are vulnerable to deficiencies of vitamin A and iron because they consume plant‐based conventional foods such as white‐fleshed sweet potato (WFSP) and non‐iron biofortified common bean (NIBCB) that are low in provitamin A (PVA) and iron, respectively. A PVA carotenoid–iron‐rich dish was prepared from a combination of oran...

Background Lactating mothers are at higher risk for developing the two leading micronutrient deficiencies of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and iron deficiency (ID) because of the physiological demands of vitamin A and iron that increase during breastfeeding. However, Uganda’s lactating mothers are more vulnerable to VAD and ID because they consume pla...

Background: In South Africa (SA), there is a reported shift from the consumption of grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables by most households to the consumption of easily accessible, high-energy, ultra-processed foods. Despite their high nutritional value and affordability, indigenous, local, traditional wild and domesticated plant foods abundant i...

Food insecurity continues to be a burden for many South Africans. The production and consumption of fruits and vegetables have a potential role in improving household food security and are considered one of the critical pathways for reducing food insecurity and malnutrition levels in the country. This paper set out to determine the effect of fruits...

Poor complementary feeding is a common practice in developing regions, including South Africa (SA), and is one of the main contributing factors to childhood malnutrition. This paper reviews the literature on complementary feeding practices in SA and the potential of fortifying home-prepared complementary foods with Moringa oleifera to improve their...

The high prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major concern in Africa. This problem could be resolved through the nutritional use of locally available underutilized tree seeds such as those from Trichilia species. This study determined and compared the amino acid profile, functional properties, and secondary structure of the protein...

One of the most significant issues faced by many low- and middle-income nations, including South Africa, is ensuring access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. South Africa is renowned worldwide for its rich biodiversity and a vast body of traditional knowledge among those who consume forest foods. However, despite ecological diversity, f...

Undernutrition is prevalent in developing regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), especially among children under five. Biofortification of staple crops and using indigenous and traditional crops could be an affordable and sustainable strategy together with other existing strategies to reduce undernutrition. This study aimed to determine th...

Moringa leaf has been widely used in the enrichment of staple foods due to its high nutritional value and hypoglycaemic, immune boosting, antiviral, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, the acceptability of these products is generally low due to the green colour impacted by the colour of Moringa leaf. Decolourisation of the leaves may...

The use of Moringa oleifera leaves in foods is limited due to the green coloration that negatively impacts consumer acceptability. Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) was decolorized under optimized conditions of extraction time (10‐30 min), solute to solvent ratio (1:20 to 1:5 w/v), and solvent concentration (50‐95% v/v) using Box‐Behnken design (...

Background Complementary foods are required to be given timeously, in adequate amounts, prepared safely and must be nutritious. Caregivers play a vital role in ensuring that the complementary feeding transition and beyond happens optimally to achieve normal growth and development in their children. Objective The aim was to explore what factors inf...

Diabetes mellitus (DM) results from the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin or weakened cellular response to the insulin produced, which leads to hyperglycemia. Current treatments of DM focus on the use of oral hypoglycemic drugs such as acarbose, alpha-glucose inhibitors, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and biguanides to co...

Complementary foods are important in ensuring adequate nutrition in infants and young children. Commercially available complementary foods are usually nutrient dense and sufficient to meet recommended nutrient requirements. However, these foods are usually unaffordable by resource-poor populations resulting in need for low-cost traditionally formul...

Edible insects may be a sustainable source of protein and some other nutrients, especially for low economic status communities. The current study determined the influence of insect type, geographic location and cooking method on the nutritional composition of insects. The investigation would contribute to maximal derivation of the nutritional benef...

Under- and over-nutrition co-exist as the double burden of malnutrition that poses a public health concern in countries of the developing regions, including South Africa (SA). Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five years are the most affected by malnutrition, especially in rural areas. Major contributing factors of malnutr...

Amahewu is a fermented maize-based gruel or beverage consumed mainly in Southern Africa. The nutritional and sensory properties of amahewu may vary with inoculum type, maize type and the prevailing fermentation conditions. Furthermore, these properties may be enhanced through enrichment and fortification. This review seeks to provide up-to-date inf...

Amahewu is a traditional fermented beverage made from white maize that is widely consumed in South Africa. In this study, amahewu was prepared from provitamin A-biofortified maize (PBM) and different inocula and the nutritional properties of the beverage were assessed using standard methods. The amahewu samples were prepared by fermenting maize por...

The risk of child vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in low and middle income countries (LMICs) begins during the age range of complementary feeding (6–24 months), when children are fed complementary foods (CFs) deficient in vitamin A. However, pumpkin, a source of provitamin A carotenoids (PVACs) is widely cultivated in LMICs, but underutilized as a compl...

Edible insects have a varied nutritional value and have been a part of the human diet since the early ages. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) remains a challenge, particularly in developing regions, because of prevalent poverty and food insecurity and the high prices of conventional animal protein sources. There is an urgent need to find alternativ...

Noodles are a popular starchy food among youth and children. However, they are not nutritionally adequate as a single meal. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Amaranthus leaf powder (ALP) addition on the nutritional composition, physical quality and consumer acceptability of instant noodles. Instant noodle samples were developed by...

This study assessed the gross-structure, micro-structure, physical characteristics and nutritional composition of Trichilia emetica and Trichilia dregeana seeds. T. emetica and T. dregeana seeds have potential for commercialization and improved food security, yet they are under-utilized and under-researched. The gross- and micro-structure of the se...

Provitamin A-biofortified maize could contribute to the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to a high consumption of starchy, maize-based diets. Four varieties of provitamin A biofortified maize were studied for grain colour, grain texture, thousand kernel weight, and hectolitre mass. Provitamin A...

Fortifying popular, relatively affordable, but nutrient-limited staple foods, such as bread, with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP), could contribute significantly to addressing under nutrition, especially protein and mineral deficiencies, which are particularly prevalent among a large proportion of populations in sub-Saharan African countries. T...

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Relying on unexploited and regionally available rich sources of proteins such as insects and sorghum might contribute towards addressing PEM among at-risk populations. Insects are high in nutrients, especially protein, and are abundant in SSA. Sorghum is adapte...

Pumpkin is a potential rich source of vitamin A precursors called provitamin A ca-rotenoids (PVACs), while common bean is a potential rich source of iron and zinc. This study evaluated the effect of cooking locally available pumpkin, Sweet cream (Cucurbita moschata) on PVACs retention in Uganda. Furthermore, the effect of cooking locally available...

Background: Ugandan children are fed homemade complementary foods (CFs) which are usually deficient in vitamin A, iron and zinc. Novel homemade CFs rich in vitamin A, iron and zinc need to be developed, and assessed for their acceptability among target children. Objective: Homemade provitamin A carotenoids (PVACs), iron and zinc-rich complementa...

In many poorer parts of the world, biofortification is a strategy that increases the concentration of target nutrients in staple food crops, mainly by genetic manipulation, to alleviate prevalent nutrient deficiencies. We reviewed the (i) prevalence of vitamin A, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies; (ii) availability of vitamin A, iron and Zn biof...

Cassava flours obtained from 6 cassava varieties grown in Zambia were incorporated into wheat flour for bread making. The effect of cassava variety (CV) and cassava flour substitution level (CFSL) (wheat:cassava, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30) on dough rheology and bread quality were investigated. Dough rheology and bread baking were determined using the Bra...

Ugandan children are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency (VAD), iron deficiency (ID) and zinc deficiency (ZnD) because they are fed on complementary foods (CFs) low in vitamin A, iron and zinc. This study developed a novel provitamin A carotenoid (PVAC), iron and zinc rich common bean pumpkin blend (BPB) complementary food (CF) from locally availabl...

Insects are abundant in the predominantly sub-Saharan Africa region and are generally high in protein. Wheat grain contains gluten that is vital for the quality of baked goods but does not grow well in warm regions. Partial substitution of wheat with sorghum and insect in biscuits could contribute to food security among vulnerable populations. This...

Background Homemade complementary foods (CFs) fed to children in Uganda are usually devoid of vitamin A, iron and zinc. Novel homemade CFs rich in vitamin A, iron and zinc need to be developed, and assessed for their acceptability among target children. Objective Homemade provitamin A carotenoid (PVAC), iron and zinc-rich complementary food (CF), c...

Background Ugandan children are fed homemade complementary foods (CFs) which are usually deficient in vitamin A, iron and zinc. Novel homemade CFs rich in vitamin A, iron and zinc need to be developed, and assessed for their acceptability among target children. Objective Homemade provitamin A carotenoids (PVACs), iron and zinc-rich complementary fo...

Fermented foods are produced at household level for personal consumption in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). In this study, we determined the biochemical aspects, enumeration, isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in emasi and emahewu – two Swazi traditional fermented foods. Emasi had an average pH of 4.68, titrata...

The nutrient, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf powder (MLP) were measured to assess the potential of MLP for improving the nutritional and phytochemical profile of white maize soft porridge used as complementary food in selected rural areas of South Africa. Increasing the concentration of MLP from 0%...

Severe wasting affects 16 million children globally, while 159 million children have stunted growth. In South Africa, some 2.3 million children are undernourished. Snacking plays a pivotal role in the diets of children; however, the consumption of unhealthy snacks or ‘junk’ food poses a serious risk to a child's nutritional status. The aim of this...

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is prevalent in South Africa, particularly among predominantly poor rural communities. Provitamin A (PVA)-biofortified crops could be used to address VAD; however, there are challenges of poor consumer acceptability. This study investigated the effect of replacing white maize and cream-fleshed sweet potato (CFSP) with PVA...

The effect of wet cooking on the nutritional and functional properties of two Bambara groundnut landraces and a reference dry bean was studied. Wet cooking increased the amino acid concentration of the Bambara landraces for most of the amino acids tested, but the methionine content of the two Bambara landraces and the reference bean decreased by ap...

Amahewu is a fermented non-alcoholic cereal grain beverage, popular in Southern Africa. This study evaluates the possibility of producing an acceptable provitamin A (PVA)-biofortified maize amahewu, complemented with bambara flour, to contribute towards the alleviation of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Germinated,...

Introduction and objective: Food insecurity (FI) is an emerging and alarming problem among university students. The problem particularly affects students from poor households. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa is likely to be no exception to experiencing student FI as more than 50% of the students are poor. In 2012, UKZN implemen...

Biofortification of staple crops has a potential for addressing micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which are prevalent in South Africa. The poor acceptability of provitamin A (PVA)-biofortified foods could be improved by combining them with other food items to produce modified traditional dishes. The nutritional composi...

Adequate nutrition is fundamental for optimal human well-being and productivity. Mahewu, a non-alcoholic cereal grain beverage, is prepared in many rural settings in southern Africa by fermenting maize meal porridge. People of all age groups, including infants, consume mahewu. However, the drink is deficient in essential amino acids and some micron...

Household food insecurity (FI) is a complex phenomenon challenging most sub-Saharan African countries and despite South African economic growth and decreased poverty levels, some households are still vulnerable to FI. The 2012 report by Statistics South Africa revealed that an average of 20% of households were still venerable to FI, the majority be...

BACKGROUND: Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal is a useful but underutilised tropical tree of the Annona- ceae or custard apple family of flowering plants which is rich in proteins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal processing on the protein quality of Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal seeds. METHODS: Raw, boiled (1...

Background. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem that affects South African children and is a major contributor to the mortality of children under five years of age. VAD can result in visual impairment, diarrhoea and increased risk of severe measles and death. Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), a staple crop biofortified wit...

Proximate, minerals, and anti-nutrient content of raw Monodora myristica seed and Monodora myristica seeds boiled and roasted for 10, 20, and 30 min, respectively were assessed. In addition, the effects of boiling and roasting for 10, 20, and 30 min on the antioxidant properties of Monodora myristica seed extract were evaluated. Results showed that...

Background and Objective: Monodora myristica (M. myristica) seeds are processed locally using various indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) based processing techniques like boiling, roasting and frying for varying lengths of time. It is important to determine the effect of these processing methods on its phytochemical constituents, a step necessary in...

Objectives: This study determined caregivers’ (mothers’) acceptability and perceptions of a soft, white maize porridge (traditional complementary food (TCF)) that was modified by substituting maize meal with Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf powder at different levels, 1%, 2% and 3% weight for weight (w/w). Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. S...

Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of sorghum variety and xylanase on performance of broiler chickens. In Experiment 1A, a total of 240 day-old Ross broiler chickens were assigned to a 2 (sex) × 3 (sorghum variety) × 2 (with or without xylanase) factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with 20 chickens per trea...

The use of some crops in Sub-Saharan Africa is currently limited to local culinary uses despite promising characteristics of their non-starch polysaccharide. There is very little information on the properties of their non-starch polysaccharide which would stimulate expansion in their applications. Non-starch polysaccharides represent a group of het...

This study assessed the food and nutrition security status of children receiving complementary food in rural and peri‐urban communities. A group of 106 mothers from Lebowakgomo village and Hammanskraal Township, respectively, participated in the survey. Additionally, six focus group discussions were conducted per study area to assess the mothers’ p...

This study examined the physical, nutritional and antioxidant properties of popular Zimbabwean bambara groundnut landraces and the effects of different processing methods on their chemical properties. The physical, nutritional and antioxidant properties of grains of the bambara landraces differed significantly with grain type, and the processing me...

Objectives: To determine the consumer awareness and acceptability of bambara groundnut as a protein source and to assess its potential for use in complementary feeding. Design: Cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods approach. Setting: The study took place at Gcumisa Clinic located at Swayimane, uMshwathi Municipality, in the UMgungundlovu Dist...

A composite measurement to harmoniously capture all the pillars of food security has not yet been discovered. Food availability in sufficient quantities at all times does not necessarily mean nutrition security as compromised food quality may lead to malnutrition. This paper shows the multifaceted and complex nature of measuring food and nutrition...

The sequential application of low-temperature long-time (LTLT) and high-temperature short-time (HTST) blanching and frying treatments, on the quality of the French fries from Fianna, Innovator, Mondial, Navigator, Panamera and Savanna, was investigated. Blanching was effected at 75°C for 10 min or 85°C for 5 min and frying was effected at 160°C for...

Lack of access to nutritious and balanced diets remains a major impediment to the health and well-being of people living in rural areas. The study utilizes a qualitative systematic approach to conduct an environmental scan and review of scientific literature of studies conducted in South Africa, specifically KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Availability and ac...

Eggs have a potential to alleviate protein-energy malnutrition among rural communities. Unfortunately, eggs are perishable and most rural communities in South Africa have very limited access to effective food storage and preservation facilities. Utilisation of eggs by rural households could increase if they were available in the form of egg powder,...

This study aimed to determine the acceptance of a composite complementary food prepared with provitamin A-biofortified maize and chicken stew by caregivers (n=59) in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Grains of two provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and a white variety (control) were used as the major ingredient in the composite complementary foods. The s...

The effect of provitamin A biofortified maize (PABM) diet inclusion on meat quality in male and female Ovambo chickens at 18 and 21 wk of age was evaluated. A total of 96 13-week-old Ovambo chickens were randomly distributed into 2 treatment groups and fed on white maize (WM) diet, the control, and PABM diet, a high provitamin A carotenoid maize. T...

There is a growing demand for alternative protein sources for industrial applications. Bauhinia are underutilized protein-rich oilseed legumes primarily grown as ornamental plants. In this study, the composition and structure of proteins extracted from two Bauhinia species, B. galpinii and B. petersiana, were determined in comparison with soya bean...

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding Amaranth leaf powder on the nutrient content and consumer acceptability of extruded provitamin A-biofortified (PVA) maize snacks. Flours of four varieties of PVA maize were composited with Amaranth leaf powder at 0, 1 and 3% (w/w) substitution of, respectively, and extruded into snac...

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is the fifth most important grain crop after wheat, rice, maize and barley. It is cultivated for food and feed in America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Newly developed sorghum varieties should be evaluated for their suitability as food and feed. The physical characteristics and proximate composition, total pheno...

Background: Fermentation is an age old technique of preserving food in many communities. A wide range of fermented products are prepared by varying the types of raw materials, utensils, and fermentation times. Several fermented foods are consumed in Swaziland. A survey of the types of fermented foods, preparation methods, and utensils used was done...

Cereals form a major component of diets around the world; the most commonly consumed cereals include wheat, rice, maize, and barley. In tropical and semiarid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, however, “small grain” cereals such as sorghum and millets contribute significantly to food security, nutrition, and health. These grains are drought to...

BACKGROUND Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Amahewu is a popular southern African lactic acid fermented non-alcoholic maize-based beverage, which is deficient in vitamin A. In this study, provitamin A retention and sensory acceptability of amahewu processed using provitamin A-biofortified maize and three...

Background Pro-vitamin A-biofortified maize snacks with added leafy vegetable may have a potential as nutritious and health-promoting products, especially in addressing vitamin A deficiency which is prevalent in developing regions. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of adding Amaranth leaf powder on the physical, antioxidant pr...

The acceptability of egg powder to rural house-holds was investigated. A survey was conducted using 120 community members to assess egg utilisation. Sixty three of the survey participants evaluated the sensoryacceptability of a scrambled commercial egg powder compared to a fresh scrambled egg and also participated in acomplementary Focus Group Disc...

Bauhinia is a leguminous plant species found in almost every part of the world, including southern Africa. In this study, grain composition and protein body microstructure of two indigenous southern African Bauhinia species, B. galpinii and B. petersiana were determined. Protein (38 g/100 g) and fat (23 g/100 g) were the major constituents of Bauhi...

Provitamin A-biofortified maize may contribute to alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD), in developing countries. However, processing the maize into food products may reduce its provitamin A content. The aims of this study were to determine the composition of provitamin A carotenoids in biofortified maize varieties as well as to assess their reten...

Results: The RUF had appreciable levels of energy (2 624 kJ/100 g) and protein (15.7 g/100 g).The nutritional composition met the World Health Organization/World Food Programme/the United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition/The United Nations Children’s Fund recommendations for an RUF regarding energy, protein and essential amino acid levels. S...

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine consumer acceptance and perceptions of a ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) by subjects treated for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HIV and tuberculosis (co-infected subjects). Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjects: One hundred and thirty-nine stable HIV-treated an...

Popcorn is an important snack food worldwide with significant nutritional benefits, including minerals and vitamins. However, adequate production of popcorn in Sub-Saharan Africa is hampered by lack of adapted varieties. This therefore calls for breeding investigations to develop new hybrids. The objectives of the study were to determine variabilit...

Objectives: The objective was to assess the sensory acceptability and consumer perceptions of soft porridge made with yellow, provitamin A-biofortified maize by black African female infant caregivers from rural KwaZulu-Natal.

Provitamin A-biofortified maize is currently being evaluated for use in the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency. Apart from the differences in provitamin A content, the nutritional composition of provitamin A-biofortified maize compared to white maize is hardly known. This study aimed to evaluate the protein and selected micronutrient composition o...

This study examined the interaction between sorghum grain hardness and sorghum malt quality in terms of diastatic power and free amino nitrogen with endosperm modification during malting. The changes in kernel hardness during malting of four commercial sorghum cultivars of differing quality in terms of endosperm texture and potential malt quality w...

Objectives: To assess the acceptance of popular maize food products (phutu, thin porridge and samp), prepared with yellow, provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties, in 212 subjects between the ages of three and 55 years, from rural KwaZulu-Natal. Design: A cross-sectional study. Method: Preschool, primary school and secondary school subjects were...

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of traditional storage practices of small-scale organic farmers in rural KwaZulu–Natal on the quality of potatoes. Changes in sugar and starch content were monitored. A preference ranking test was used to investigate preference for organically produced potatoes left in situ, stored under ambient cond...

Dehulling of maize grains as an aflatoxin decontamination method was investigated. Sixty kilograms of maize (whose average moisture content was 110 g kg−1) were thoroughly mixed and divided into two samples. The kernel moisture content of one sample was adjusted to 200 g kg−1 while the other (control) was left at 110 g kg−1. The two samples were ke...

A total of sixty samples of bottled water processed in Zimbabwe by three companies, were analysed microbiologically, to assess the relative safety of locally processed bottled water. The samples were from different batches and from different storage conditions and the analyses were for total viable counts and coliforms. Four (6.7%) and seven (11.7%...

THE YEASTS AND RELATED FLORA ASSOCIated with ripe fruits of the marula tree in Zimbabwe were isolated and identified as Aureobasidium pullulans, Geotrichum capitatum, Trichosporon brassicae, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Hansenula anomala, Hansenula jadinii and Hansenula species. The physiological characteristics of the organisms suggest that, generall...