Food-based dietary guidelines for South Africans: an under-utilised tool for improving nutritional well-being.

The global burden of malnutrition continues to persist at extremely high levels. The magnitude of the nutrition related health challenges that must be addressed in South Africa are described by Shishana et al in the report on the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, SANHANES–1. The country has a high burden of infectious diseases such has HIV and TB and an increasing prevalence of diet related non-communicable diseases. Undernutrition, such as stunting in young children and micronutrient malnutrition, also remain part of the nutrition related health priorities that must be addressed. Stats SA notes that the proportion of the South African population who are 60 years and older is increasing. This ageing population will continue to increase the disease burden related to chronic conditions.