Nutrition and Dietetics

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Main function of the Department

The main aim is to provide scientific evidence for nutritional problems solutions through high quality research and to play a leading role towards the improvement of the nutritional status of individuals, households, communities and populations. Also to participate in product development and ensure that products meet the nutritional requirements of the targeted population.

Services and Products

Charges for Services/Products:
Clients/Customers:

• General public
• Organizations/institutions

Collaborations and Professional Networks:

• NFTRC is a Regional Designated Centre for the use of stable isotope techniques in body composition analysis and human milk intake. This designation was done by the International Atomic Energy Agency after assessing the institution’s capacity and competencies in conducting training in this field and hosting fellows from the English speaking African countries. Collaboration with Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
This collaboration was sought so that the HSRC provides guidance in conducting the health and nutrition examination survey and in other possible research areas.
• We also work with several Government Ministries such as Ministry of Health and Ministry of Local Government in some of our research activities.

Current Projects

• Development of food composition tables for Botswana indigenous foods
• Using stable isotope techniques to monitor and assess the vitamin A status of Children susceptible to infection
• Botswana Health & Nutrition Examination Survey
• Body composition analysis using the BOD POD

Past or Completed Projects:

• Evaluation of the nutritional quality of Botswana traditional dishes
• The technical feasibility of sorghum fortification
• The efficacy of Vitamin A fortified sorghum in improving the immune status of HIV+ adults in Botswana
• Production, translation and distribution of educational materials on HIV/AIDS and nutrition
• Validation and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaires for use among adults in Botswana
• Food consumption survey and weight status of Batswana
• Exclusivity of breastfeeding and its impact on the nutritional status of lactating women in Kanye

Departmental Publications

• Motswagole BS, Matenge STP, Mongwaketse T, Bogopa J, Kobue-Lekalake R, Mosetlha K, Kwape L. Application of the deuterium-oxide dose-to-mother technique to determine the exclusivity of breastfeeding in women in Kanye, Botswana. S Afr J Clin Nutr 2015;28(3):128-133
• Boitumelo S Motswagole,• Tiyapo C Mongwaketse,• Motlalepula Mokotedi,• Rosemary I Kobue-Lekalake,• Bernard T Bulawayo,• Tinku S Thomas,• Anura V Kurpad,• Lemogang D Kwape. The Efficacy of Micronutrient-Fortified Sorghum Meal in Improving the Immune Status of HIV-Positive Adults. Ann Nutr Metab 2013;62(4):323-30. doi: 10.1159/000346966. Epub 2013 Jun 20.

• M.D. Jackson, B.S. Motswagole, L. D. Kwape, R.I. Kobue-Lekalake, T. C. Mongwaketse, M. Mokotedi, B. Rakgantswana, J. C. Jackson. Validation and Reproducibility of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for use among Adults in Botswana. Public Health Nutrition, Available on CJO doi:10.1017/S1368980012004636

• Motswagole, B.S., Wambete, J., Mpotokwane, S.M., Leteane, T., Tlhong, T., Kwape, L.D. Botswana traditional dishes and their nutritional adequacy in the diet: is food fortification needed? Proceedings for FoodAfrica meeting. May 2003
• M M Kebakile, S M Mpotokwane, B S Motswagole, M Lima de Faria, P Santo, M Domingues and C Saraiva. Consumer attitudes to Sorghum Foods in Botswana. Afripo 2003 Conference Proceedings.