Ceramic water filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles as a point-of-use water-treatment intervention for HIV-positive individuals in Limpopo Province, South Africa: a pilot study of technological performance and human health benefits.

Waterborne pathogens present a significant threat to people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). This study presents a randomized, controlled trial that evaluates whether a household-level ceramic water filter (CWF) intervention can improve drinking water quality and decrease days of diarrhea in PLWH in rural South Africa. Seventy-four participants were randomized in an intervention group with CWFs and a control group without filters. Participants in the CWF arm received CWFs impregnated with silver nanoparticles and associated safe-storage containers. Water and stool samples were collected at baseline and 12 months. Diarrhea incidence was self-reported weekly for 12 months. The average diarrhea rate in the control group was 0.064 days/week compared to 0.015 days/week in the intervention group (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney). Median reduction of total coliform bacteria was 100% at enrollment and final collection. CWFs are an acceptable technology that can significantly improve the quality of household water and decrease days of diarrhea for PLWH in rural South Africa.

Potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium levels of commonly consumed foods and estimates of dietary intakes of selected Nigerian adults.

Micronutrient deficiency is a public health challenge globally, as it affects both people and the economy. In Nigeria, most micronutrients, especially minerals are lost during food processing. The study was carried out to determine the potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium composition of foods commonly eaten by Nigerian adults and to estimate the average adults' daily intake of these macrominerals. The contents of these minerals in 141 food items collected 'as consumed' from 10 locations in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Ogun State, Nigeria, were quantified by digesting the foods through dry ashing and analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The levels (mg/100 g fresh weight) of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in the various foods ranged from 2.92 to 1520, 1.46 to 30,700, 1.35 to 1280 and 1.16 to 416, respectively. Recovery values were within the range of 95-110%. Adults' mean mineral intakes (mg/person/day) of the analysed foods were 1970 ± 780, 2750 ± 1100, 423 ± 300 and 389 ± 130 for potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, respectively. Mean sodium intake was higher while potassium and calcium intakes were lower compared with international recommendations (mg/person/day) of 1500, 2300-3400 and 1000-1300, respectively; indicating the need to enlighten consumers. The snapshot data from this study are useful to update the Nigerian Food Composition Database.