Employing (Home) Organisation: University of the Free State
Project title: Tackling sub-Saharan Africa’s triple-burden of malnutrition by enhancing research capacity to explore obesity-related inflammation and micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women and their offspring
Dr Carboo is a dietitian, with a PhD in Dietetics from the North-West University. She investigated vitamin D’s role in infection prevention, anaemia, iron deficiency and inflammation in malnourished and healthy children in South Africa. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Free State, contributing to the NuEMI and Newborn Body Composition projects. Her research focuses on optimising the micronutrient status of pregnant women, particularly those with obesity, to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Summary of Project Destination
Micronutrient deficiencies are a serious public health challenge among pregnant women and children in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to maternal and infant anaemia, poor birth outcomes, and impaired child development. Obesity-induced inflammation worsens these deficiencies by impairing micronutrient absorption, particularly iron. As obesity prevalence continue to rise in Africa, the combined challenges of undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient malabsorption- the triple burden of malnutrition, complicate efforts to improve maternal and child health.
Through this fellowship, I aim to gain expertise in understanding the complex relationships between obesity-induced inflammation, micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin D and omega-3) and birth outcomes among pregnant women, and contribute to more effective interventions to address the triple burden of malnutrition to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
Under the mentorship of Dr O’Callaghan and Dr Baumgartner at King’s College, London, I will receive expert guidance to investigate the mediation of obesity-induced inflammation in the micronutrient status of pregnant women and design a nutrition trial focused on enhancing iron absorption through supplementation and isotope studies. I will also benefit from networking with potential collaborators at KCL and receive training on clinical trial design. UFS will support the analysis of the vitamin D metabolites and hosting the implementation of the post-placement trial.
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“This incredible opportunity will enhance my capacity to lead impactful research addressing the triple burden of malnutrition among pregnant women and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in SSA.”
Dr. Janet Adede Carboo expects to start her fellowship in July 2025