BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common world-wide and associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hyperuricaemia and dyslipidaemia. These conditions are common in New Zealand, but the prevalence of NAFLD in New Zealand is unknown. New Zealand has a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, so it is likely that NAFLD is also...

The importance of marine versus terrestrial foods in prehistoric Pacific and New Zealand diets, and the adaptation of the Polynesian diet to new enviroments, is examined through the analysis of the ratios in human bone of the stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur.

Eczema is very common, but spontanenously disappears in 80% of children by school age. The use of diets in eczema management is controversial, but can relieve the symptoms in some cases. This article discusses the diagnosis, prevention and dietary management of eczema, while assessing the challenges and problems of such an approach.

Calcium is the most common mineral in the body. This article looks at its metabolism; its promotors and inhibitors; dietary sources; and the role of calcium through the life cycle.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional problems, and occurs in a wide range of age groups. There have been many recent opinions about iron, particularly in the infant's diet. There are no accurate Australian figures for the prevalence of iron deficiency in infancy, but a declining trend has been shown in the...