title: A.R.P. Walker Lecture. Food and the gut.
abstract: A.R.P. Walker pioneered the research into the association between food, gut function and disease patterns in southern Africa. His attention to ways in which dietary differences can explain geographical differences in disease patterns has led to the realisation that civilisation and modern food technology can exert a strong influence on dietary practices, gut function and disease tendencies. Recognition that South African blacks have a very low incidence of colonic problems such as diverticulitis, adenomatous polyps and carcinoma drew attention to the possibility that the traditional African diet, with a high fibre content, may maintain colonic health and prevent disease in old age. This review explores some of the mechanisms that may account for these differences and also examines ways in which malnutrition alters gut function. To quote Walker's conclusions: 'There is a need, indeed a duty, for writers on nutrition to devote a portion of their space to the nutritional lessons to be learned from the past, from war-time experiences and from present day Third-World populations.'
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: O'Keefe
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*