What do South African Health Science Students Know About Plant-based Nutrition?

Driving Evidence-Based Nutrition Forward

At the Physicians Association for Nutrition South Africa (PAN South Africa), we are committed to advancing the understanding of plant-based nutrition and its role in preventing and managing disease. Our research and publications provide valuable insights into the connection between diet and health, empowering healthcare professionals and the public to make informed decisions.

What Do Medical and Dietetic Students Know About Plant-Based Nutrition?

In 2022, we conducted a groundbreaking social media survey involving over 170 medical and dietetic students from universities across South Africa. Our goal? To assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding plant-based nutrition and identify their need for further education.

Key Findings:

• 63% of students recognise that processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.

• 74% believe a whole-food, plant-based diet is suitable for managing diabetes.

• 89% understand that a plant-based diet is linked to lower mortality from cardiovascular disease.

• 74% of medical students expressed a need for more training on nutrition and disease.

• 67% of dietetic students indicated they require additional training on plant-based nutrition.

These findings highlight a clear demand for enhanced education on the power of plant-based diets in improving health outcomes. Access our full report to explore the detailed survey insights and better understand the future of nutrition education in South Africa.