A NUTRITION SURVEY OF THREE RURAL PUERTO RICAN COMMUNITIES,
Abstract
The dietary studies revealed less than optimal intakes of calcium, vitamin A and riboflavin, and perhaps other nutrients. The deficiets were most marked in children from three to ten years of age, and in adult women. The intakes of sulfur amino acids were below the minimum requirement in children under two. The only significant clincial finding was retardation of growth, most marked in pre-school children and children of early school age. Laboratory findings of hypoalbuminemia in children and of low excretion rates of riboflavin at all ages supported the dietary findings. Blood levels of vitamins A and C tended to be quite high. An unexpected finding was that the excretion rates of thiamine were rather low, although the intakes were calculated to be satisfactory. The finding may be explained by losses during cooking of thiamine added to rice in the enrichment process. Hypochromic anemia of moderate degree was common in women and children. Intestinal infestation with helminth parasites was highly prevalent, but rarely severe. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0611360
Entities
People
- Charles R. Angel
- Irvin C. Plough
- Lydia J. Roberts
- Nelson A. Fernandez-lopez