Malnutrition and regional inequalities in the context of a period of economic growth in Spain (1964–1972)

Abstract

In the 1960s, undernourishment and malnutrition problems continued to prevail among the Spanish population. This chapter analyses the case study of the rural population and territorial inequalities in terms of diet. The rural food and nutrition surveys promoted by the ministries of trade and education and carried out between 1964 and 1972 reveal the deficit in animal proteins, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin B2, which explains the prevalence of tooth cavities, damage to eyes, skin and mucous membranes and low heights and weights. In addition to the delay in the dietary and nutritional transition of the rural population of Spain, there were also territorial inequalities, with Andalusia and interior Spain showing the highest percentages of people who did not cover the nutritional requirements. These deficiencies were more due to inadequate dietary habits than the scarcity of resources. For this reason, the consumption of protective foods was promoted, and attempts were made to educate the rural population in diet and nutrition and to bolster economic and social development.