Nutrition Survey and Tests in Bataan, Philippines

Abstract

A nutrition survey by microchemical methods has been made in Bataan on 202 persons. Three-fourths of the group had been classified by an earlier clinical survey on the basis of severity of beriberi symptoms. One-fourth were regarded as normal individuals exhibiting no symptoms of beriberi. Initial blood thiamine levels were established as a baseline for measuring improvement after the population has consumed enriched rice over a period of time. Evidence of nutritional deficiency due to lack of thiamine was found in the low blood and low urinary thiamine levels of the population sample. The average blood thiamine of all persons was 3.6 μg per 100 ml of blood; of the non-symptomatic group, 4.0 μg. A progressive decrease in the average value for each group occurred with the increasing severity of signs and symptoms of beriberi. Statistically significant differences in blood thiamine were found between the nonsymptomatic group and the frank and suspected beriberi groups. Similarly significant differences were evident between the combined frank and suspected classes and the combined non-symptomatic and doubtful groups. The calculated red blood cell thiamine levels did not exhibit differences between these groups. The serum protein and hemoglobin levels and the hematocrit values showed progressive decrease with increasing severity of the signs and symptoms of beriberi. Concurrent low levels in blood thiamine, serum protein, and hemoglobin suggest an interrelation among these factors which may be pertinent to the appearance of symptoms of beriberi. Evidence of multiple dietary deficiencies in Bataan was found in the levels of other nutrients in blood or serum. Widespread anemia was evident from the low hemoglobin and hematocrit values, probably as a result of chronic deficiencies of iron and several members of the B complex. Serum protein levels fell in the lower range of normal. The lowest levels occurred in the frank beriberi group of pregnant women. Serum vitamin A levels were normal. Serum vitamin C and carotene concentrations were very low, apparently reflecting a low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The lowest vitamin C levels were found in the group of lactating women.