Nutritional study of the Islanders on Tristan da Cunha, 1966

Abstract

1. A description of the population resident on Tristan da Cunha during the winter of 1966 is given.2. Sources of food supplies are discussed.3. A brief description of island meal patterns is given and methods of food preparation are discussed.4. Samples of unusual foods and unique dishes consumed on Tristan da Cunha were collected and analysed for moisture, total nitrogen, fat, calcium, iron and ascorbic acid.5. The dietary patterns and way of life of the Islanders resident on Tristan da Cunha have changed owing to contact with the outside world and to the development of a monetary economy. These changes were accelerated by the enforced period of 2 years spent in England. The Islanders are now very dependent upon a cash economy and subsistence agriculture provides only a relatively small part of the present diet.