An investigation of very low calorie intakes reported in Jamaica

Abstract

1. A previous dietary survey has reported some very low calorie intakes in a farming community in rural Jamaica. Subsequently, ten subjects were specially selected on the basis of being very poor and underfed and individual dietary surveys were carried out in their homes for 7 days.2. The accuracy of the dietary surveys was tested in a metabolic ward by feeding the subjects with the same meals as were recorded in their homes. Body-weight, calorie and nitrogen intakes, and urinary and faecal N outputs were measured.3. Basal metabolic rates and the calorie expenditure during sleep were measured to investigate whether any metabolic adaptations to the low calorie intakes had occurred. The calorie cost of performing a standard step-test was measured and compared with that of well-fed control subjects to find out if there were differences in physical efficiency.4. Nine of the subjects were found to be thinner than the average person of the same age and sex in their district, and were considerably thinner than the average American.5. Five of the dietary surveys were thought to have given a correct picture of the normal dietary pattern. The remaining five surveys were unsatisfactory.6. In the five correct surveys, calorie intakes were 61, 69, 72, 78 and 98% of the FAO recommended requirements.7. No clear-cut evidence of an adaptive change in basal metabolic rate was found.8. Few calories were available for physical exertion and there was an apparent increase in the physical efficiency of work.