Apparent consumption and socio‐economic distribution of nutrients in an urban settlement: Hong Kong†

A Paper of the Hong Kong Human Ecology Programme: HKE 9.

Abstract

Data relating to the Hong Kong population of 1971 show that with the exception of fats and calcium, the apparent consumption of food was comparable to that of populations in advanced industrial societies. An analysis of the socio‐economic distribution of calcium, energy and animal protein consumption reveals a clear gradation of intake from lower socio‐economic groups to higher socio‐economic groups. In this analysis it is shown that the level of intake of calcium and energy are well below current recommended dietary allowances. It is likely that the recommended allowances are conservative estimates of daily requirements and that some biological adaptation to low calcium and energy intake occurs. By present standards clinical manifestations of malnutrition are rare.

Key words:

• Food consumption survey
• calcium
• energy
• dietary allowances requirements
• Hongkong

Notes

A Paper of the Hong Kong Human Ecology Programme: HKE 9.

Now: Human Ecology Group, Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Australian National University.