The nutritional status of some New Guinean children as assessed by anthropometric, biochemical and other indices

Abstract

The nutritional status of 1180 0–14 year old New Guinean children in two contrasting areas where dietary intakes were often less than recommended levels, was assessed by various methods. Clinical examination revealed the presence of two or more signs of protein‐energy malnutrition in only six children. Vitamin deficiencies and obesity were absent. Weight deficits were common and 2nd plus 3rd degree “stunting” (<90 percent Harrard standard height) was present in half the children. However, 2nd and 3rd degree “wasting” (<80 percent standard weight for height) was observed in only 1–3 percent. Arm muscle circumference indicated good muscular development. Urinary biochemical indices (urea N/creatinine and inorganic sulphate sulphur/creatinine ratios) confirmed the dietary findings of low protein intakes but serum non‐essential/essential amino acid ratios and the hydroxyproline index were essentially normal. Birth weights were low but growth was satisfactory up to about six months. It is concluded that the small body size of these New Guineans may represent a successful adaptation to the nutritional and health environment which allows many of the other indices of nutritional status to be essentially normal.

Index terms:

• nutritional status
• New Guinea
• growth
• anthropometry
• biochemical indices
• protein‐energy malnutrition