Protein‐energy intakes in a malnourished population after increasing the supply of the dietary staples

This paper examines the extent to which food intake in malnourished populations is affected by increasing the availability of the dietary staples. Free amounts of corn and beans were supplied to 47 families in a rural Guatemalan community during eight weeks. Relative to a six‐week baseline period, adults increased their intakes by about 400 kcal (1.68 MJ) and 15 gof protein per day. The average changes for pre‐school children were 198 kcl (0.83 MJ) and 5.8 g of protein per day. The findings suggest that it is possible for adults to satisfy their energy and protein needs by consuming more corn and beans. In children, bulk may be a limiting factor and it may be necessary to resort to additional measures, such as increasing the energy density of the diet, to satisfy needs.

Key words:

• Protein‐energy malnutrition
• beans
• staple foods
• dietary intakes
• corn