Potential deficiencies of a pastoral diet: A case study of the Maasai

The staple diet of the Maasai is cow's milk and maizemeal, neither of which are rich in iron or ascorbic acid. In view of this, the seasonal variation in food iron, and ascorbic acid intakes of Maasai women and children was determined from bi‐monthly 24‐hour recalls, validated against 3‐day weighed intakes, over a one‐year period. Subjects were screened for signs of iron and ascorbic acid deficiencies. Iron intakes from food were low but water was found to be an important source of iron for all age groups except young children for whom the prevalence of anaemia was greatest. Intestinal parasites were not a major problem but malaria was endemic. Milk provided most of the ascorbic acid and, although intakes were low, they were above the minimum level to prevent clinical signs of deficiency.

Key words:

• Kenya
• Maasai
• iron
• ascorbic acid
• anaemia