American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 1, 364-371, Copyright © 1953 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Tribal NUTRITION and HEALTH in NIGERIA

A Comparative Clinical Study of Primitive and Urban Nutrition

¹ Colonial Medical Service, Nigeria

The nutrient intake and nutritional status of two African tribes (Ijaw and Isoko) living in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, West Africa, are described, together with the methods employed in their determination. The data are compared with those obtained from racially similar, wealthy traders living in the same area.

The evidence suggests that neither genetic, climatic, nor parasitic factors prevented the tribesmen from attaining a good standard of health and bodily development, provided an adequate supply of nutrients was utilized.

Consideration of the general appearance and behavior of the tribesmen and of their nutrient intakes suggests that their mental apathy and irritability were related to long continued deficiency of B-complex vitamins, in particular thiamine, and that a high intake of protein compensates to a considerable extent for this vitamin deficiency. Beriberi, pellagra, and scurvy were not seen in spite of low vitamin intakes.

The mean body weight of the Ijaw fishermen was significantly greater than that of the Isoko farmers, the difference being attributed to a greater intake of protein by the former.

The incidence and etiology of certain mucocutaneous lesions and the incidence and etiology of cirrhosis of the liver in these natives are considered.