American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 20, 1134-1147, Copyright © 1967 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

An Approach Toward the Solution of the World Food Problem with Special Emphasis on Protein Supply

¹ From Merck Institute for Therapeutic Research, Rahway, New Jersey

In the developing countries almost two-thirds of the world's population subsists predominantly on cereal grains and a much smaller number on cassava and other root crops. New sources of protein must be supplied to the cassava-consuming populations. Those subsisting on grain will receive enough protein if their caloric requirements are satisfied, but the quality of the protein is inadequate. The most pressing nutritional problem is to supply an adequate caloric intake. This can only be done by controlling the rate of population expansion and increasing the efficiency of cereal production. If sufficient calories are supplied there will be deficiciencies of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The most rapid and least expensive way of correcting these deficiencies is by mandatory supplementation of each cereal during central processing to make each nutritionally adequate when used as the sole source of food. This can be done without changing the taste or appearance of the cereals so that food practices need not be changed and no time-consuming educational program will be necessary. The cost of ingredients will vary from $0.25 to $2.00 per person per year depending upon the grain consumed and the size and age of the individual. Such a course of action will greatly improve the health of the people and with acquired technology they will gradually be able to purchase the more expensive but desirable high-quality foods which will be made available through normal channels of the nation's economy. It is in this area, as raw materials, that the protein concentrates have their greatest potential. These concentrates must be formulated into attractive, nutritious foods purchased because they are appealing and not because they are nutritious.