The protein‐calorie ratio of West African diets and their relationship to protein calorie malnutrition

Abstract

The protein calorie ratios of regional dietary patterns in West Africa have been examined. The contributions of staple foods, pulses, fish, meat and milk to protein intake, and the protein calorie percentages of West African diets have been mapped by region. The protein calorie percentages for West African diets ranged from 6.5 to 16.0 which is considerably greater than those of 11.0 to 14.0 found in most other parts of the world. The diets of the dry zones of West Africa had protein calorie ratios equal or even higher than those of Western countries. Conversely, there was a vast region encompassing the humid zones of West Africa where the levels were below 10 percent. Clinical surveys showed that frank kwashiorkor occured almost exclusively in the zone of low protein calorie ratios while marasmus affected children throughout West Africa.