Dietary surveys from the Tokelau Island migrant study

Abstract

The dietary studies carried out as part of the Tokelau Island Migrant Study are reviewed. The traditional diet in Tokelau, based on coconut, fish and breadfruit staples, is high in saturated fat and lower in cholesterol and carbohydrate relative to the diet commonly consumed by the Tokelau migrants to New Zealand, where a varied food choice from dairy products, meat, cereals, fruit and vegetables is available. The dietary change necessitated by migration from Toke'au to New Zealand was measured as part of the study of the effects of this migration on the health of Tokelauan Islanders, including measures of obesity, blood pressure, diabetes and blood lipid levels.