A Nutrition Survey of a Small North Carolina Community

Abstract

Results of clinical, laboratory, and dietetic studies showed a surprisingly low vit. C level in the blood in the spring, but with very little scurvy; in the fall this level in a sample of the same group was much higher and within normal limits. With the exception of 6 cases of mild scurvy and 1 of acute rickets, no clinical deficiency disease was diagnosed. Subnormal intake was also noted for vits. A, B1 and riboflavin, Ca and Fe. Blood levels of vit. A and Hb were slightly subnormal. The community was considered moderately malnourished, and was probably representative of numerous similar groups in the State. A program of nutritional improvement is suggested through health education in food habits and food preservation processes, better distribution of gardens, and cooperation with Federal surplus commodity programs.