Aguaruna Indigenous People live along the Rio Cenepa in the Peruvian Amazon. This thesis describes the Aguaruna traditional food system (TFS) and defines its nutritional importance. Nutritional status of women and young children were assessed using anthropometry. Dietary intakes and dietary diversity were recorded using repeat 24 hour recalls. Subsequently, the relative nutrient contributions of local foods were analyzed. A market survey was conducted to compare the nutrient value and relative cost of seasonal local foods with imported products. Anthropometry suggested a healthy population, although the Agauruna had short stature. They purchased <1 % of their food, and group dietary assessments estimated adequate intakes of energy, protein, fat, iron, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin A. Higher traditional food diversity was associated with greater macronutrient, vitamin and mineral intakes (Spearman's rho = 0.29 to r = 0.60). The Aguaruna TFS provides excellent nutrition and should be promoted and protected.

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