A study was conducted to investigate and compare the nutritional status and physical work performance of children of Brazilian migrant agricultural workers with Brazilian children from wel1-to-do backgrounds. The relationship between nutritional status and physical work performance was also investigated. Dietary analysis was conducted using the 24-hour diet recall method. Evidence was found that intakes of energy, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C may have been inadequate among migrant worker children. Their diet was generally monotonous and consisted mainly of rice, beans, and coffee with sugar. Diets of well-to-do children were considerably more varied with good representation from all major food groups. Anthropometric assessment indicated that migrant worker children had values for weight and triceps skinfold thickness that were low compared to American standards. Values for height, arm circumference, and arm muscle circumference were average compared to American standards. Well-to-do children exceeded American standards for all anthropometric parameters measured. Biochemical investigations of protein and iron status were also conducted. Serum total protein and albumin levels were normal in most subjects in both groups. However, many migrant worker, children had low values for hematocrit, serum iron, and transferrin saturation. Most well-to-do children had normal values for these parameters. Hemoglobin levels were adequate in most subjects. Physical work performance was found to be impaired in migrant worker children. Exercise heart rates and post-exercise blood lactic acid levels in response to a standardized bicycle-ergometer work test were significantly higher in migrant worker compared to wel1-to-do children. In addition, a significant correlation was found between anthropometric indicators of nutritional status and parameters of physical work performance. Finally, socio-economic and ecological assessment indicated that the living conditions of migrant worker children were impoverished and unsanitary. This probably aggravated health problems such as infections that were found to occur among these children. Well-to-do children did not share these conditions. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

With the urbanization phenomenon, a population of unskilled migrant workers commonly known as Boia- Frias has rapidly grown up in slums on the peripheries of Brazilian cities. This study was carried put to assess the food habits and nutritional status of 100 Boia-Fria families of Vila Recreio, a slum area on the edge of Ribeirao Preto, S.P., Brazil, using dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical investigations. Qualitatively, the Boia-Fria diet was monotonous and simple, consisting basically of polished rice, beans, white bread, and coffee with sugar. In general, the foods which were lacking were: milk products, meats, fish, eggs, poultry, non-refined grain products, and fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C. Foods of low nutritional value such as starchy gruels, sugar-water, herb tea, coffee with sugar and soft drinks were commonly used as weaning foods. Although dietary practices of pregnant and lactating women were poor, breastfeeding was still practiced by most mothers. According to 24-hour dietary recall data, conditions existed which were conducive to the development of nutritional problems, especially with respect to calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, and iron, of the nutrients tested and with respect to quantitative intake of food. Biochemical data confirmed the presence of early malnutrition, pre-clinical in nature for about 257o of the population with respect to vitamin A, carotene, and iron. Plasma cholesterol, total lipid and vitamin E values were found to be normal. Anthropometric examinations revealed clear signs of clinical undernutrition among men and women as well as some degree of obesity among women. Child mortality data provided evidence of some advanced clinical malnutrition among children. Basic causes of malnutrition among the Boia-Frias included the following ecological factors: recent urbanization; housing, sanitation, and environmental conditions, associated with serious infection problems; poverty; illiteracy; and an ignorance of what constitutes good nutrition. Recommendations for intervention and "long-range" nutrition programs to minimize the harsh effects of poverty and upheaval on these migrant workers of Brazil were suggested. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate