Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec id="S1368980001000726_sec01"><jats:title>Objective:</jats:title><jats:p>Malnutrition and poor nutritional status among children are common problems in the Republic of Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. The aim of this study was to determine possible macro- and micronutrient deficiencies in the traditional Maldivian diet.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="S1368980001000726_sec02"><jats:title>Design:</jats:title><jats:p>In five atolls, 333 women with children aged between 1 and 4 years who were no longer breast-fed were interviewed, using a 24-hour recall. Additionally, the weights and heights of both the women and children were measured, and blood samples from 15 women were collected for measurements of vitamins A and E, β-carotene, homocysteine, cholesterol and haemoglobin.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="S1368980001000726_sec03"><jats:title>Results:</jats:title><jats:p>Of the women, 22% had a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5. Of the children, 41% were stunted, 14% were wasted and 51% were underweight. The women's and children's diets were sufficient in protein (14%) and carbohydrates (67%) but deficient in fat, which contributed only 19% to the total energy intake. Consumption of dietary substances that depend on vegetable and fruit intake (e.g. β-carotene, vitamin C, dietary fibre and folic acid) was low. The low intake of β-carotene was underlined by low plasma concentration. The estimated iron intake was low, although blood haemoglobin levels were normal.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="S1368980001000726_sec04"><jats:title>Conclusions:</jats:title><jats:p>Marginal nutritional status and marginal malnutrition are due to low fat intake and selected micronutrient deficiency. Higher intakes of locally available vegetables and fruits and fat (especially for children) on a regular basis might reverse the deficits documented on the atolls.</jats:p></jats:sec>