Diet, serum cholesterol, protein, blood haemoglobin, and glycosuria in a West Indian community: St. Kitts, W.I

ABSTRACT

Analyses of diets of St. Kitts negro labourers indicate that they are low in calories, protein, and especially fat, and resemble estimates from other West Indian groups. Serum cholesterol concentrations are lower in men than in women of like age, and those of women do not show a "menopausal" rise. Serum lipoprotein analyses in women yield similar information. Serum totals protein is higher than in North Americans because of high concentrations of gamma-globulin. Blood haemoglobin concentrations are lower than in North Americans, possibly as a result of a marginally adquate protein intake. Prevalence of glycosuria in about 14 per 1,000 at ages 20-49. Ischaemic heart disease attributable to coronary atherosclerosis, or thrombosis, was found in about 1 percent of men aged 40-49 and women aged 45-49. The data again exemplify the concurrence of low subsistence diets, largely of vegetable origin, and of hard work with a low prevalence of ischaemic heart disease.(AU)