British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume II - Page 840

CHAPTER XIX.

Arab children were clearly far below the Jewish in general condition. Oriental Jewish children were in a worse nutritional state than Jewish children of European origin.

CONCLUSIONS ON URBAN DIETARY DEFICIENCIES.

47. The poor section of the population which was incapable of supporting a minimum subsistence level was considerably reduced in number during the period of the survey.

Both Vitamins A and D are deficient in the diets of the very young and of nursing and pregnant women. The high incidence of infantile mortality associated with enteritis and pneumonic infections among certain sections of the population is probably associated with Vitamin A deficiency. The deficiency is also likely to be an important factor in the aetiology of various forms of eye disease. The deficient intake of Vitamin D appears to give little trouble except in the case of those whom custom prevents from receiving adequate sunshine. Inadequate consumption of vegetables and animal fat is responsible.

Calcium and animal protein intake was dangerously low in all of the lower expenditure groups. The high incidence of dental caries in all sections of the population is probably associated with calcium deficiency.

A low consumption of vegetable fat was more widespread than had been expected.

The custom of breast feeding for an undesirably prolonged period is one of the outstanding causes of malnutrition in infants among Oriental groups.

THE ARAB RURAL COMMUNITY.

48. The Arab rural population is approximately 72% of the total Arab population, i.e. about 600,000. It was not possible to divide the population into income or food expenditure groups. Some 70% consist of farmers. 108 budgets were studied.

49. The following summary outlines the dietary position :-

Calories : Only deficient in a small and poor class of rural employee (servant and woodseller class).

Protein : Vegetable protein high but animal protein deficient in all classes.

Carbohydrates : Adequate in all and excessive in property owners, farmers, labourers and shepherds.

Fats : Adequate only in property owners and shepherds.

Deficient intake in other classes.

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