Nutritional Surveys in Western Holland: Rotterdam, 1945

Clinical, biochemical, and dietary data obtained in 2 nutritional surveys of Rotterdam, Holland, on May 9, 1945, and May 29 to June 8, 1945, are presented. A total of nearly 3000 people were examined. In physical appearance 86% were classified as thin, very thin or emaciated in the early survey, and approximately 50% in the detailed survey 1 month later. Weight loss averaged about 25 pounds in the 19- to 59-year age group and 40 pounds in those over 60 years of age. Symptoms of weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, muscle pain and paresthesia were prevalent, especially in the aged. Papillary atrophy, pallor and follicular hyperkeratosis were common clinical findings. Hunger edema was present in 20% of the people from poor class districts in the early survey, and in 3% and 12% of the 19- to 59-year age group and those over 60 years of age, respectively, in the later study. Hemoglobin and total serum protein values averaged 12 to 14 gm per 100 ml and 7.0 to 7.5 gm per 100 ml, respectively. Estimates of daily food consumption in 3 successive periods prior to the surveys were 1700, 1400, and 1400 Cal., respectively. The survey of May 9, 1945, indicated a further reduction in food consumption to an average intake of about 1000 Cal. The dietary consisted mainly of bread, potatoes, sugar beets and other vegetables. Considerable quantities of Allied food supplies were being distributed at the time of the second survey and the food consumption then averaged 2000 Cal. per day.