Nutrition and human constitution
Brock, J.F.
South African Medical Journal 46(32): 1109-1116
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 4626899 Document Number: 50120
Work on protein-calorie malnutrition, coronary heart disease and genetic profiles in South Africa during 33 years is reviewed.The complexity of factors involved in the long-term effects of protein-calorie malnutrition is considered in some detail and the difficulties encountered in determining whether early protein-calorie malnutrition affects height, weight, mental capacity, immunological resistance to disease, longevity and susceptibility to degenerative disease later in the life of treated patients are stressed.The prevention of coronary heart disease is discussed and early detection of susceptibility to the disease by investigation of personal and family history and laboratory estimations with advice on such factors as exercise, psycho-emotional stress, smoking and diet is advocated.The possible role of genetic profiles in the patterns of morbidity and mortality in population groups is considered and there are 91 references.