Nutrition and health (1948) of Aborigines in settlements in Arnhem Land, northern Australia

During the American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land in 1948 , a nutritionist (Margaret McArthur), a medical officer (Brian Billington), a biochemist (Kelvin Hodges) and also the 'flying dentist' (John Moody) ob served the nutrition and health of Aborigines in the settlements on Groote Eylandt, at Yirrkala and at Oenpelli, Northern Territory. The results of th eir research were published in the Records of the American-Australian Scien tific Expedition to Arnhem Land Volume 2 Anthropology and Nutrition. (Melbo urne University Press, 1960). Although seasonal and regional variations in food supply were a constant pr oblem for nomadic Aborigines living on 'bush tucker' gathered from marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, the variety of food provided a well- balanced diet according to the international recommendations of 1948. In contrast, improvements in the 1948 diet of Aborigines in the settlements were strongly recommended. 1 An increase in the quantity of food given to older children and adolescen ts. 2 Regular distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year fr om settlement gardens. 3 Regular supplies of fish, meat and other animal products, particularly fo r children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating mothers. 4 Increased production of milk and greater care in its handling. 5 Greater use of whole grain cereals in preference to refined products.