A comparison of anthropometric indices of nutritional status in Tukanoan and Achuar Amerindians

Anthropometric data from a Tukanoan population in the Vaupes region of Colo mbia and an Achuar population in the Ecuadorian Amazon were compared relati ve to international references. The Tukanoans exploit an oligotrophic black water ecosystem, whereas the Achuar inhabit a resource rich montane ecosyst em. Given this ecological distinction, three hypotheses regarding nutrition al statuses were proposed: (1) Tukanoans are significantly shorter than the Achuar, indicating a greater degree of stunting; (2) Tukanoans are signifi cantly leaner, indicating a greater degree of wasting; and (3) Tukanaons ha ve significantly lower upper arm muscle area, indicating lower lean body ma ss. Z-scores for height, weight-for-height, and estimated upper arm muscle area were deter mined and significant nutritional stress was assumed at z l ess than or equal to -2.0. Between population differences in z-scores for h eight-for-age (ZHT), weight-for-height (ZWH), and upper arm muscle area (ZU MA) were examined using analysis of variance with a subsequent Scheffe's te st. Between-group differences in the frequencies of individuals with low z- scores (z less than or equal to -2.0) were assessed via chi-squared analysi s. Both populations showed stunting in most age groups, but neither showed low ZWH or ZUMA. Significant differences between populations were found onl y for ZHT in children (females 1.0-4.9 and 5.0-9.9 years, and males 5.0-9.9 years). Tukanoans have significantly higher frequencies of stunting in all age-sex groups except females and males age 30-49.9 years. There were no s ignificant between population differences in the frequencies of individuals with low ZWH or ZUMA. These differences in nutritional status may reflect differences in resource availability. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.