Dietary Inadequacies

Some of the most commonly reported deficiencies are of calcium, riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Other nutritional inadequacies include: thiamine, niacin, B₆, folate, phosphorous, zinc, and fibre. Calcium and riboflavin deficiencies are often due to an inadequate consumption of dairy products whereas vitamin A and vitamin C deficiencies are caused by a low consumption of fruits and vegetables

(Essa, 2001). Prolonged nutritional inadequacies can have a detrimental effect on one’s health.

An increased risk of high-energy intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension which are most common nutritional inadequacy-related health problems (Cason et al, 2001). Due to low socio-economic status, data indicates that among the Hispanic migrant farmworker population in the United State, “energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods frequently are consumed at the expense of nutrient-dense foods” which results in:

• Marginal micronutrient intake
• Poor compliance with nutrient and food group-related dietary guidance
• Low serum concentrations of vitamins and carotenoids

(Deza, 2006)

With a diet such as this one, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease all become common health concerns. Even when considering the high amount of physical activity farmworkers exert throughout the day, “the excess of unhealthful food often rich in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates puts migrant farm workers at risk for other nutrition-related diseases” (Deza, 2006).

References

Cason, K.; Sergio, N. & Chavez-Martinez (2001). “Food Choices, Food Sufficiency Practices, and Nutrition Education Needs of Hispanic Migrant Workers in Pennsylvania.” Topics in Clinical Nutrition (n.d.): n. pag. National Center for Farmworker Health.

Deza, A (2006). The Health and Nutrition of Migrant Farm Workers in South Carolina. Thesis. Clemson University.

Essa, J. (2001). Nutrition, Health, and Food Security Practices, Concerns, and Perceived Barriers of Latino Farm/industry Workers in Virginia. Thesis. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.