Abstract : The observations were made in Angmagssalik in 1936-1937. The natural Eskimo diet was found to provide oh the average 299 g. protein, 169 g. fat and 22 g. carbohydrate, equivalent to 2800 Cal., with 0.5 g. Ca and 2 g. P per man value. Per head the energy value of the diet was 1900 Cal. per day, and the vitamin C [ascorbic acid] intake averaged 36 mg., of which one-half was derived from marine algae. The daily vitamin A intake was judged to be about 50, 000 I: U. per head.
Influenza and pneumonia occurred, especially in the summer and autumn, after visits of ships; Colds occurred frequently but ear and sinus complications were rare. Tuberculosis seemed to have a comparatively mild course. Acne was not seen, but carbuncles and impetigo were frequent, especially in the winter. Obesity, albuminuria, goitre and chronic constipation were not seen. Arteriosclerosis was relatively common and occurred at an early age. Convulsions in children under one year were frequent. Rickets was not seen in Eskimos living on a primitive diet. Bleeding of the navel in the newborn and from the nose and lungs in adults was frequent. The visual acuity in dim light was higher in the Eskimos than in North European seamen. Basal metabolism was on the average 13 per cent. higher in the Eskimos than that prediered bythe DU Bois standard. R.Q. values lower than 0.7 were not observed in starvation experiments, hut lower values were found on diets rich in fat. Ketone bodies were not commonly found in the urine, in spite of the low carbohydrate intake, and appeared in small amounts only in starvation and on diets rich in fat. The N.P.N. and the CO2-binding capacity of the plasma were 29 mg. per 100 ml. and 60 volumes per cent., respectively. The fasting blood sugar averaged 88 mg. per 100 ml.-R. Nicolaysen (Norway).