Diet and Fertility: A Discussion

Subrahmanyan, V. (1955) Diet and Fertility: A Discussion. Bulletin of Central Food Technological Research Institute, 4 (12). pp. 290-296.

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Abstract

The population of the world is increasing by about 25 millions a year of which India contributes nearly 5 millions. This unprecedented increase has made the study of the problem of human fertility from all its angles very important. The fact that a large percentage of the population of Asia is concentrated in certain areas which happen to be the rice eating ones has led to speculation that the rice diet causes increased fertility. Further, on the basis of reports emanating from Japan on the subject, existence of a correlation between rice diet and fertility has been taken for granted. Examination of figures on the increase of population in India during 1941-51 reveal that for Travancore-Cochin (staple food of tapioca and sweet potato) it was 23.0 perlOOO whereas for Bihar and Madras (rice eating areas) figures were 12.3 and 14.3. The problem was recently discussed by a group of experts and from their views, brought out in the following discussion, emerges the fact that the popular belief is unfounded. The Nutrition Advisory Committee of Indian COLlncil of Medical Research has also found that the existing data on the subject is not comprehensive enough to give any statistical evidence in support of the belief. However, it is h:>ped that this discussion based on the analysis of data from several aspects will be of special interest to our readers.-

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Diet, fertility
Subjects:	600 Technology > 08 Food technology
Divisions:	Dept. of Biochemistry
Depositing User:	Food Sci. & Technol. Information Services
Date Deposited:	04 Mar 2013 10:30
Last Modified:	04 Mar 2013 10:30
URI:	http://ir.cftri.res.in/id/eprint/11122

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