1917 - Nutrition

Nutrition

British military conscription reveals that only three out of nine men of military age are fit and healthy. Poor nutrition is blamed.

Britain's Medical Council reports that at least half the children in industrial towns have rickets (see 1902).

Xerophthalmia is observed in Danish children whose diets are lacking in butterfats (see Japan, 1904). The abnormal dryness of the eye membranes and cornea can lead to blindness. Denmark has been exporting her butter to the warring powers even at the expense of her domestic needs, and dietary deficiency is endangering the children's eyesight (see McCollum, 1912).

The Smith-Hughes Act passed by Congress provides funds to land-grant colleges for training home economics teachers who will spread knowledge of new nutrition ideas based on economy and health rather than taste.

The American Dietetic Association founded at Cleveland will have 70,000 members by 1997.