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CONC LUS IONS
The gross chemical composition of the Rongelapese diet
indicates that it is low in fat, protein and ash but fairly
high in carbohydrate.
The variation in gross chemical compo-
sition of the diets examined may be accounted for by the broad
variability oc the items constituting the different diets,
The habitat of the Rongelapese probably does not demand a highenergy diet which may partially justify the lower fat intake.
Levels of calcium and phosphorous seem to be below the minimum
required for maintenance of a proper calcium-phosphorous balance
in a good diet.
The diet seems to be adequate in magnesium and
potassium but slightly low in sodium.
Compared to the minimum
daily requirements of human adults for nickel,
copper,
iron and zinc,
the nickel,
manganese,
cobalt and copper contents
seem to be high in the 24-hour Rongelap rations.
content is
cobalt,
The manganese
low but the iron and zinc contents compare favorably
with the minimum daily requirements.
The higher levels of cobalt-60 and zinc-65 are associated
with each other and with those rations which contained local
fish.
The higher levels of strontium-90 and cesium-137 are
found where local
fruit was consumed.
Coconut contributes
little