Protein-energy supplements to preserve nutritional status of sugar cane cutters.
BACKGROUND
Sugar cane cutters in south-eastern Brazil are temporarily hired for the harvest period of 8 months. They often have minimal benefits and may not receive adequate nutrition.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate alterations in weight and body composition of sugar cane cutters during harvest with the use of protein-energy and electrolyte supplements.


METHODS
Three products were used daily: a milk drink, a seasoned manioc meal mixture and an electrolyte replacement fluid, adding approximately 398 kcal and 28.5 g of protein/day.


RESULTS
There were small, but significant, reductions in body mass index and percentage body fat with maintenance of lean mass. There was a significant improvement in hydration status, serum albumin and cholesterol. There were no medical absences related to dehydration.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though alterations in body mass and biochemistry were small, the significance of the findings suggests these supplements may have a useful role to play in reducing lean mass losses and maintaining nutritional and hydration status of these workers.
Chiarello
Paula
P
paulagc@fmrp.usp.br
Sobrinho
Paulo Scatena
PS
Marçal Vieira
Marta Neves Campanelli
MN
Garcia
Rosa Wanda Diez
RW
D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005433:Flour; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002365:Manihot; D008892:Milk; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology
D004044:Dietary Proteins