An unsuitable and degraded diet? Part two: realities of the mid-Victorian diet

Why the Pegan Diet Makes Sense

In 1985, S. Boyd Eaton and Melvin Konner published a landmark paper in the New England Journal of Medicine. The title was "Paleolithic Nutrition: A Consideration of Its Nature and Current Implications," and this work postulated that an increase in the prevalence of chronic disease among modern humans is the result of a dietary composition that is incompatible with both our genetic ancestry and natural metabolic function. Over the intervening decades, numerous theories about optimal dietary approaches have been put forth and much debate has ensued. Among researchers and the public, we have witnessed vocal advocates emerge in support of the paleolithic philosophy of encouraging mild ketosis, while others passionately argue for plant-based vegetarianism. There is now evidence that neither extreme provides superior health benefits in isolation. According to numerous clinical studies, a hybrid approach may convey a positive and multifactorial influence on the intestinal microbiome, the metabolome, proteomics, and overall health outcomes. A Mediterranean-style diet has been widely studied, and a new concept-Pegan, which is a contraction of the words paleo and vegan-is now gaining worldwide attention.

Impact of diet on health and longevity in London 1850-1880

This study examines the impact of diet on health in different districts of mid-19th century London. Surveys of London diets and living condition were compared with mortality data between 1851 and 1880. Despite an abundance of fresh foods reaching London, the very poor labouring population living in the inner boroughs between 1850 and 1861 had great difficulty obtaining sufficient nourishment because of its cost. This population showed high death rates from infectious diseases, notably pulmonary tuberculosis, which was endemic and is typically associated with poor nutrition. This high death rate was exacerbated by more deaths from gastrointestinal infections associated with a polluted water supply from the river Thames. By contrast, the poor in the outer suburbs enjoyed both more nutritious diets and cleaner water which was associated with lower death rates comparable to those in rural Britain. Outer suburbs retained a relatively rural life-style associated with cleaner water and an abundance of locally grown food. In the following two decades, there was a significant reduction in the death rates from gastrointestinal infections in the inner boroughs which correlated with the major improvements in London’s water supply. The decline in death rates from tuberculosis and other infectious disease was inconsistent and increased in some boroughs, suggesting patchy economic improvement and a persisting limited ability of many of London’s poor to afford a nutritious diet.

Osteological evidence for juvenile vitamin D deficiency in a 19th century suburban population from Surrey, England

Vitamin D deficiency rickets was considered endemic in the industrialized cities of 19th century England, but was rarely reported in more rural and suburban areas. The commercial excavation of St. John's Church, Redhill, Surrey, UK provided an opportunity to examine to what extent suburban children were affected by rickets and the factors responsible for its development. Seventy-nine non-adults (0-17 years) from St. John's Church were subjected to macroscopic and radiographic analysis to identify skeletal manifestations of vitamin D deficiency. Rachitic lesions were identified in 14/79 individuals (17.7%) aged from six months to six years. Active cases occurred from six months to two years of age with healed cases observed from three to six years. One seven month old infant also displayed healed lesions. The age-specific pattern of active and healed rickets suggests the population was vulnerable to the seasonal restriction of sunlight hours, with the considerably low vitamin D content of the infant diet unable to provide sufficient amounts to maintain metabolic functions. This research demonstrates that rickets was not simply a disease of industrialization but that a variety of factors contributed to its development in groups previously considered to be low risk.

How the mid-Victorians worked, ate and died

Analysis of the mid-Victorian period in the U.K. reveals that life expectancy at age 5 was as good or better than exists today, and the incidence of degenerative disease was 10% of ours. Their levels of physical activity and hence calorific intakes were approximately twice ours. They had relatively little access to alcohol and tobacco; and due to their correspondingly high intake of fruits, whole grains, oily fish and vegetables, they consumed levels of micro- and phytonutrients at approximately ten times the levels considered normal today. This paper relates the nutritional status of the mid-Victorians to their freedom from degenerative disease; and extrapolates recommendations for the cost-effective improvement of public health today.