[Development of human consumption of proteins in France during the past ten years (1965-1974)]

A rapid development in the alimentary comportment has been primarily due to socioeconomic and physico-sensorial factors. Protein consumption by the French population has modified over the past years. Even though the average ration is high and stable, approximatly 100 grams per day, protein malnutrition still exists. Actually, 16 p. 100 of the aged population, with moderate revenue, consume less than 45 grams of protein per day. Vegetal protein consumption over the last ten years has dropped by 14 p. 100 from 41,7 grams to 35,8 grams of 36 p. 100 of the total. A decline in the consumption of tender wheat down 20 p. 100 in ten years, is responsible for this reduction. Animal proteins represent 64 p. 100 of the ration protein which is a 10 p. 100 increase. However, the milk ration has dropped radically by less than 50 p. 100 during this same ten year period. This is compensated by an increase in cheese consumption, up 25 p. 100 and meat being more often purchased also up 15 p. 100. In the French population the protein ration is high and contains an overabundance of animal proteins associated with a high degree of saturated animal fats. Further studies must be made to permit a more precise evaluation of these consequences on public health and related industries in the alimentary field.