This study reviews 209 original articles published in the journal Arquivos Brasileiros de Nutrição (1944/1968), a periodical edited by Josué de Castro, physician, specialist in nutrition, and founder-director of the Institute of Nutrition at the University of Brazil (now the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro). Our methodology was based on quantitative and qualitative analyses, aimed at summarizing both the topic itself and the authors' backgrounds. Results showed that 134 of the articles (64%) adopted a biological perspective to nutrition, mostly focusing on laboratory research concerning the chemical composition and nutritional value of Brazilian foodstuffs. On the other hand, 75 articles (36%) took a social perspective, testifying to the first efforts by Brazilian nutritional experts to create and improve specific methodological tools for investigating our population's nutritional conditions, thereby helping to consolidate the field of nutrition in the country.
Nutrition; History of Nutrition; Serial Publications; Periodicals
