Inadequate diets in an Arctic population undergoing a drastic environmental change

Acculturation is currently affecting food and nutrient intake of Inuit in Arctic Canada, increasing risk of chronic diseases. There is a lack of current data on dietary adequacy among Inuit in Nunavut. To inform and evaluate a nutritional and lifestyle intervention program, Healthy Foods North, up t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The FASEB Journal
Main Authors: Sharma, Sangita, Hopping, Beth N, Mead, Erin, Erber, Eva, Buchan, Annie, Roache, Cindy
Other Authors: Health Canada
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2010
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.559.3
Description
Summary:Acculturation is currently affecting food and nutrient intake of Inuit in Arctic Canada, increasing risk of chronic diseases. There is a lack of current data on dietary adequacy among Inuit in Nunavut. To inform and evaluate a nutritional and lifestyle intervention program, Healthy Foods North, up to three 24‐hour dietary recalls were collected from each participant in one remote community in Nunavut. These data were analyzed to estimate energy and nutrient intake and to determine dietary adequacy, most commonly reported foods, and the top food contributors to energy and selected nutrients. Participants included 76 men and women (mean age 44 years, response rate 68%). Mean daily energy intake was 1,971 kcals for women and 2,215 kcals for men. Intakes of dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and E were below the Dietary Reference Intakes for men and women. The most frequently consumed foods were non‐nutrient dense store‐bought foods, including sugar and sweetened juices/drinks. Traditional foods contributed substantially to protein and iron intake, while store‐bought foods were the primary contributors to total fat, carbohydrate, and sugar. Inadequate intake of many nutrients in this Inuit population indicates an immediate need for a nutritional intervention to improve dietary adequacy and reduce risk factors of chronic disease. Supported by ADA, Government of Nunavut DHSS, and Health Canada.