The diets of school‐aged Aboriginal youths in Canada: a systematic review of the literature

• Published in: Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
• Main Authors: Gates, A., Skinner, K., Gates, M.
• Other Authors: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2014
• Subjects: Canada; First Nations; inuit
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12246; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fjhn.12246; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jhn.12246

Abstract Background Most national surveys examining diet leave large segments of the A boriginal population under‐represented. The present study aimed to: (i) review primary research studies that investigated the dietary intakes of C anadian school‐aged A boriginal youths; (ii) summarise the tools and methodologies currently used to measure diet in this population; and (iii) identify knowledge gaps and suggest areas of future research. Methods A systematic review of research published between J anuary 2004 and J anuary 2014 related to the diets of C anadian school‐aged (6–18 years) A boriginal youths was undertaken, including M edline, S copus, ERIC , W eb of S cience and G oogle S cholar databases. Studies were summarised based on purpose, year, sample population, setting, dietary assessment method and main findings. Results Twenty‐four studies were reviewed, all of which were cross‐sectional in design. Most ( n = 16; 67%) were from O ntario or Q uebec, investigated the diets of First Nations ( n = 21; 88%) youths and took place in remote or isolated settings ( n = 18; 75%). Almost all of the studies used the 24‐h recall to assess intake ( n = 19; 79%), of which 89% used a single recall. The findings suggest that the diets of A boriginal youths could be improved. Of particular concern are inadequate intakes of vegetables and fruit, milk and alternatives, fibre, folate, vitamin A , vitamin C , calcium and vitamin D , concomitant with an excess consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, snacks and fast foods. Traditional foods remain important but tend to be consumed infrequently. Conclusions The diets of C anadian A boriginal youths are energy‐dense and nutrient‐poor. The diets of Inuit and Métis youths, in particular, and perceptions of a balanced diet warrant further investigation.