Frequency of consumption of foods and beverages by Inuvialuit adults in Northwest Territories, Arctic Canada

Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2012 Nov;63(7):782-9. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2012.676029. Epub 2012 Apr 5.

Abstract

Limited data exist regarding nutrient intakes and overall dietary quality in Canadian Arctic populations. This cross-sectional study determined the frequency of consumption of traditional meats (e.g. caribou, polar bear, seal, char and whale) and non-traditional store-bought foods including non-traditional meats (e.g. beef, pork and chicken), grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables and non-nutrient dense foods (NNDFs) (e.g. butter, chocolate, chips, candy and pop) by Inuvialuit adults (175 women, mean age 44 ± 14 years; 55 men, mean age 41 ± 13 years) in three remote communities in the Northwest Territories. Using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire, frequency of consumption over a 30-day period was determined for 141 commonly reported foods. Mean consumption of traditional meats (1.6 times/day), fruits (1 time/day) and vegetables (0.6 times/day) was less frequent than that of NNDFs (5.0 times/day). Nutritional intervention strategies are needed to promote more frequent consumption of nutrient-rich foods and less frequent consumption of NNDFs in these Arctic communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arctic Regions / epidemiology
  • Beverages* / adverse effects
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet* / adverse effects
  • Diet* / ethnology
  • Feeding Behavior* / ethnology
  • Female
  • Food Quality*
  • Health Transition
  • Humans
  • Inuit*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Northwest Territories / epidemiology
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Overweight / epidemiology
  • Overweight / etiology
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Health* / ethnology