Traditional food consumption is associated with better diet quality and adequacy among Inuit adults in Nunavut, Canada

Abstract

The Inuit population is undergoing a rapid nutrition transition as a result of reduced consumption of traditional foods. This study aims to describe the differences in dietary adequacy between non-traditional and traditional eaters among Inuit populations in Nunavut, Canada. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a culturally appropriate quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Participants included 208 Inuit adults from three isolated communities in Nunavut. Traditional eaters consumed a more nutrient-dense diet and achieved better dietary adequacy than non-traditional eaters. Traditional foods accounted for 7 and 27% of energy intake among non-traditional and traditional eaters, respectively. Non-nutrient-dense foods accounted for a greater proportion of energy intake in non-traditional eaters; however, these were consumed in significant amounts by both the groups (36 and 27% of total energy). Consumption of traditional foods is associated with greater diet quality and dietary adequacy. Efforts should be made to promote traditional and non-traditional foods of high-nutritional quality.

• Aboriginal populations
• nutrient density
• nutrition transition
• traditional eaters

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our community champions: Ms. Annie Buchan, Ms. Rahabi Kamookak, Ms. Julia Ogina, Mr. James Howard and Ms. Nora Niptanatiak for their great support, guidance and work on this project. We also thank the communities for their enthusiastic participation.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest. The project was supported by American Diabetes Association Clinical Research award 1-08-CR-57, Government of Nunavut Department of Health and Social Services, and Health Canada.