Adherence to a traditional lifestyle affects food and nutrient intake among modern swedish sami

Abstract

Objectives. To compare the nutrient and food intake of Sami still engaged in reindeer herding (traditionallifestyle or reindeer-herding Sami [RS]) and Sami not involved in reindeer herding (industrializedlifestyle or non-reindeer-herding Sami [NRS]) with other northern Swedish populations.Study design. Cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cardiovascular interventionprogram in northern Sweden. Methods. Data were used from a prospective cardiovascular intervention program in northernSweden. Sami recruited into this study were divided according to whether they were involved inreindeer herding (traditional lifestyle, RS) (66 females, 79 males) or not (NRS) (255 females, 195males), and compared to non-Sami from the same area taking part in the same study (controls)(499 females, 501 males). Subjects completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and clinicalparameters were analysed.Results. RS had a higher overall intake of energy for both females (P<0.01) and males (P<0.05), but not total food intake compared to controls and NRS. The overall Sami diet was characterizedby a higher proportion of energy from protein and fat. RS had a lower energy adjusted intake ofvitamins A and E, and fibre, and a higher intake of sodium. RS and NRS both had a lower intakeof vegetables and a higher intake of meat, and for RS, fish. Nutrient and food-intake patterns weresimilar for males and females.Conclusions. Classification of Sami into RS and NRS indicates that a traditional lifestyle defined byoccupation is reflected in differences in food and nutrient intake.