An introduction to nutrition Newfoundland and Labrador with a preliminary look at the dietary intakes and some related health issues in senior residents of the province

Abstract

Nutrition Newfoundland and Labrador is a province wide survey of a random sample of approximately 2000 residents of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Survey questions address dietary intakes of respondents and related nutrition and health issues. Preliminary findings on the 65–74 year old subgroup (342 respondents) suggest that only 17% intentionally exercise in their leisure time, 30% take nutritional supplements, and almost 63% are aware of Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. An increasing number of seniors would be expected to experience food insecurity although only 3% of the respondents admitted to not always having enough food to eat. This may be partly due to the local availability of wild/game foods. During the past year 76% claim to have eaten moose/caribou, 43% rabbit, 30% seal, and 23% wild birds.