Climate change impacts on dietary nutrient status of Inuit in Nunavut, Canada

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional food (TF) is locally derived food harvested from the environment, which gives vital sustenance to an Arctic Indigenous People, the Inuit. TF contributes significantly to daily required nutrients. The Arctic is experiencing rapid climate change which is affecting access and availability of TF and potentially nutrient intake for Inuit. Objective: To characterizes the nutritional implications of climate change related to the TF system of Inuit in Nunavut, Canada. Methods: Two‐day focus groups and a frequency survey of 12 TF species were carried out in two Nunavut communities to record climate change observations and TF intake (g/day). Intake of 22 nutrients was compared to respective Dietary Reference Intakes. Results: Communities found climate change was affecting the TF harvest in both positive and negative ways. TF provided 100% of the Estimated Average Intakes for protein, vitamins A and B6, riboflavin, P, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se, and of the Adequate Intake for omega 3 fatty acids. Overall median daily intake of TF was 367 g/day and top species/parts were known wildlife foods. Conclusions: If climate change leads to increased TF harvest, nutrient intake has the potential to increase. Climate changes that may reduce access to TF may have serious consequences on dietary nutrient status of Inuit if no countermeasures are taken. Research Supported by: ArcticNet, Canada.