Abstract
Dietary transition in the Arctic is associated with decreased quality of diet, which is of particular concern for women of childbearing age due to the potential impact of maternal nutrition status on the next generation. The study assessed dietary intake and adequacy among Inuit women of childbearing age living in three communities in Nunavut, Canada. A culturally-appropriate quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was administered to 106 Inuit women aged 19-44 years. Sources of key foods, energy and nutrient intakes were determined; dietary adequacy was determined by comparing nutrient intakes with recommendations. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was >70%, and many consumed inadequate dietary fibre, folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A, D, E, and K. Non-nutrient-dense foods were primary sources of fat, carbohydrate and sugar intakes and contributed >30% of energy. Traditional foods accounted for 21% of energy and >50% of protein and iron intakes. Strategies to improve weight status and nutrient intake are needed among Inuit women in this important life stage.
Highlights
Similar to many aboriginal populations worldwide, Inuit women of northern Canada have been undergoing a nutrition transition [1,2,3,4]
Supplement use Takes no supplement Takes some form of supplement Multivitamins Iron Calcium and/or vitamin D Prenatal Vitamin A
Almost 72% of the participants were overweight or obese according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classifications [48]
Summary
Similar to many aboriginal populations worldwide, Inuit women of northern Canada have been undergoing a nutrition transition [1,2,3,4]. These populations consumed a subsistence diet consisting of hunted and gathered foods, i.e. sea and land mammals, fish, shellfish, birds, and plants. A recent study in three remote Nunavut communities found that 72% of Inuit adults were overweight or obese [21] and that nutrient-poor foods high in fat and sugar were prominent sources of dietary intake [11,22,23]. Low intakes of many important nutrients, such as dietary fibre, calcium, folate, and vitamin A, D, and E, were prevalent [22]
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