Caloric Contribution Research Articles

Temporal snacking patterns among Canadian children and adolescents.

Snacking is nearly universal among children but there is growing concern around snacking patterns and energy contribution. This study aimed to characterize temporal snacking patterns among Canadian children and adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis drew on data from 5209 respondents aged 4-18 years from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey Nutrition, using one 24 h dietary recall. Descriptive statistics estimated proportions of morning, afternoon, and evening snackers, the mean caloric contribution of each snacking period to total daily energy intake, and the top food categories consumed as snacks (kcal per capita). Snacking was nearly universal and accounted for one of every four calories consumed. Morning snacks were more popular among children vs. adolescents and contributed significantly less energy than afternoon or evening snacking periods for both age groups (P<0.001). The top food groups consumed as snacks were the same for children and adolescents, although the ranking order varied. Fruits were the leading food group in terms of per capita energy for children and second for adolescents. Aside from fruits and milks, all other top per capita energy contributors were generally more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods such as cookies, biscuits and cereal bars, and other breads. Among children, morning snacks were higher in desirable nutrients compared with afternoon snacks. Not all snacking periods are equal in terms of energy and nutrients. A better understanding of how time of day may influence the quality of snack foods can inform meal-based guidance and help children achieve the recommended daily amounts of foods and nutrients.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and relationship with sodium and potassium excretion: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) had been associated with higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and NCD-promoting nutrient profile such as high sodium content and low potassium content. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level of food processing according to the NOVA classification and its relationship with sodium and potassium intake estimated by 24-hour urinary excretion. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data collection included 107 workers from a public university (51.4% female; mean age 47 years) participating in an iMC Salt clinical trial). A 24-hour urinary collection was used to estimate sodium and potassium intake, validated by the creatinine coefficient. The corresponding 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess food intake and foods were categorized using the NOVA classification according to the degree and purpose of processing, into four groups. Nutri-score was also used to categorize UPF and provide more information about the nutritional quality of products. Results: The largest energy contribution came from the group of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (51.6%), followed by UPF (24%), processed foods (21.8%) and processed culinary ingredients (2.6%). Individuals with the lowest caloric contribution of the consumption of UPF had higher average values of potassium (K) intake (1438 vs 1136 mg/1000kcal; p=0.007), as individuals with the highest weight contribution of the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (1434 vs 1109 mg/1000kcal; p=0.010). For sodium (Na) intake no significant results were found between individuals with the lowest and the highest consumption of each NOVA group. Conclusions: Higher consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods and lower UPF intake were associated with higher K intake values. On the other hand, higher UPF intake was not associated with higher Na intake values. Funding: This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia by Grant POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029269) and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (Northern Regional Operational Program 2014/2020) - NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072687.

The global diet quality score as an indicator of adequate nutrient intake and dietary quality – a nation-wide representative study

BackgroundThe Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) was developed to be a simple, timely and cost-effective tool to track, simultaneously, nutritional deficiency and non-communicable disease risks from diet in diverse settings. The objective was to investigate the performance of GDQS as an indicator of adequate nutrient intake and dietary quality in a national-representative sample of the Brazilian population.MethodsNationally-representative data from 44,744 men and non-pregnant and non-lactating women aging ≥ 10 years, from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey were used. Dietary data were collected through two 24-h recalls (24HR). The GDQS was calculated and compared to a proxy indicator of nutrient adequate intake (the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women—MDD-W) and to an indicator of high-risk diet for non-communicable diseases (caloric contribution from ultra-processed foods—UPF). To estimate the odds for overall nutrient inadequacy across MDD-W and GDQS quintiles, a multiple logistic regression was applied, and the two metrics’ performances were compared using Wald’s post-test.ResultsThe mean GDQS for Brazilians was 14.5 (0–49 possible range), and only 1% of the population had a low-risk diet (GDQS ≥ 23). The GDQS mean was higher in women, elderly individuals and in higher-income households. An inverse correlation was found between the GDQS and UPF (rho (95% CI) = -0.20(-0.21;-0.19)). The odds for nutrient inadequacy were lower as quintiles of GDQS and MDD-W were higher (p-trend < 0.001), and MDD-W had a slightly better performance than GDQS (p-diff < 0.001). Having a low-risk GDQS (≥ 23) lowered the odds for nutrient inadequacy by 74% (95% CI:63%-81%).ConclusionThe GDQS is a good indicator of overall nutrient adequacy, and correlates well with UPF in a nationally representative sample of Brazil. Future studies must investigate the relationship between the GDQS and clinical endpoints, strengthening the recommendation to use this metric to surveillance dietary risks.

The contribution of the Gaza envelope region to Israel's food security.

Abstract Armed conflicts can have severe implications on food security by displacing farmers, destroying farms and agricultural infrastructure, disrupting supply chains, and limiting the ability of governance to control the highly volatile food markets. Here, we aim to understand the impact of the current Israel-Hamas War on local food production in Israel. Our analysis focused on challenges in food production in the Gaza Envelope region, the region in Israel that borders the Gaza Strip that has been significantly affected by the conflict. Our goals were to understand the agricultural significance of the region- both regarding crop diversity and the risks posed to individual crops due to the conflict, and to assess the nutritional contribution of the region's agricultural output. We found that the Gaza Envelope region is crucial for the propagation of several key crops, notably cherry tomatoes, radishes, and sweet potatoes. Furthermore, we identified 16 crops whose local production is particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to conflict, including radishes and potatoes. The nutritional output of the edible crops of the Gaza Envelope region is extensive and produces over 50% of the annual energetic requirements of the Israeli population. Beyond the caloric contribution, the produce of the region is nutrient-dense, exceeding 100% of the annual Dietary Reference Intakes for the Israeli population of 12 vital nutrients. These 12 nutrients include dietary fiber, six vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, and five minerals including Potassium and Iron. Based on these findings, we suggest that the Israel-Hamas War also has detrimental ramifications on local food production in Israel.

Consumption of foods with a higher degree of processing is associated with overweight and abdominal obesity in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy

This study evaluated food consumption according to its degree of processing and its relationship with body adiposity in 218 women with breast cancer. Food consumption was categorised according to the NOVA classification. Two groups were formed, the first composed by consumption of in natura, minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients (less processed foods) and the second one of processed and ultra-processed foods (more processed foods). The increase of 5% in the caloric contribution of more processed foods was associated with a 4% increase in the prevalence of overweight (p = 0.028) and 3% in prevalence of abdominal obesity (p = 0.018). This reinforces the importance of evaluating food consumption with a focus on the degree of processing, as it can contribute to the prevention of excess body fat in this group, as this excess is associated with a worse prognosis and survival.

Ultra-processed foods consumption among a USA representative sample of middle-older adults: a cross-sectional analysis.

The study evaluated the association between ultra-processed foods (UPF) and nutrient intake and identified the socio-demographic characteristics associated with UPF consumption among a nationally representative sample of middle-older adults. Dietary assessment was collected in 2013 using a validated FFQ. The Nova system was used to classify food and drinks into UPF. The percentage of dietary energy from UPF was calculated and used throughout the analyses, and average nutrient intake across quintiles of UPF was evaluated. The determinants associated with the dietary caloric contribution of UPF intake were investigated using linear regression models. A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative study of Americans over the age of 50, the Health and Retirement Study, was conducted. The analysis included 6220 participants. The mean age was 65 (se 0·28) years, with 55 % being female. UPF intake accounted for 51 % (se 0·25) of total intake. An increase in the percentage of (%UPF) consumption was correlated with an increase in calories, carbohydrates, saturated fat and sugar, and a decrease in fibre, vitamins and minerals. %UPF intake was inversely associated with being Hispanic, higher income, physical activity, vegetarian diet and Mediterranean diet but positively associated with very low food insecurity. UPF represented half of the calories consumed. A higher %UPF intake was associated with a lower nutrient profile, suggesting decreasing %UPF intake as a strategy to improve the nutritional quality of middle-older adults. A few socio-demographic factors were associated with %UPF, which would help in planning strategies to reduce UPF consumption.

Ultra-processed foods and the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods by Brazilian pregnant women and its association with the nutritional quality of the diet. This is a prospective and cross-sectional study with food consumption data of Brazilian pregnant women from the 2017 to 2018 Family Budgets Survey (Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares). Food consumption was measured using two 24-h food recalls, and the foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification. The averages of absolute and relative energy consumption for each of the NOVA groups and subgroups were estimated. The sociodemographic characteristics described the diet's caloric contribution of ultra-processed and non-ultra-processed food fractions. Linear regression models were used to describe the association between quintiles of the caloric contribution of ultra-processed foods and the average content of nutrients in the diet. Consumption of ultra-processed foods represented 20.9% of the total calories in the diet of Brazilian pregnant women. There was a higher energy contribution of ultra-processed foods in the diet of pregnant women living in urban areas (22%), with higher per capita income (23.7%), and in the south region of the country (26.9%). In addition, the data showed an association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with reduced intake of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, potassium, iron, zinc, and folate and increased intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and free sugar. Results show that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a reduction in the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women.

Food consumption in Brazil: influence of beef on environmental impact and nutritional quality of the diet.

To estimate beef consumption and its influence on carbon and water footprints, as well as to improve the nutritional quality of the Brazilian diet. The amount of beef and other foods consumed was evaluated by two 24-hour food records in a representative sample of the Brazilian population ≥ 10 years of age (n = 32,853) from 2008 to 2009. The environmental impact of the diet considered the coefficients of the carbon footprint (gCO2 and/kg) and the water footprint (liters/kg) of the foods, as well as their nutritional quality considering the nutrient composition of each food associated with the prevention of nutritional deficiencies or the increase/decrease in chronic disease risk. Linear and logistic regression models, crude and adjusted for sex, age, education, income, region, and area, were used to respectively study the association of fifths of the caloric contribution of beef with the environmental impacts of the diet and inadequate nutrient intake. Carbon and water footprints and protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, saturated fat, and sodium contents were higher in the fraction of the diet composed of beef, whereas fiber and added sugar contents were higher in the fraction composed by the other foods. Dietary beef contribution was directly associated with the carbon and water footprints of the diet and the risk of saturated fat and sodium excess, besides fiber insufficiency, inversely associated with the risk of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 insufficiency. Reducing beef consumption in Brazil would also reduce the carbon and water footprints of the diet, as well as the risk of chronic diseases related to food. Therefore, in order not to increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, monitoring the increased intake of other foods rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 is suggested.

Overall nutritional and texture analysis of ham sausages with the effects of starch

Ham sausage is usually considered as unhygienic and mal-nutritious food because its complicated ingredients containing high amount of starch rather than actual meat. This research mainly focuses on evaluating the effects of starch addition on taste, texture, and nutritional values of different brands of ham sausage available on market by taste testing and nutritional analysis. The analysis of nutritional content involves three indicators which are glycemic index and glycemic load, caloric contributions of starch, and the index of nutritional quantity of the overall product. The inquiry of taste testing will involve an experiment done by involving 30 volunteers to taste test each sample of ham sausage and rate the texture from four aspects: elasticity, hardness, powdery and chewiness from a scale of zero to ten. The results obtained is that sample b has received the highest scoring among all but it is not the one with the least amount of starch content, which leads to the conclusion of starch additions varied within a small amount won’t possess huge impact on the texture of ham sausages.

Food Intake of Patients with Thyroid Nodules: a Brazilian Food Guides-Based Analysis

Introduction: The thyroid gland has the function of secreting hormones that play an important role in metabolism. Alterations in this function may bring complications to individuals, among them thyroid nodules. The prevalence of thyroid nodules is higher in white people, older adults, women, smokers, with accumulated body fat and larger waist circumference. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare dietary intake of patients with benign (BN) and malignant (MN) thyroid nodules. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 62 patients. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall, according to the 2006 and 2014 Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population. Mean consumption of each food group was compared between patients with BN and MN by Student’s t-test. Results: The sample consisted mostly of females with mean age of 43 years old. Based in the 2006 Guide, patients with BN and MN presented low consumption of fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, and high consumption of meat. Total caloric intake (p=0.03) and of the group of sugars and sweets (p=0.03) were higher among individuals with MN compared with BN. Considering the 2014 Guide, the highest caloric contribution for the diet was from minimally processed foods from minimally processed foods group. Conclusion: Patients with MN had higher energy intake of sugars and sweets. For all other food groups investigated, no significant difference between individuals with MN and BN was encountered.

An Assessment of Food Security Status and Contribution of Livestock in Households Consumption Profile: A Comparative Study in Different Regions of Punjab

Livestock is one of the fastest-growing sectors, especially in emerging economies, to meet the projected demand for protein for the growing population. Livestock’s role is beyond its contribution to meat and milk. It affects food security in multiple ways. The current study is designed to assess the food security status of households having livestock and the caloric contribution of livestock in the consumption profile of households. For this purpose, a sample of 456 households was collected from three districts (152 from each Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi) of Punjab, representing the southern, central, and northern regions of the province. The calorie intake of households is assessed by studying the consumption profile and evaluation of generated energy in terms of calories to assess food security. The contribution of livestock is estimated from cumulative energy generated in the form of calories from the consumption of livestock products. Data analysis reflects that 59% of Bahawalpur households are food secure compared to Faisalabad, where 63% of households are food insecure. Similarly, Rawalpindi has 60% of households with food security status. The households with livestock and whose women participate in livestock activities extract 20% of their nutrition from animal sources in Bahawalpur, 20% in Faisalabad, and 30% in Rawalpindi. The overall food security situation can be improved by increasing the share of livestock products in the household’s consumption profile.

Association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and food markers: National Dietary Survey 2008-2009.

We aimed to analyze the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption with healthy food markers (HFM) and unhealthy food markers (UFM) as well as their impact on these markers in the Brazilian population's diet. Food consumption during two nonconsecutive days of food records of individuals aged ten years or over were investigated in the National Dietary Survey 2008-2009 (n = 32,900) and the caloric contributions of HFM and UFM were distributed according to the categories of SSB consumption. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the associations between the consumption of SSB and the impact of a 50% reduction in portion size and dietary markers. The contribution of energy from HFM was higher among individuals who did not consume SSB. A 50% reduction in the average portion of SSB in the population would imply a 6% decrease in energy contribution to the diet and 12% decrease in total energy from added sugar. It would increase the consumption of HFM and dietary fiber by 7g and 4g, respectively. A 50% reduction in SSB serving size is a strategy that could improve the quality of the diet, increase the consumption of HFM and fiber and reduce the consumption of sugar and UFM.

Complementary food introduction practices in infants with intestinal failure.

Oral intake in infants with intestinal failure (IF) may be limited due to intolerance or feeding difficulties. Guidelines for the introduction of semisolid or solid complementary foods (CFs) to infants with IF do not exist. CF intake and caloric contribution from CF is difficult to assess due to malabsorption and incomplete recording. The aim of this study was to identify institutional approaches to introducing CF to infants with IF. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutriton (ASPEN) Pediatric Intestinal Failure Section Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) working group designed a 10-question online cloud-based survey to assess group member practice related to the introduction of CF to infants with IF. Twenty-six surveys were completed. Thirteen (50%) RDNs recommend introduction of CF between 4 and 6 months of age. Nineteen (76%) recommend adding pureed foods to gastrostomy tube feedings. Seventeen (65%) follow standard infant feeding practice guidelines with half citing the American Academy of Pediatrics. Approximately half (44%) recommend introducing vegetables first and the majority (80%) recommend delaying the introduction of fruits. The vast majority (92%) recommend specific foods to minimize stool output including green beans, bananas, infant cereals, and meats/protein. Institutional practices related to the introduction of CF to infants with IF vary. Similarities with first food choice and foods to avoid were observed. Evidenced-based practice guidelines for the introduction of CF to infants with IF need to be established to determine best practices for reducing stool output, encouraging weaning from parenteral nutrition, and achieving enteral autonomy.

Examining Nutrient Intakes of Canadian Adults With Diabetes Using the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Nutrient Profile Model

ObjectivesThe Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice (DCCP) Guidelines provide dietary recommendations for Canadians at risk and with diabetes to help lower risk and for self-management of diabetes. The DCCP nutrient profile model was developed to classify foods based on their adherence to the DCCP Guidelines. The objective of the study was to examine the nutrient intakes of Canadian adults with diabetes using the DCCP nutrient profile model. MethodsUsing one-day 24-hour dietary recall from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition, nutrient intakes of Canadian adults with self-reported status of diabetes were examined. Foods were categorized by the DCCP nutrient profile model as “least”, “partially”, or “most” aligned with the DCCP Guidelines. Mean nutrient intakes were estimated and standard errors were calculated using balanced repeated replication with 500 bootstrap weighted replicates. Mean estimates were adjusted for age, sex, energy intake, and misreporting status using least squares regression. ResultsCanadian adults with diabetes (n = 1,249) consumed 14% (341 kcal/d [95% CI: 254,428]), 54% (1,291 kcal/d [1112,1470]), and 31% (682 kcal/d [613,751]) of total calories from foods that are “least”, “partially”, and “most” aligned with the DCCP Guidelines, respectively. The proportion of total fat, carbohydrate, and protein intakes from foods that are “least”, “partially”, and “most” aligned with the DCCP Guidelines were similar to their caloric contribution. However, 49% of added sugar intakes (24.1 g/d [20.8, 27.4]) were consumed from foods “least” aligned with the DCCP Guidelines. Over 60% sodium (1,746 mg/d [1,578, 1,915]) and saturated fat (18.7 g/d [16.1, 21.4]) intakes were consumed from foods “partially” aligned with the DCCP Guidelines. More than half of the fiber intakes (11.2 g/d [10.2, 12.2]) were consumed from foods “most” aligned with the DCCP Guidelines. ConclusionsDespite the low caloric contribution of foods “least” aligned with the DCCP Guidelines, these foods contributed to disproportionate intakes of added sugar and saturated fat among Canadian adults with diabetes. The use of the DCCP nutrient profile model can help Canadians with diabetes improve their nutrient intakes. Funding SourcesCIHR Project Grant; Sanofi-Pasteur International Collaboration; CIHR-Doctoral Award (JJL).

Rosemary Extracts Improved the Antioxidant Status of Low-Fat Yoghurt Sauces Enriched with Inulin

Yoghurt sauces are considered fatty products which are quite susceptible to oxidation and must be stabilised using antioxidants. Novel formulations for yoghurt sauces often involve replacement of fat with dietary fibres and use of natural preservatives. The aim of the present research was to design healthier formulations for yoghurt sauces based on the replacement of sunflower oil (SO) with chicory inulin (IN) and the use of rosemary extracts (RE) as natural antioxidants. Different sauces were developed by adding IN at 2 and 5% w: w and/or 300 mg/kg lipo- and/or water-soluble rosemary extracts (RLE and/or RWE) containing 120 and 146 mg polyphenols per g extract, respectively. Nutritional value (proximate composition and caloric contribution), some physical properties (pH and CIELab colour) and antioxidant status (deoxyribose, DPPH radical scavenging, Rancimat, lipid peroxidation and linoleic acid assays) were assessed in the sauces. Replacement of SO with IN (5%) reduced fat content by 30%, roughly 15% low calories, thereby obtaining healthier sauces. As expected, the RLE was more effective than the RWE in improving antioxidant activity in lipidic environment. Using RLE enhanced the antioxidant capacity of lipid peroxidation by 44%. In the Rancimat test, this increased the oxidative protection of the sauce made with and without IN (5%) by around 20% or 45%, respectively. Similarly, using RLE doubled protection against linoleic acid oxidation. Application of IN in yoghurt sauce has nutritional (replacement of lipids with dietary fibre) and technological interest (foaming agent) and can be combined with RE of high polyphenol content as a potential functional ingredient capable of stabilising the sauces against oxidation.

Reuse of Immobilized Komagataella phaffii Cells for the Elimination of d-Glucose in Syrups of Bioactive Carbohydrates

During the synthesis of prebiotic carbohydrates such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), or isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOS), d-glucose is released as a side-product of the transglycosylation process. It is desirable to remove glucose from these sugar mixtures due to its caloric contribution and its effect on caries and diabetes. In this work, we have investigated the use of immobilized Komagataella phaffii (formerly Pichia pastoris) for elimination of d-glucose and d-fructose in several sugar syrups. K. phaffii cells were immobilized in calcium alginate beads to facilitate the separation of the yeast cells from the reaction medium and reuse of the biocatalyst. The immobilized yeasts were successfully reutilized for at least 20 cycles (of 195 min) to remove d-glucose (62.3 g/L) and d-fructose (5.5 g/L) in a FOS syrup, without affecting the concentration of oligosaccharides. Excellent selectivity was also found for elimination of d-glucose (57.2 g/L) in IMOS syrups. The methodology is versatile and easy to scale-up, as demonstrated in the removal of d-glucose (97.5 g/L) and d-fructose (142 g/L) for the purification of heteroglucooligosaccharides synthesized by Metschnikowia reukaufii α-glucosidase. In addition, d-glucose (50 g/L) was selectively removed by K. phaffii beads in the presence of d-galactose (50 g/L) for at least 20 cycles of 150 min and applied to GOS purification.

Diet Impact on Obesity beyond Calories and Trefoil Factor Family 2 (TFF2) as an Illustration: Metabolic Implications and Potential Applications.

Obesity is a health problem with increasing impacts on public health, economy and even social life. In order to reestablish the energy balance, obesity management focuses mainly on two pillars; exercise and diet. Beyond the contribution to the caloric intake, the diet nutrients and composition govern a variety of properties. This includes the energy balance-independent properties and the indirect metabolic effects. Whereas the energy balance-independent properties are close to “pharmacological” effects and include effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, the indirect metabolic effects represent the contribution a diet can have on energy metabolism beyond the caloric contribution itself, which include the food intake control and metabolic changes. As an illustration, we also described the metabolic implication and hypothetical pathways of the high-fat diet-induced gene Trefoil Factor Family 2. The properties the diet has can have a variety of applications mainly in pharmacology and nutrition and further explore the “pharmacologically” active food towards potential therapeutic applications.

Non-nutritive calories intake in critically ill patients – are they just empty calories?

Rationale: There are limited studies exploring the role of non-nutritive calories (NNCs), i.e. propofol, dextrose and citrate. This study aimed to evaluate the caloric contribution of NNCs during ICU admission and assess the impact of NNCs on clinical outcomes amongst critically ill patients

Ontogenetic Diet Shift, Feeding Ecology, and Trophic Niches of the Redspot Chub (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae: Nocomis asper)

Redspot Chub (Nocomis asper) are a keystone species in Ozark Highland streams of the Arkansas River drainage because their unique mound-building reproductive behavior facilitates recruitment of nest associates. Data contributing to an increased understanding of Redspot Chub natural history is required for the conservation of this species as it is listed as a species of concern throughout most its range. The findings presented within thoroughly describe Redspot Chub feeding ecology by documenting an ontogenetic diet shift, patterns of seasonal resource use, important prey taxa, estimates of trophic position and dietary niche breadth, as well as documenting feeding strategies at population and individual levels. Diet collections were conducted seasonally in 2018 and 2019 at four sites on Spavinaw Creek in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Logistic regression provided evidence for a previously undescribed ontogenetic diet shift, which split Redspot Chub into two functionally different species from a dietary perspective. Redspot Chub ≥ 162 mm total length (TL, RSCB) occupied a significantly higher trophic level than Redspot Chub < 162 mm TL (RSCS). In terms of caloric contribution, Ringed Crayfish (Faxonius neglectus neglectus) nearly accounted for the entire diet of RSCB, regardless of season. This specialization led to a much lower overall dietary niche breadth when compared to RSCS. Furthermore, Amundsen plots clearly depicted RSCB population specialization on crayfish. Conversely, Trichoptera were the most important prey across seasons for RSCS. Coleoptera, Ringed Crayfish, and Ephemeroptera ranked second in importance at different times seasonally. RSCS also possessed a relatively narrow niche width, but Amundsen plots exhibited a pattern where seasonally the two most important prey types were specialized on by approximately half the population, while smaller proportions of the population specialized on less commonly used prey resources. Species' diets reflect an integration of numerous ecological components; therefore, our aim was to provide a greater understanding of Redspot Chub feeding ecology that may be useful for informing future conservation assessments and management decisions.

Assessing the contribution of traditional foods to food security for the Wapekeka First Nation of Canada.

The food security crisis and disproportionately high burden of dietary related disease amongst northern Indigenous populations in Canada continues to be a troubling reality with little sign of improvement. The Government of Canada is responding by developing programs to support local food initiatives for northern isolated communities. While such investments appear commendable, the impact of local food harvesting to improve food security has yet to be determined. While there are clear nutritional and cultural benefits to traditional food sources, communities face considerable barriers acquiring it in sufficient amounts because of historically imposed lifestyle changes that have increased food insecurity rates. This study responds by providing a novel multidisciplinary approach that draws from firsthand experiences working with First Nations community members in a remote subarctic region in northwestern, Ontario, to estimate their community's total food requirement and the amount of wild animal food sources needed to sustain yearly food intake. This transferrable energy demand approach will be critical for policy makers to put into perspective the amount of wild food needed to have an impact on food security rates and ultimately improve dietary related diseases. Novelty: Provide government policy makers information about current harvest yields in a remote northern First Nation to understand the potential contribution of traditional food to improve local food security. Provide Indigenous communities a means to assess local food resources to measure the caloric contributions of traditional foods toward household food security.