Traditional Food Intake Research Articles

Eating Traditional Foods Enhances Diet Quality Among First Nations in Canada: An Analysis Using the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 (HEFI-2019) and the Canadian Healthy Eating Index 2007 (C-HEI 2007).

Understanding the dietary patterns of First Nations is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting well-being. Historical assaults (colonization and loss of control over their lands) have strongly altered dietary practices and impacted health outcomes for generations. Canada conducts regular surveys to assess the extent to which individuals adhere to dietary guidelines. However, Indigenous peoples living on reserves are excluded from these surveys. This study aims to assess the diet quality of First Nations adults using the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 (HEFI-2019) and the Canadian Healthy Eating Index 2007 (C-HEI 2007) and identify their influencing factors. Data were collected from adults (19 years and older) across ninety-two First Nations communities throughout Canada. Participants provided information on sociodemographic factors and dietary intake using structured questionnaires and 24h dietary recalls. Statistical analyses included mean scores and regression models to assess associations between dietary indices and influencing factors. The mean HEFI-2019 and C-HEI 2007 scores among First Nations adults were 35/80 and 49/100, respectively, indicating suboptimal adherence to dietary guidelines compared to the Canadian population. Factors such as region, age, sex, education level, number of working people in the household, smoking status, and traditional food intake significantly influenced diet quality. This study underscores the importance of understanding and improving the diet quality of First Nations adults as measured by HEFI-2019 and C-HEI 2007 scores. While acknowledging the low adherence to dietary guidelines, particularly in younger age groups, the study highlights the positive influence of traditional foods on diet quality within Indigenous communities.

Metal exposure in the Greenlandic ACCEPT cohort: follow-up and comparison with other Arctic populations

ABSTRACT Humans are exposed to metals through diet and lifestyle e.g. smoking. Some metals are essential for physiologically body functions, while others are non-essential and can be toxic to humans. This study follows up on metal concentrations in the Greenlandic ACCEPT birth-cohort (mothers and fathers) and compares with other Arctic populations. The data from 2019 to 2020 include blood metal concentrations, lifestyle and food frequency questionnaires from 101 mothers and 76 fathers, 24–55 years, living in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat. A high percentage (25–45%) exceeded international guidance values for Hg. For the mothers, the metal concentrations changed significantly from inclusion at pregnancy to this follow-up 3–5 years after birth; some increased and others decreased. Most metals differed significantly between mothers and fathers, while few also differed between residential towns. Several metals correlated significantly with marine food intake and socio-economic factors, but the direction of the correlations varied. Traditional marine food intake was associated positively with Se, As and Hg. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the most recent data on metal exposure of both men and women in Greenland, elucidating metal exposure sources among Arctic populations, and documents the need for continuing biomonitoring to follow the exceeding of guidance values for Hg.

Ramon Flour (Brosimum alicastrum Swartz) Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation, Induction of AMPK Phosphorylation, and Expression of the Hepatic Antioxidant System in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model.

Excessive consumption of fat and carbohydrates, together with a decrease in traditional food intake, has been related to obesity and the development of metabolic alterations. Ramon seed is a traditional Mayan food used to obtain Ramon flour (RF) with high biological value in terms of protein, fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. However, few studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of RF. Thus, we aimed to determine the metabolic effects of RF consumption on a high-fat-diet-induced obesity mouse model. We divided male BALB/c mice into four groups (n = 5 each group) and fed them for 90 days with the following diets: Control (C): control diet (AIN-93), C + RF: control diet adjusted with 25% RF, HFD: high-fat diet + 5% sugar in water, and HFD + RF: high-fat diet adjusted with 25% RF + 5% sugar in water. The RF prevented the increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) and alanine transaminase (ALT) that occurred in the C and HFD groups. Notably, RF together with HFD increased serum polyphenols and antioxidant activity, and it promoted a decrease in the adipocyte size in white adipose tissue, along with lower hepatic lipid accumulation than in the HFD group. In the liver, the HFD + RF group showed an increase in the expression of β-oxidation-related genes, and downregulation of the fatty acid synthase (Fas) gene compared with the HFD group. Moreover, the HFD + RF group had increased hepatic phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), along with increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression compared with the HFD group. Thus, RF may be used as a nutritional strategy to decrease metabolic alterations during obesity.

Bioactive Components of Moringa Oleifera and Colocasia Leaves and Their Uses in Indian Multipurpose Cuisine

The aim of this research study is to understand the knowledge, attitude and practice along with the traditional food intake method. The study was carried out on 308 participants of age group from 18-68 years irrespective of gender and occupation through online survey and consumer preferences value added product like premix were experimented and the consumer acceptability was evaluated by sensory techniques. The extracts of leaves and bark significantly suppressed the growth of cultured human multiple myeloma cell lines, whereas the leaf extracts induced cytotoxic effects on human pancreatic carcinoma cells.In conclusion, the present review aims to address the nutritional importance of the plant and its cultivation, post-harvest management, and processing possibilities to prolong the shelf life of fresh corms. The knowledge was high among the participants about consumption of moringa and Colocasialeaves. Colocasia leaves are rich in protein, complementing the high carbohydrate content of the tubers.The leaves of Colocasia esculenta are rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins like vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The nutritional and anti-nutritional components of taro are essential for maintaining food security and promoting rural development.

Diet quality is positively associated with intake of traditional foods and does not differ by season in remote Yup’ik communities

ABSTRACT This study evaluated whether traditional food intake and diet quality differed by season in Yup’ik communities and examined the relationship between intake of traditional food groups and diet quality. Data were collected from 38 participants, ages 14–79 years, from two Yup’ik communities in Southwest Alaska from 2008 to 2010. Self-reported intake (24-h recalls) and dietary biomarker (nitrogen stable isotope ratio) data were collected twice in distinct seasons. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index. A paired sample t-test was used to test for seasonal differences in traditional food intake and diet quality, and linear regression was used to evaluate associations between traditional food intake and diet quality. Total traditional food intake and overall diet quality did not significantly differ by season, but there were differences in traditional food group intake and diet quality component scores. Diet quality was strongly associated with intake of traditional food groups including fish, tundra greens, and berries. Given the strong relationship between traditional food intake and diet quality, policies should aim to ensure continued access to traditional foods in Yup’ik communities amid environmental changes in the circumpolar North.

Determination of a Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Reference Ranges in Japanese Adults Using Fully Automated Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

BackgroundDespite an increasing interest in vitamin D status, a reference range of the nutrient has not been fully established. This is partly due to a paucity of standardized measuring systems with high throughput. In addition, the range may vary by populations and may change with modernization of lifestyles. ObjectivesThis study aims to calculate the current reference concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) among healthy people living in an urban area in Japan. MethodsA newly developed fully automated liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system was used to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Reproducibility was assessed by measuring standardized samples. Accuracy was validated by comparing with commercially available immunoassays. Then, mass screening was conducted targeting participants who received medical checkups in Tokyo from April 2019 to March 2020, and the reference ranges were calculated. ResultsThe coefficients of variations of interoperator and interday reproducibility were 4.1%–8.5% and 3.7%–8.0% for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2) and 4.7%–7.0% and 4.0%–6.9% for 25-hydroxyvitamine D3, respectively. The measured total 25(OH)D concentrations correlated well with those measured by immunoassays. In total, 5518 participants were measured for 25(OH)D concentrations, among whom 98% showed inadequate concentrations (<30 ng/mL). The reference ranges of total 25(OH)D for female, male, and total participants were 7–30 ng/mL, 5–27 ng/mL, and 6–29 ng/mL, respectively. After excluding those with abnormal renal and liver function, the range was 6–30 ng/mL. ConclusionsThe high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among seemingly healthy population may be attributed to lifestyle characteristics of people living in urban areas of Japan, including spending less time outdoors and lower intake of traditional foods. Longitudinal follow-up and mass screenings targeting different population will help elucidate reasons for discrepancies between official guidelines and the observed concentrations, to which the well-validated measurement system is essential.

Obesity Prevalence and Dietary Factors Among Preschool-Aged Head Start Children in Remote Alaska Native Communities: Baseline Data from the "Got Neqpiaq?" Study.

Background: American Indian and Alaska Native preschool-aged children experience a high prevalence of obesity, yet are under-represented in obesity prevention research. This study examined obesity prevalence and dietary risk factors among Alaska Native preschool-aged children in southwest Alaska. Methods: The study used baseline data from "Got Neqpiaq?" a culturally centered multilevel intervention focused on Yup'ik Alaska Native children, aged 3-5 years, enrolled in Head Start in 12 communities in southwest Alaska (n = 155). The primary outcomes were BMI percentile, overweight, and obesity. Dietary factors of interest were measured using biomarkers: traditional food intake (nitrogen stable isotope ratio biomarker), ultraprocessed food intake (carbon stable isotope ratio biomarker), and vegetable and fruit intake (skin carotenoid status biomarker measured by the Veggie Meter). Cardiometabolic markers (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] and blood cholesterol) were also measured. Results: Among the Yup'ik preschool-aged children in the study, the median BMI percentile was 91, and the prevalence of overweight or obesity was 70%. The traditional food intake biomarker was negatively associated with BMI, whereas the ultraprocessed foods and vegetable and fruit biomarkers were not associated with BMI. HbA1c and blood cholesterol were within healthy levels. Conclusions: The burden of overweight and obesity is high among Yup'ik preschool-aged children. Traditional food intake is inversely associated with BMI, which underscores the need for culturally grounded interventions that emphasize traditional values and knowledge to support the traditional food systems in Alaska Native communities in southwest Alaska. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03601299.

Adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle pattern is associated with favorable weight loss outcomes: the MedWeight study

Individual lifestyle targets have been associated with weight loss outcomes, yet few studies have examined associations of one's total lifestyle with weight loss maintenance. We aimed to examine the relationship between lifestyle patterns and weight loss outcomes in weight loss maintainers and regainers. We hypothesized that higher adherence to a broader healthy lifestyle favors maintenance (over regain). This is a cross-sectional analysis of 470 adults (62% women) with a history of overweight/obesity and significant weight loss 12 months before study entry. Participants were classified as maintainers (current weight ≤90% maximum weight) or regainers. They were asked to fill in a series of questionnaires on demographics and lifestyle habits (dietary intake and eating behaviors through two 24-hour recalls, physical activity, and sleep). A total Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (total-MLI, range 0-13) was generated by summing up ratings in the lifestyle domain quartiles (diet quality, physical activity, and sleep habits) and dietary behaviors (seasonal food and vegetable intake, intake of traditional foods, responsibility for food preparation, conviviality). Maintainers scored higher in the total-MLI than regainers (6.93 ± 2.31 vs 5.78 ± 2.49, P < .001). Adherence to the total-MLI was associated with 28% higher odds for weight loss maintenance (per unit increment) in linear analyses. Being in the highest total-MLI quartile was associated with 5.27 (95% CI, 2.77-10.02) odds for maintenance. Higher adherence to a comprehensive Mediterranean lifestyle pattern was associated with higher odds for weight loss maintenance. Our findings suggest that even modest shifts toward a healthier living may contribute to favorable weight loss outcomes.

Persistent organic pollutant exposures among Greenlandic adults in relation to lifestyle and diet: New data from the ACCEPT cohort

High concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blood of the Greenlandic population are well known. The exposure is mainly through traditional food intake, including marine mammals and seabirds.The present study aimed to follow up on POP concentrations (organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs)) and relations to lifestyle and diet of the mothers included in the Greenlandic ACCEPT cohort (3–5 years after inclusion in 2013–15) and to include the children's fathers. This new data collection in 2019–20 included blood samples for measurement of POP concentrations and lifestyle and food frequency questionnaires from 101 mothers and 76 fathers aged 24–55 years living in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat, Greenland.The mothers' intra-individual median percentage decrease in POP concentrations from inclusion to this follow-up (3–5 years later) was 16–58%, except for mirex (0% change). Median concentrations of POPs were 1.4–4.6 times higher in fathers than in mothers. The POPs differed by residential town with generally higher concentrations in Ilulissat compared to Sisimiut and Nuuk. We report, for the first time, novel HFRs in human samples from Greenland. However, concentrations were low and only dechlorane plus (with its anti-isomer) was detected in >50% of the samples.Most POPs correlated positively with age and n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio. The lipophilic POPs correlated positively with the percentage of life lived in Greenland, whereas few POPs correlated positively with BMI, income (personal and household), education, and alcohol intake.The POPs generally associated positively with the intake of marine mammals, seabirds, and dried fish, while few POPs associated positively with Greenlandic fish intake. In contrast, POPs generally associated negatively with imported meat products intake.The study findings may be of interest for future dietary recommendations in Greenland. We discuss the potential explanations for the findings and suggestions for future research.

A Pavlovian Intervention to Condition Comforting Effects of Fruits.

Perceived stress, lower fruit intake, and comfort eating are all risk factors for chronic disease. The present pilot study aimed to simultaneously mitigate all three risk factors by applying Pavlovian conditioning to change the nature of comfort eating. Specifically, stressed participants underwent a Pavlovian conditioning intervention designed to elicit comforting effects of fruit intake and thereby reduce negative mood while promoting fruit intake. We developed a seven-dose Pavlovian conditioning intervention wherein participants temporally paired together Progressive Muscle Relaxation (unconditioned stimulus) with fruit intake (conditioned stimulus) daily for 1 week. Participants (N = 100, mean [standard deviation] age = 20.7 [4.6] years; 74% female) with moderate to high levels of baseline perceived stress were randomized to the intervention or an active explicitly unpaired control group, wherein the Progressive Muscle Relaxation and fruit intake also occurred but were not temporally paired together. After the intervention, participants' negative mood was assessed immediately before and after fruit intake to assess conditioning effects. Then, participants logged their regular food intake for 4 days using the MyFitnessPal smartphone app. After the intervention, fruit intake acutely improved negative mood to a greater extent among the intervention versus control group (F(1,98) = 3.99, p = .048, = 0.039). However, there was not a significant between-group difference in intake of fruit or traditional comfort foods at postintervention. Repeated pairing of fruit intake with a reliable distress-reducing activity led to the conditioning of comforting effects of fruit intake. Further refinement of the intervention design is necessary to translate this conditioned association to actual intake of fruit and other foods.

Dietary habits among men and women in West Greenland: follow-up on the ACCEPT birth cohort

BackgroundIn the past decades, the diet in Greenland has been in transition resulting in a lower intake of traditional food and a higher intake of imported western food. This diet transition can affect public health negatively, and thus, continued monitoring of dietary habits is important. The present study aimed to follow up on the dietary habits of pregnant women included in the Greenlandic ACCEPT birth cohort (2013–2015) and the children’s father.MethodsThe follow-up food intake was assessed in 2019–2020 using food frequency questionnaires for 101 mothers and 76 fathers aged 24–55 years living in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat. Non-parametric statistical methods were used (Mann-Whitney U test/Spearman correlation) to assess the dietary pattern and influencing factors.ResultsThe proportion of traditional and imported food was 14 and 86%, respectively. Intake frequency differed by gender (vegetables, fruits, fast food), the living town (terrestrial animals, vegetables, fruits), and age (fish, meat products, fruits, fast food). Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors significantly correlated with the intake frequency of several traditional and imported foods. Few changes in the mother’s dietary habits from inclusion (during pregnancy) to follow-up (3–5 years later) were found, showing less frequent intake of seabirds and fruits and more frequent meat intake.ConclusionWe identified several factors that could affect dietary habits, and the results may be used to target future food recommendation for relevant population groups.

An Analysis of Household Consumers’ Awareness, Perceptions, Attitudes and Behaviour Towards Irish Potato Procurement and Consumption in Urban Areas in Cameroon

The aim of this study was to measure the effects of townspeople’s origin and acculturation on Irish potato procurement and consumption in Cameroon. It is part of the logic of developing strategies for the introduction and diversification of urban dietary practices, to reduce hunger and undernourishment in urban areas. The study plans to discover new dishes and make them culturally and traditionally acceptable following local tastes and preferences. To provide a snapshot of Irish potato city dwellers’ consumers’ characteristics, the study used a cross-sectional design. The cross-sectional sample is made up of 180 subjects, taken in each of the 12 associations; aged at least 10 years, of people, originated from Irish potato-producing areas or non, chosen in Yaoundé city, i.e. 6 associations per category. They must have spent at least 2 years in the association, that is to say, that they have experience of urban life and have stabilized their food supply mode. The main idea was that subjects from producing areas are consumers of Irish potato, following traditional food consumption patterns and concepts of food availability, while those from non-producing areas are consumers who progressively integrate and adopt potato dishes into their diets through the impact of acculturation and exposure. The first was chosen according to the sociocultural factors determining the nature of the traditional food intake in the production areas. All regions in which Irish potato was not produced were considered as non-producing areas. Results show that the predisposition of traditional food systems and preferences lead city dwellers to consume specific foods in particular ways; all the people interviewed consume Irish potato, but not at the same rate; Irish potato dishes vary and people from non-producing areas already eat some dishes like fried potato and chips at high scale. Intercultural associations could thus be an important channel for sharing Irish potato consumption information.

Importance of the traditional food systems for First Nations adults living on reserves in Canada

ObjectiveTo describe the traditional food (TF) systems of First Nations in Canada, including intake, barriers and promoters.MethodsThe First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study is a cross-Canada participatory study of First Nations adults below the 60th parallel that obtained data for communities excluded from other national studies. A food frequency questionnaire was used to establish frequency of TF intake (number of days in a year) to allow comparisons across ecozones/regions in Canada. Grams of TF intake were also calculated using frequency multiplied by average portions from 24-h recalls. Closed- and open-ended questions attempted to identify some of the key barriers and concerns regarding TF access and use. Multivariable analyses were run to determine what factors are associated with increased TF consumption.ResultsAcross communities, there is a strong preference by adults to have TF in the diet more often. Consumption of land animals was most frequently reported in most ecozones except for the Pacific Maritime and Mixedwood Plains, where fish and plants, respectively, were more frequently consumed. First Nations identified structural and environmental challenges such as development, government regulations and climate change, along with household barriers such as insufficient capital for equipment and transportation, lack of time and absence of a hunter in the household. Multivariable analyses revealed that the highest intake of TF occurred in the Taiga Plains ecozone, and for older individuals and men.ConclusionIdentifying solutions that empower First Nations at all levels is required to overcome the multiple challenges to the inclusion of TF in the diet.

Traditional Food Energy Intake among Indigenous Populations in Select High-Income Settler-Colonized Countries: A Systematic Literature Review.

ABSTRACTThe traditional diets of Indigenous Peoples globally have undergone a major transition due to settler colonialism. This systematic review aims to provide a perspective of traditional food intake of Indigenous populations in high-income settler-colonized countries. For inclusion, studies reported the primary outcome of interest—traditional food contribution to total energy intake (% of energy)—and occurred in Canada, the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska), New Zealand, Australia, and/or Scandinavian countries. Primary outcome data were reported and organized by date of data collection by country. Forty-nine articles published between 1987 and 2019 were identified. Wide variation in contribution of traditional food to energy was reported. A trend for decreasing traditional food energy intake over time was apparent; however, heterogeneity in study populations and dietary assessment methods limited conclusive evaluation of this. This review may inform cross-sectoral policy to protect the sustainable utilization of traditional food for Indigenous Peoples.

Validity and Reproducibility of a Culture-Specific Food Frequency Questionnaire in Lebanon.

This study aims to assess the validity and reproducibility of a culture-specific semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for Lebanese adults. The 94-item FFQ captures intake of traditional Mediterranean dishes and Western food, reflective of current Lebanese nutrition transition. Among 107 participants (18–65 years), the FFQ was administered at baseline (FFQ-1) and one year thereafter (FFQ-2); 2–3 24-h recalls (24-HRs)/season were collected for a total of 8–12 over four seasons. A subset (n = 67) provided a fasting blood sample in the fall. Spearman-correlation coefficients, Bland–Altman plots, joint-classification and (ICC) were calculated. Mean intakes from FFQ-2 were higher than from the total 24-HRs. Correlations for diet from FFQ-2 and 24-HRs ranged from 0.17 for α-carotene to 0.65 for energy. Joint classification in the same/adjacent quartile ranged from 74.8% to 95%. FFQ-2-plasma carotenoid correlations ranged from 0.18 for lutein/zeaxanthin to 0.59 for β-carotene. Intra-class correlations for FFQ-1 and FFQ-2 ranged from 0.36 for β-cryptoxanthin to 0.85 for energy. 24-HRs carotenoid intake varied by season; combining season-specific 24-HRs proximal to biospecimen collection to the FFQ-2 improved diet-biochemical correlations. By applying dietary data from two tools with biomarkers taking into consideration seasonal variation, we report a valid, reproducible Lebanese FFQ for use in diet-disease research.

Health Risk Modifiers of Exposure to Persistent Pollutants among Indigenous Peoples of Chukotka.

The aim of the study was to assess temporal trends in health risks related to most common persistent contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs), lead (Pb), as well as mercury (Hg) among indigenous peoples living in coastal areas of Chukotka in Arctic Russia. This is examined in relation to exposure pathways and a range of social and behavioral factors capable of modifying the exposure to these contaminants, including place of residence, income, traditional subsistence, alcohol consumption, and awareness of risk prevention. The primary exposure pathway for PCBs is shown to be the intake of traditional foods, which explained as much as 90% of the total health risk calculated employing established risk guidelines. Nearly 50% of past DDT-related health risks also appear to have been contributed by contaminated indoor surfaces involving commonly used DDT-containing insecticides. Individuals who practiced traditional activities are shown to have experienced a 4.4-fold higher risk of exposure to PCBs and a 1.3-fold higher risk for DDTs, Pb, and Hg. Low income, high consumption of marine mammal fat, alcohol consumption, and lack of awareness of health risk prevention are attributed to a further 2- to 6-fold increase in the risk of PCBs exposure. Low socioeconomic status enhances the health risks associated with exposure to the persistent contaminants examined.

Perceptions and reasons for legume consumption in Mexico

PurposeLegume consumption has decreased in Mexico as part of a global nutrition transition that has shifted the intake of healthy traditional foods to more processed unhealthy foods. This study aims to assess preferences and patterns of legumes consumption, attitudes toward legumes and reasons to consume legumes among adults in Mexico City.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of 86 adult participants living in the Mexico City region completed interviewer–administered surveys.FindingsThe participants had an average age of 42.9 years (SD 13.5) and 51.2 per cent were women. Most reported consuming legumes = 1/week (59.5 per cent) and =1/3 cup/meal (52.4 per cent) and using corn tortillas to accompany legumes (83.3 per cent). Participants reported consuming 7 out of 15 types of legumes probed, of which black beans (96 per cent), lentils (79 per cent) and garbanzo beans (64 per cent) were more frequently consumed. Participants had positive (vs negative) perceptions about legumes’ taste (96 per cent), nutritional value (88 per cent), tradition (80 per cent), cost (75 per cent), availability (75 per cent) and health effect (73 per cent), but not for their digestive effect (37 per cent). The main reasons for participants to currently consume legumes were their taste (93 per cent), nutritional value (49 per cent) and affordable cost (48 per cent); whereas main reasons for potentially consuming more legumes were their nutritional value (63 per cent) and health effect (64 per cent).Practical implicationsLegume intake in Mexico is lower than the recommended 1.5-2 servings per day (1 serving = 1/2 cup), despite favorable perceptions and reasons to consume them. The identified characteristics, attitudes and reasons for consuming legumes could inform interventions to increase intake of this traditional food in Mexico.Originality/valueStudies on attitude and reasons for food consumption are seldom conducted, yet they are valuable in shaping tailored strategies for eating behavior change.

The Nitrogen Isotope Ratio Is a Biomarker of Yup'ik Traditional Food Intake and Reflects Dietary Seasonality in Segmental Hair Analyses

The nitrogen isotope ratio (NIR) is a promising index of traditional food intake for an Alaska Native (Yup'ik) population, which can be measured in blood and hair. However, the NIR has not been calibrated to high-quality measures of Yup'ik traditional food intake. Our primary objective was to examine associations between intakes of Yup'ik traditional food groups, including fish, marine mammals, birds, land mammals, berries, greens, and total traditional foods, and the NIR. In an exploratory analysis, we also examined whether NIR analyzed sequentially along hair could reflect dietary seasonality. We recruited 68 participants from 2 Yup'ik communities in the Yukon Kuskokwim region of Southwest Alaska (49% female, aged 14-79 y). Participants completed 4 unscheduled 24-h food recalls over the period peak of RBC and hair synthesis preceding a specimen collection visit. The NIR was measured in RBCs ( n=68), a proximal hair section (n=58), and sequential segments of hair from individuals in the upper 2 quartiles of traditional food intake having hair >6 cm in length, plus 2 low subsistence participants for reference (n=18). Diet-biomarker associations were assessed using Pearson's correlation and linear regression. Intakes of fish, marine mammals, berries, and greens were significantly associated with the NIR. The strongest dietary association was with total traditional food intake (R2=0.62), which indicated that each 1‰ increase in the RBC NIR corresponded to 8% of energy from traditional foods. Hair NIR appeared to fluctuate seasonally in some individuals, peaking in the summertime. Findings support the use of the RBC and hair NIR to assess total traditional food intake in a Yup'ik population. Analyses of sequential hair NIR provided evidence of seasonality in traditional food intake, although seasonal variations were modest relative to interindividual variation.

A Scoping Review of Obesity among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Indigenous populations in Canada are heavily affected by the burden of obesity, and certain communities, such as First Nations on reserve, are not included in the sampling framework of large national health surveys. A scoping review of ever published original research reporting obesity rates (body mass index ≥ 30), among adult Indigenous peoples in Canada, was conducted to identify studies that help close the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) data gap for obesity prevalence in Indigenous populations in Canada and to make comparisons based on ethnicity, sex, time, and geography. First Nations on reserve with self-reported height and weight had higher rates of obesity (30%–51%) than First Nations off reserve (21%–42%) and non-Indigenous populations (12%–31%) in their respective province or territory, with the exception of Alberta, where rates in First Nations on reserve (30% and 36%) were lower or similar to those reported in First Nations off reserve (38%). First Nations on reserve with predominantly measured height and weight (42%–66%) had higher rates of obesity compared to Inuit in Quebec (28%), Nunavut (33%), and Newfoundland and Labrador (41%), while the rates were similar to those in Inuit in Northwest Territories (49%). Obesity in these large studies conducted among Inuit was based solely on measured height and weight. Studies in First Nations and Inuit alike showed higher prevalence of obesity in women, as well as an increase with time. No recent studies measured the obesity rates for First Nations in Yukon and Northwest Territories and for Métis living in settlements of Northern Alberta. Researchers are encouraged to conduct total diet studies in these regions, and to use existing data to analyze the associations between obesity, road access, latitude, food environment, and traditional food intake, to further inform community planning and development.

Traditional Food Intake Is Positively Associated with Diet Quality among Low-Income, Urban Alaska Native Women

ABSTRACTOur objectives were to understand the links between intake of traditional foods, food security and diet quality in low-income Alaska Native women living in an urban center. Seventy-three Alaska Native women completed two 24-h dietary recalls, a food frequency questionnaire, and the USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module. An increase in 10% calories from traditional foods (equivalent to approximately 195 kcals) was associated with a 7.3 point increase in diet quality, measured using the Healthy Eating Index (scale is 0-100). Findings highlight the importance of policies and programs that ensure consistent access to traditional foods in urban areas.