NUTRIENT INTAKE AND FOOD USE IN AN OJIBWAY-CREE COMMUNITY IN NORTHERNONTARIO ASSESSED BY 24H DIETARY RECALL

As part of a diabetes prevention program in a remote Ojibwa-Cree commu nity in Northern Ontario, 72% of residents >9y of age (729/1019) under went an oral glucose tolerance test; >98% (718/729) of participants pr ovided a complete 24h dietary recall. Their diet was typical of that f or aboriginal North American populations undergoing rapid cultural cha nge, being high in saturated fat (similar to 13% energy), cholesterol and simple sugars (similar to 22% energy), low in dietary fibre (11g/d ) and high in glycaemic index (similar to 90). There were high prevale nces of inadequate intakes of vitamin A (77%), calcium (58%), vitamin C (40%) and folate (37%). Adolescents aged 10-19y consumed more simple sugars and less protein than adults aged >49y and ate more potato chi ps, fried potatoes, hamburger, pizza, soft drinks and table sugar. Adu lts >49y retained more traditional eating habits, using more bannock ( fried bread) and wild meats than younger individuals. Interventions to prevent diabetes in the community should include culturally appropria te and effective ways to improve the nutritional adequacy of the diet, reduce fat intake and increase the use of less refined carbohydrate f oods. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.