Dietary characteristics of Eastern James Bay Cree women

Food use and nutrient intake were studied with Cree women of Wemindji and E astmain, Quebec. During summer 1994 and winter 1995, 24-hour recalls and fo od frequency questionnaires were collected from 219 women of three age grou ps (20-40; 41-60; >60 years). While reported energy intakes were somewhat l ow, 94% of the women exceeded 2/3 of the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for protein, and 80% exceeded 2/3 of the RNI for iron. However, 44% of the women reported calcium intakes of less than 1/2 the RNI. Mean total fat int ake reported by young and middle adults was greater than 30% of total energ y. Primary sources of fat were market food, indicating that education effor ts targeting fat intake should emphasize market food choices. Species and a mounts of traditional food consumed varied by season. The percentage of eld ers who consumed traditional food was significantly higher (p < 0.001, chi( 2) = 29, Mantel-Haenzel) than those of traditional food users in the middle and younger age groups. Dietary data for the James Bay Cree, which were la cking prior to this research, are important resources for those working in health and wellness with this population group and other aboriginal groups that use traditional food.