Eleanor E. Wein

PLASMA VITAMIN A (RETINOL) AND RETINOL-BINDING PROTEIN IN NEWBORNS AND THEIR MOTHERS

Abstract Plasma vitamin A (retinol) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were measured in 66 women at delivery and in their full-term offsprings at birth. In newborns the plasma vitamin A and RBP concentrations were 50–60% of the values found in their mothers at delivery (p

Nutrient intakes of first nations people in four Yukon communities

Nutrient intakes of 122 First Nations (Indian) adults in four Yukon communities were examined from 381 repeated 24-hour recalls collected over four seasons. Mean nutrient intakes (excluding supplements) met or exceeded Canadian recommendations for protein, phosphorus, iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6, B12, and C. Fat provided 36% of dietary energy. Mean intakes of calcium, folate and vitamin A were less than recommended, while vitamin D was less than recommended only for older adults. The proportion of individuals at risk of inadequate nutrient intakes was highest for folate, calcium, vitamins A, D, C and zinc. Traditional foods contributed on average 17% of daily energy, but 50% or more of daily intakes of protein, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, iron, and zinc. Traditional foods remain an important source of daily energy and nutrients. Many Yukon adults, especially older adults, would benefit from greater consumption of foods rich in folate, calcium, vitamins A, D, C and zinc.

Importance of traditional foods for the food security of two First Nations communities in the Yukon, Canada

Objectives. This study sought to evaluate food consumption patterns in the context of food security in two Yukon First Nations communities. Study design. Twenty-nine members of Vuntut Gwitchin households in Old Crow and 33 members of Tlingit households in Teslin participated in individual interviews. Methods. Food frequency questionnaires were used to quantify traditional food consumption throughout the spring 2007 and winter 2008 and to identify potential temporal trends through a comparison with data from the early 1990s. Additional questions, including the Health Canada Household Food Security Survey Module, sought to assess food security concerns in each community. Results. Overall frequency of traditional food consumption did not change in either community from the 2 time-point analyses. There was, however, a difference in frequency of consumption of certain groups of foods, and this highlighted the degree to which environmental variability affects the availability of foods Conclusion. The importance of traditional foods in the diet of Yukon First Nations has not changed over the past 15 years. However, limited availability of food species, access to harvesting equipment and decrease in available time to go out on the land to harvest are food security challenges facing households today.

Food preferences and food health beliefs of native school children and mothers in northern Alberta

Food preference ratings (degree of like or dislike) and health belief ratings for 24 traditional and store‐bought foods were examined among 91 Canadian Indian school children and their mothers (n = 42) in northern Alberta. A group of non‐native children (n = 29) attending the same school also participated. Ratings were obtained with five‐point Likert‐type scales presented in pictorial format. Preference scores of Native participants were highest tor apple, chicken, milk, bannock and moose, and lowest for beaver, birch syrup, Labrador tea and green beans. Health belief scores were highest for milk, carrots and apple, lowest for chocolate bar, potato chips and soft drinks. Differences between Native children and their mothers were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in preference for 11 foods, and in health beliefs for 5. Differences between Native and non‐native children were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in preference for 7 foods and in health beliefs for 3. Nutrition education programs for Native...

Foods and Nutrients in Reported Diets versus Perceived Ideal Diets of Yukon Indian People

Abstract A common belief among northern aboriginal people is that they would enjoy better health if their diet contained a greater proportion of indigenous foods. The accuracy of this belief was examined among 121 adults of three Yukon First Nations, living in remote and urban communities, by comparing mean nutrient levels in a fall season 24-hour recall of actual food consumption with those in a quantitative one days description of their perceived ideal diet for health.The latter was obtained immediately following the 24-hour recall using a similar interviewing technique. Graduated three-dimensional food models were used to estimate portion sizes. Compared to the actual diet, the perceived ideal diet mentioned traditional foods about twice as often and provided, on average, 245 more kcal and higher levels of most nutrients (p