HealthLink: Primary food sources of key nutrients in Canadian diets
The spring 2006 issue of the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research features the most current findings on the food sources of nutrients in the Canadian diet. This latest in a series of research reports on the Food Habits of Canadians Study is based on dietary intake data from a representative sample of over 1,500 Canadian men and women. It provides an analysis of the relative contributions of primary food sources to fat, protein, carbohydrate, fibre, iron, calcium and energy intakes.
Margarine, butter and oils were the primary source of fat, accounting for 14% of overall fat intake. Meat, poultry, fish and dairy products were the primary sources of protein; whereas, legumes, nuts, seeds and eggs accounted for only 4% of protein intake. Breads contributed to 17% to 20% of carbohydrate intakes, and pasta, rice and grains provided another 8% to 9%. Foods higher in added sugars, including cakes, pies, cookies, confections and carbonated beverages accounted for 16% to 20% of carbohydrate intakes. The main sources of dietary fibre were vegetables, fruit, breads and grains.
Beef and veal were the primary sources of highly absorbable heme iron, with breads, grains and cereals accounting for the most non-heme iron. Milk products were the main contributors to overall calcium intakes, even though fewer than 50% of study participants consumed the recommended number of servings. Vegetables, such as broccoli, that are often mentioned as other sources of calcium provided only 2% to 4% of total calcium.
The top three food categories contributing to energy included refined breads, pasta, rice and grains, and fluid milk. More than 16% of energy came from so-called “empty calorie” foods including carbonated beverages, cakes, alcoholic drinks, confections, and salty snacks. Clearly Canadians consume a high percentage of energy from foods that have very little nutritional value. On a positive note, the authors also concluded that many nutritious foods are contributing to Canadians’ nutrient and energy intakes.
CONSUMER TIPS:
Use the Dietitians of Canada’s EATracker to track your daily food and activity choices and see how they compare to Health Canada’s recommendations.
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