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Diet quality in Canada
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by Didier Garriguet
Abstract
Keywords
Findings
Authors
Abstract
Background
In addition to recommendations about the consumption of specific foods and nutrients, a measure of overall diet quality is useful. Over the years, a number of countries, but not Canada, have developed indexes to evaluate diet quality.
Data and methods
The American Healthy Eating Index was adapted to conform to recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide. Data from 33,664 respondents to the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey–Nutrition were used. Usual index scores were calculated with the Software for Intake Distribution Estimation program. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations between index scores and various characteristics, particularly the frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption.
Results
For the population aged 2 or older, the average score on the Canadian adaptation of the Healthy Eating Index in 2004 was 58.8 out of a possible 100 points. Children aged 2 to 8 had the highest average scores (65 or more). Average scores tended to fall into early adolescence, stabilizing around 55 at ages 14 to 30. A gradual upturn thereafter brought the average score to around 60 at age 71 or older. At all ages, women’s scores exceeded those of men. The frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption was linked to index scores.
Interpretation
The American Healthy Eating Index can be adapted to Canadian food intake recommendations. Canadian Community Health Survey questions about the frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption can be used as an approximation of diet quality.
Keywords
diet, dietary habits, eating, food intake, fruit, nutrition, nutrition surveys, vegetables
Findings
Recommendations about what to eat, how much and what to avoid are designed to help prevent or control chronic conditions and diseases such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, anemia, diabetes and obesity. In Canada, such recommendations come from a number of sources, notably, Canada’s Food Guide, Dietary Reference Intakes (a joint Canada-US initiative) published by the Institute of Medicine, and organizations targeting specific diseases, such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Diabetes Association. [Full text]
Authors
Didier Garriguet (613-951-7187; Didier.Garriguet@statcan.gc.ca) is with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0T6.
