Health Reports

Sodium consumption at all ages

By Didier Garriguet, Health Statistics Division

Canadians consume a large amount of sodium. Although some sodium is needed to control blood volume and to help cells function properly, most Canadians consume far more than is necessary, or recommended. Results from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) — Nutrition indicate that, among people aged 19 to 70, over 85% of men and 60% of women had sodium intakes exceeding the recommended upper limit beyond which health risks increase.

Canadians' eating habits

By Didier Garriguet, Health Statistics Division

At home, at work or at school, in a five-star restaurant or in a neighbourhood take-out,  Canadians can chooose from an ever-increasing variety of foods.  Grocery stores offer an abundance of imported products, along with frozen meals that can be ready in minutes to satisfy the needs of time-crunched households.  Fresh fruits and vegetables once considered exotic are now available throughout the year.  And today, fast food has become part of a typical diet.  In the midst of this array of choices, just what are Canadians eating?

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