Adherence to a traditional lifestyle affects food and nutrient intake among modern Swedish Sami

To compare the nutrient and food intake of Sami still engaged in reindeer herding (traditional lifestyle or reindeer-herding Sami [RS]) and Sami not involved in reindeer herding (industrialized lifestyle or non-reindeer-herding Sami [NRS]) with other northern Swedish populations.

Cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective cardiovascular intervention program in northern Sweden.

Data were used from a prospective cardiovascular intervention program in northern Sweden. Sami recruited into this study were divided according to whether they were involved in reindeer herding (traditional lifestyle, RS) (66 females, 79 males) or not (NRS) (255 females, 195 males), and compared to non-Sami from the same area taking part in the same study (controls) (499 females, 501 males). Subjects completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and clinical parameters were analysed.

RS had a higher overall intake of energy for both females (P<0.01) and males (P<0.05), but not total food intake compared to controls and NRS. The overall Sami diet was characterized by a higher proportion of energy from protein and fat. RS had a lower energy adjusted intake of vitamins A and E, and fibre, and higher intake of sodium. RS and NRS both had a lower intake of vegetables and a higher intake of meat, and for RS, fish. Nutrient and food-intake patterns were similar for males and females.

Classification of Sami into RS and NRS indicates that a traditional lifestyles defined by occupation is reflected in differences in food and nutrient intake.