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Nutrition inequities in Canada
Valerie Tarasuk1, Sandra Fitzpatrick, Heather Ward
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 150 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. valerie.tarasuk@utoronto.ca
Summary
Higher income and education in Canada are linked to better food and nutrient intake for adults and children. Lower socioeconomic status correlates with a higher prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake, highlighting nutrition inequities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Nutrition
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
- Canadian Nutrition Policy
Background:
- Socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to health outcomes in Canada, but its impact on dietary intake requires further investigation.
- Understanding SES variations in food and nutrient consumption is crucial for addressing health disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between household income and education level with the dietary intake of adults and children in Canada.
- To assess the public health significance of these associations by estimating nutrient inadequacy prevalence across socioeconomic strata.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey.
- Analyzed relationships between income, education, and intake of energy, fibre, micronutrients, and food groups.
- Estimated prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake for adults, stratified by SES and sex.
Main Results:
- Higher household income and education were associated with increased consumption of milk, alternatives, vegetables, and fruits.
- Significantly higher vitamin, mineral, and fibre intakes were observed in adults and children with higher SES.
- Adults with the lowest income or education levels exhibited a higher prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional quality of food intake in Canada is influenced by an individual's social position.
- Interventions must consider socioeconomic disparities to prevent widening nutrition inequities.
- Targeted strategies are needed to improve dietary quality across all socioeconomic strata.
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