Place of birth and dietary intake in Ontario. II. Protein and selected micronutrients

Because of the importance of dietary intake on health, this study investigated the relationship between place of birth and nutrient intake in Ontario, using cross-sectional data from the 1990 Ontario Health Survey.

Adults (age = 18) were categorized as nonimmigrants (born in Canada; n = 29,458) or immigrants (born outside of Canada, classified by countries of birth; n = 7,158). Protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin intakes were studied (a companion article describes energy and other nutrient intakes). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses investigated the association of place of birth with nutrient intakes, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and ethnicity.

The proportions of subjects at an increased risk of "inadequate" nutrient intakes were relatively low. However, immigrants (particularly from Asian countries) were at a higher risk of inadequate intakes of protein (OR = 1.51, P = 0.001), calcium (OR = 1.41, P < 0.0001), and iron (OR = 1.44, P = 0.002) compared with nonimmigrants. Immigrants from various Asian countries were more likely to report inadequate thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin intakes.

Some immigrants groups in Ontario display higher risks of inadequate protein and micronutrient intakes compared with nonimmigrants. More research on the nutritional status of these subgroups is needed to develop culturally sensitive health and nutrition promotion programs.