This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Diet and physical activity are important variables in obesity research. The objective of the Diet and Nutrition Knowledge project (Luick, project PI) is to conduct a survey of dietary and physical activity habits in the CANHR study population. Design: Methodology included 24-hour diet recalls (24HR), 3-day diet records (3DFR), a brief diet and physical activity questionnaire, and pedometry. The 24HR was conducted with all participants but, in recognition of participant burden, the 3DFR and pedometers were offered electively. Results: 24HR have been collected from 556 participants from ages 14 upwards, including 241 men and 315 women. The database supported most of the reported foods, although estimation of quantities was challenging because of the unusual units of measure for traditional foods. For example, many fish were eaten whole, so length rather than cups or ounces was reported. A set of coding rules was developed to convert reporting of traditional foods into grams. On average, traditional foods contributed 22% of daily energy intake; this estimate, however, varied significantly by age group. Youth derived a smaller proportion of their diet from traditional foods (13%) than elders (42%). Westernization has precipitated major changes in food sources and intake of numerous nutrients among Alaska Natives, both positive and negative. Participants consuming a greater proportion of their diet from traditional foods consumed more beneficial fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and iron. Intake of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber, however, decreased with increasing intake of traditional foods. Per capita FDA-based fruit and vegetables servings averaged 0.6/day and 1.1/day, respectively, whereas soda pop servings averaged 1.5/day. The top 5 reported foods consumed in decreasing order were coffee, sugared beverage mixes, pasta and white rice, sugar and preserves, and soda pop. Pedometer records from 223 participants indicate a low level of physical activity, especially among women. Future objectives: Current work includes publishing, developing updated diet and physical activity protocols for application in the study population, and proposal development. No changes are expected in the gender/minority composition of this subproject.
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