|
June 17, 2025
New reports on Canadian nutrient intakes
A new series of articles released by Health Canada in May provide an assessment of the nutrient intakes of Canadians. The findings are based on food intake data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Nutrition, and the reference values found in the Dietary Reference Intakes.
The articles highlight that many Canadians have energy intakes that exceed their energy needs. Among adults, 25% of men and 23% of women consume more fat than recommended. Furthermore, the sodium intakes of Canadians are associated with an increased risk of adverse health effects.
While many Canadians appear to meet their requirements for essential vitamins and minerals through foods, the analysis found inadequate intakes of:
- Vitamin A and magnesium in more than a third of adults.
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin C in 10 to 35% of adults.
- Folate, vitamins B6 and zinc in 10 to 35% (of adults in most age and sex groups).
- Iron in 16-19% of women 19 to 50 years of age.
Based on the analysis, there is also concern that Canadian adults may not be meeting their needs for potassium, fibre, calcium and vitamin D; however, interpretation is limited by the fact that these nutrients have only an Adequate Intake and not an Estimated Average Requirement value.
For Your Practice
These findings underscore the importance of helping Canadians select nutrient rich foods from the four food groups in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide. Canadians should be encouraged to limit excess calories from foods and beverages that are high in calories, fat, sugar and sodium. Regular physical activity is clearly also key to helping Canadians achieve a healthy energy balance and body weight.
Want to Learn More?
To see the key findings and read the full articles for each of the life stages including Canadian adults, adolescents and children Click here.
|