The most recent guidelines from Canada’s food guide are designed to minimise the risk of chronic diseases. Nevertheless, questions arise regarding how our national dietary guidance fulfils the nutritional needs of the entire Canadian populace.
Older adults must consume sufficient amounts of certain nutrients. However, until recent studies, there was a need for more knowledge on whether adherence to Canada’s food guide effectively meets the specific nutrient requirements for this demographic. Researchers at McGill University’s School of Human Nutrition analysed dietary data from the most recent national survey conducted in 2015 on Canadians aged 65 and above. They aimed to determine whether compliance with our nation’s nutritional guidelines correlates with an adequate nutrient intake critical for the health of older adults.
The findings were anticipated. The study showed that individuals who adhered to the guidelines of the food guide had higher intakes of nutrients such as fibre, magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium. Despite these positive outcomes, the research also highlighted a significant shortfall; adherence to the guide did not ensure adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and folate, which are crucial for the well-being of older adults, according to Didier Brassard, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Human Nutrition at McGill University who spearheaded the research. That reveals a gap in the dietary recommendations, indicating they need to be more comprehensive to guarantee the consumption of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and folate.
Stéphanie Chevalier, a McGill’s School of Human Nutrition professor, emphasises the need for additional, tailored dietary recommendations for older adults that focus on increasing intake of foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and folate. The existing food guide offers broad suggestions suitable for the general population. Yet, more detailed guidance specifying the types and quantities of food and consumption frequency is required for specific groups, notably older adults, to ensure they meet their unique nutritional needs.
The research team plans to extend their work by exploring the impact of following the current dietary guidelines on health outcomes such as physical function, mobility, and cognitive abilities in older adults. This next phase will also investigate potential modifications to the procedures to enhance these health outcomes, highlighting the ongoing need for dietary guidance that addresses the specific needs of different population segments, including older adults.
More information: Didier Brassard et al, Relationship between Adherence to the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide Recommendations on Healthy Food Choices and Nutrient Intakes in Older Adults, Journal of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.07.005
Journal information: Journal of Nutrition Provided by McGill University
