East-Greenland traditional nutrition: a reanalysis of the Høygaard et al. nutritional data (1936-1937)

Abstract

Abstract Greenlandic traditional nutrition was unique in the arctic environment. The aim of the present study was to reanalyze the Høygaard et al. data, focusing on two micronutrients object of discussion, i.e., calcium and vitamin C. Høygaard et al. left Copenhagen in August 1936, and stayed in East-Greenland until August 1937. The members of the expedition recorded nutritional intake whilst residing in families. However, the nutritional intake was analyzed on a household level. In total 35 adults and 41 children participated. Median total energy expenditure in kcal.d−1 was estimated at 2978 and 2627 for male and female adults respectively, and 1997 for children and adolescents. Median (IQR) energy consumption in kcal.d−1 was 3881 (1568) for male and 2910 (882) for female adults. This was 2442 (857) and 2023 (1122) for male and female children and adolescents. Median (IQR) calcium intake in mg.d−1 was 555 (1110) for male and 484 (883) for female adults. This was 458 (747) and 358 (838) for male and female children and adolescents. Median (IQR) vitamin C intake in mg.d−1 was 79 (77) for male and 59 (56) for female adults. This was 44 (47) and 60 (52) for male and female children and adolescents. In this study, the importance of traditional foods in reaching an acceptable energy balance was emphasized, together with the confirmation of a low calcium intake in East-Greenland traditional dietary pattern, and the important role of algae consumption in Inuit traditional dietary pattern to avoid scurvy.