Nutrient and Food Group Intakes of Manitoba Children and Youth: A Population-Based Analysis by Pulse and Soy Consumption Status

Abstract

Poor eating habits among children are associated with negative health outcomes. The objective of this study was to use pulse/soy consumption as an indicator to evaluate the eating profile of young Manitobans. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2.2 were used for analysis and restricted to Manitoba residents aged 2 to 18 years (n = 1840). Consumers were identified as individuals who reported eating at least 1 pulse/soy product during their recall. On any given day, 8.2% of Manitobans reported consumption of pulses/soy. Intakes of fibre, protein, magnesium, and zinc were higher in consumers only when expressed relative to total caloric intake. Consumers also reported increased intakes of meat and alternatives. Total intakes of vitamin D, fibre, and fruit and vegetable consumption were low among all groups. Sodium intakes in both groups were high when compared with levels recommended by health professionals. These results indicate that there are many dietary issues affecting Manitoba children, suggesting the need for more research targeting dietary habits of children and youth, the quality of the food supply, and effective strategies in nutrition education.