Optimisation modelling to improve the diets of First Nations individuals

Abstract

We examined the feasibility of linear programming (LP) to develop diets that were economical, included traditional (cultural, non-market) foods and metthe dietary reference intakes (DRI) in a Canadian Indigenous population. Diet optimisation using LP is a mathematical technique that can developfood-based dietary guidelines for healthy eating in Indigenous populations where food insecurity, availability and cost are important considerations.It is a means of developing nutritionally optimal food combinations that are based on economical and culture-specific foods. Observed food consumptiondata were derived using 24-h food recalls from the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study. The LP models were constructed to developdiets meeting DRI, cost and food constraints. Achieving the recommended food intake was not feasible in a model meeting all nutrient requirements.Models that met most nutrient requirements at reduced cost were designed for men and women, separately. In women, it was necessary to increase energyintake to meet most nutrient requirements. Nutrient requirements could not be met forfibre, linoleic and linolenic acids, vitamin D, Ca and K in bothsexes, P in women, and Mg and vitamin A in men. Using LP to develop optimal diets for First Nations people, we found simultaneous achievement of allDRI was difficult, suggesting that supplementation might be necessary which goes against recommendations for individuals to meet their nutrient needsthrough healthy eating patterns. Additionally, to make diets feasible, programmes to reduce market food costs and to support First Nations people intraditional food harvesting are recommended