Dietary fat and disease patterns in Chukotka Native adults.

It is well documented that dietary patterns have been changing for northern indigenous peoples as they adapt to a contemporary lifestyle. Recent dietary research among Chukotka Native adults showed a higher intake of saturated fatty acids (15% of energy) and sugar, and lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (5%) compared with our previous studies. We showed a higher percentage of dietary fat from animal fats (31%) and meat products (28%) than from seafoods and fish, which provide only 11% of daily fat intake. Increasing use of marketed foods and decreasing consumption of traditional foods among Chukotka Native adults contribute to more frequent cases of overweight, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Dietary recommendations with an emphasis on traditional eating patterns should be considered for promotion of a healthy diet in Chukotka inhabitants. Promoting local foods of high biological value and establishing educational nutrition programs are of great importance.