Category: Canadian health

According to the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations, all salt sold for table or general household use in Canada is required to be iodized. This public health measure, mandatory since 1949, was implemented to combat widespread iodine deficiency in the population.

According to Statistics Canada, about two-thirds of Canadians have sufficient vitamin D levels, but approximately 32% fall below the threshold for bone health. This raises the question: do Canadians have low vitamin D and what factors, including limited sun exposure and diet, contribute to these insufficient levels?

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, more than 60% of Canadian adults are overweight or obese, underscoring the importance of proper nutrition. Navigating the official guidelines for eating healthy in Canada is a crucial step toward reversing this trend and building sustainable, lifelong nutritional habits. This article breaks down the core principles of Canada's Food Guide, offering practical tips for implementation.

According to a recent report from Statistics Canada covering 2022 to 2024, over two-thirds (68%) of Canadian adults had a body mass index (BMI) classified as overweight or obese, confirming Canada does use BMI as a public health metric. However, it is primarily employed for population surveillance rather than as a definitive tool for individual health diagnosis.

According to HealthLink BC, healthy adults in Canada aged 19 and older require approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. Understanding this recommended protein intake in Canada is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting overall health.

According to Canadian health surveys, a significant portion of the population does not meet the recommended dietary intake for several key nutrients, leading to widespread inadequacy. So, what vitamins are Canadians lacking most, and what can be done to address these nutritional gaps?

In 2019, Health Canada made a historic change, overhauling its iconic Food Guide for the first time in over a decade. This included a significant shift in dietary philosophy, sparking public debate and leading many to wonder, why was dairy removed from Canada Food Guide as a distinct category?

According to the official Health Canada website, the most recent update to the national Food Guide in 2019 does not categorize food into five main groups, but rather focuses on three primary food groups and a healthy eating plate model. This change represents a significant shift from previous versions of the guide, which used a rainbow graphic and distinct groupings.

According to research from Statistics Canada, almost half of Canadians' daily calories come from ultra-processed foods, indicating a significant and widespread issue with unhealthy eating habits. This trend is not isolated to a specific demographic but is particularly concerning among children and adolescents, who are the highest consumers.

The Canadian government officially mandated the fortification of white flour, enriched pasta, and cornmeal with folic acid in November 1998. This was part of a public health strategy initiated to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), a category of severe birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord.