DOI: 10.5443/11444
title: URQSUK: An integrated research program on arctic marine fat and lipids

description: Preliminary results indicate that marine fatty acids increase cardiac variability and then decrease the risk of sudden death. Until now, we have not been able to show any protective effects of n-3 fatty acids on the reduction of arterial thickness. Finally marine lipids seem to be a good protector against mental disorders especially psychological distress. Inuit hunters and other experts identify a variety of observable changes in fat composition and amount in key Arctic country food species. These changes have been taking place for some time, however, represent a trend in long term changes in body condition of Arctic species potentially related to environmental change, Inuit report varying knowledge of contemporary and traditional sources of fat in their diet. Perspectives on fats appear to be considered in diet decisions but the strength of this influence has not yet been determined. Contrary to anecdotal information, no residents appear to be applying dietary fat reduction actions towards their consumption of country foods. The general objective of the URQSUK program is to better understand the importance of fat and lipids in the Arctic such as the presence, distribution, changes and associated factors as well as their health effects. Projects 1-3 are linked to the International Cohort Study run by PIs E Dewailly (Laval U), K Young (U of Toronto), G Egeland (McGill U), P Bjerregaard (Danish Institute of Public Health), B Boyer (Alaska) and also the CIHR Team Grant run by Dr Kue Young (U of Toronto). The Urqsuk Program is also linked to the Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments as researchers have accessed complementary funding to provide training and capacity building to Inuit. The first 3 projects through the analysis of data collected during the 2004 Qanuippitaa Nunavik Health Survey and the 2007-2008 Qanuippitali Inuit Health Survey aim to investigate the role of n-fatty acids on Inuit health.
description: Purpose: The Urqsuk program is designed to better understand the nature, health and cultural importance of fats in the Canadian Arctic. A number of Inuit communities are reporting: changes in environmental conditions and changes in animal health and well-being; changes in such things as animal body condition including the nature of fat in these species; changes in individual attitudes among segments of the population towards both traditional (marine) fats and contemporary fats contained in market food items and the influence of these perspectives on diet and other behaviours. As well, the scientific literature reports changes in Arctic marine food webs related to changes in environmental conditions, which are influencing predator fatty acid signatures. Further, changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns have been observed among Inuit populations in recent decades. The gradual abandonment of aspects of a traditional lifestyle and diet has been linked to the increased prevalence of heart disease risk factors among the Inuit population such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The specific objectives of the Urqsuk program are: to ascertain fatty acids profiles among Inuit populations (sub-project 1); to identify the main dietary sources of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs) and assess the relationship between dietary source and blood levels of n-3 LC PUFAs (sub-project 1); to investigate if n-3PUFAs from a traditional diet of marine mammals and fish have a protective effect on coronary heart disease risk factors (blood lipids, inflammatory markers) (sub-project 1); to investigate if fatty acids from a traditional diet of marine mammals and fish protect against cardiac variability, a predictor of heart disease (sub-project 2); to investigate if fatty acids protect against atherosclerosis. (sub-project 3); to evaluate if trans fats increase the risk of atherosclerosis. (sub-project 3); to investigate if omega-3 fatty acids can prevent psychological distress. (sub-project 4); to investigate the changing knowledge of and perspectives on traditional and contemporary fats and the impacts that these perspectives may have on diet behaviour (sub-project 5); to identify sources and pathways of fatty acids in the marine food chain to understand their influence on species that compose the Inuit diet (sub-project 5).
description: Summary: At the same time as Inuit communities are reporting changes in country food use, prevalence of heart disease risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are on the rise. This project aims to determine if fatty acids from a traditional diet of marine mammals and fish protect against the onset of predictors of cardiovascular disease and psychological distress. Further, as part of this study the effects of trans-fats from store-bought foods on the risk of atherosclerosis or clogged arteries are also being investigated. Traditional knowledge is being incorporated by examining community perspectives on traditional and contemporary fats and how these perspectives affect diet and lifestyle.