The Seasonal Nutrient Density of Country Food Harvested in Makkovik, Labrador

The contribution of country food to the diets of residents of Makkovik, Labrador, reflects the seasonal availability of different species on the northern Labrador coast. The nutrient density of the wild food component of the food supply varies from season to season according to the relative contribution of the various species harvested. In the summer, the level of calcium is somewhat higher than in most other seasons, reflecting the large contribution offish. In early fall, the nutrient density for iron is the lowest for all seasons, and the level of calcium decreases to about half that of summer. In late fall, the nutrient density of the country food harvested for household use has the highest density of thiamin, reflecting the contribution from the migratory birds, and the second highest density of iron, reflecting the increase in percentage contribution of seals. In winter the iron density is approximately twice that of other seasons. The level of calcium increases, reflecting the contribution from partridge and ptarmigan. In early spring the large contribution of caribou provides a high protein content, while for riboflavin it is the highest of any season. In late spring the nutrient density reflects the large percentage of fish. Dietary patterns of a population depending on country food for much of its food supply change from one season to another, and nutrient intakes also vary from season to season. These factors must be considered when evaluating dietary intakes and making nutritional inferences. /// La contribution des denrées locales au régime alimentaire des habitants de Makkovik, au Labrador, reflète la disponibilité saisonnière de différentes espèces animales sur la côte nord du Labrador. La composition nutritive de la partie de l'alimentation qui vient du gibier varie suivant les saisons selon la contribution relative des différentes espèces chassées ou pêchées. En été, le niveau de calcium est un peu plus élevé que pendant les autres saisons, ce qui reflète l'importance de la contribution du poisson. Au début de l'automne, la concentration en fer est à son plus bas niveau dans toute l'année, et le niveau de calcium descend à environ la moitié de sa valeur estivale. À la fin de l'automne, la composition nutritive des denrées locales récoltées pour la consommation familiale a la plus grande concentration en thiamine (ce qui reflète la contribution des oiseaux migrateurs), et la deuxième plus importante concentration en fer (ce qui traduit l'au