Diet and cardiovascular risk factors among Lapp and Finnish reindeer herders

The aim was to evaluate and compare diet and dietary habits and levels of cardiovascular risk factors in Lapp and Finnish reindeer herders. Dietary data were obtained by postal inquiry and by 24-hour recall. Body weight, height and blood pressure were measured and blood tests taken during a visit to the local health centre. Subjects were 668 male reindeer herders in Finnish Lapland, 56 of whom were Lapps, 497 Finnish and 115 whose ethnic group remained unknown. The mean age of the subjects was 43 years. A high daily intake of total fat (42 %E), saturated fatty acids (24 %E) and dietary cholesterol (601 mg) and a low intake of carbohydrates and fibre were observed relative to dietary recommendations. One third of the herders were overweight (BMI over 27 kg/m(2)). Serum total cholesterol and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were elevated in the majority of the subjects, and 37 % of them were current smokers. The Lapps consumed more reindeer meat (194 g/day vs. 65 g/day, p<0.001), more margarine (14 g vs. 7 g, p<0.05) and less milk products (618 g vs. 929 g, p<0.001) than the Finns. Due to different food patterns, intakes of total fat, saturated fatty acids, calcium and riboflavin were lower in the Lapps but intakes of protein, potassium and iron were higher. The Lapps were 3 cm shorter than the Finns, but body weight and BMI were similar. Serum lipids and diastolic blood pressure were similar in both groups, but systolic blood pressure was lower in the Lapps (134 mmHg vs. 139 mmHg, p<0.05). It is concluded that the diet of reindeer herders is high in fat, especially saturated fatty acids, and thus atherogenic. Although the Lapps consumed considerably more reindeer meal and margarine and less milk products than the Finns, only slight differences were found the lipid pattern.