Consumption of traditional food and self-perceived health among elderly Sámi in Sweden

Introduction: Traditional food plays a vital role in the health and cultural identity of Indigenous populations worldwide. However, little is known about whether the traditional food of the Sámi (the only Indigenous people in the European Union) is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between the consumption of traditional Sámi food - specifically reindeer and elk meat - and self-perceived physical and mental health among older Sámi adults in Sweden. Methods: Using data from the 2021 SámiHET survey (n = 3,617), we analysed the consumption of traditional meat alongside health outcomes across different age and sex groups. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between frequent consumption of reindeer or elk meat (more than once per week) and self-reported poor physical health or poor mental wellbeing. Results: Although consumption of traditional meat declined slightly among the Sámi aged 75 and over, it remained significantly higher than the national average. Women and older adults reported lower intake than men and younger participants. Frequent consumption of reindeer or elk meat was associated with lower odds of poor mental wellbeing across all subgroups, even after adjusting for age, sex, education, and income. Conclusion: These findings suggest that traditional Sámi food is associated with improved mental wellbeing, particularly among older Sámi adults. However, as this is a cross-sectional study, the association cannot be interpreted as causal. The underlying link may relate to the cultural significance of traditional foods. In this context, food could also serve as a proxy for cultural strength, a factor that previous research has identified as being important for the mental health of Indigenous peoples. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms behind these associations.