Nutrition and healthy eating

Food nourishes the body and gives us energy to get through each day. Healthy eating is fundamental to good health and is a key element in healthy human development, from infancy and early childhood years to later life stages. Healthy eating is equally important in reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.

Nutrients in food

Nutrients, fats, vitamins and minerals

Dietary reference intakes

Dietary reference intakes and how to apply them

Fortified foods

Foods with added vitamins, mineral nutrients and amino acids, and Canada's approach to fortification

Health Canada's role

Health Canada has provided national leadership in nutrition since the 1930s. Working collaboratively with federal partners, provinces and territories and a range of other stakeholders, the Department develops and implements evidence-based policy that defines healthy eating and that supports Canadians in making healthy food choices. Health Canada is also recognized as an authoritative source of nutrition information.

Health Canada's Food and Nutrition Directorate is the main group responsible for matters related to nutrition. Some current initiatives include:

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2026-08-24