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Weijers RJ, Gillebaart M, Claessens IWH, van Rixel QI, de Ridder DTD. Together towards sustainable dining - Cocreating behavioral change interventions with restaurants. Appetite 2025; 211:108009. [PMID: 40220875 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2025.108009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2025] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025]
Abstract
Behavioral change interventions in restaurants towards sustainable food choices are a promising avenue towards attaining climate goals. In this research, we investigated how these interventions can successfully be implemented in a restaurant context to promote sustainable food choices. In a multiple-year co-creation project with 32 restaurants and consultant chefs, we provided knowledge on sustainable meal preparation and on using behavioral interventions, collaborated to design suitable interventions for the individual restaurants, and tested these interventions in a mixed methods approach. We provided support from researchers and consultant chefs throughout this process. The four restaurants that ultimately implemented an intervention were all successful in increasing uptake of their sustainable menu options. While participants' overall support and enthusiasm for knowledge of sustainability interventions was high, especially towards more sustainable meal preparation, many restaurants dropped out of the project. Despite using a time- and resource-intensive approach, it remained difficult to overcome both psychological barriers (no perceived responsibility and the sense of already "doing enough") as well as practical hurdles (fear of customers' response and lack of time) for restaurants. As implementation of the co-created solutions proved very challenging, future research on interventions promoting sustainable food choices should therefore specifically focus on taking away practical barriers. Possible avenues for doing so are focusing on more sustainable meal preparation, involving customers in cocreation, and a greater focus on the responsibility of the sector in culinary and hospitality education to instill sustainable habits there, which are then more easily practiced when working in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Weijers
- Department of Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Marleen Gillebaart
- Department of Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Iris W H Claessens
- Department of Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Quinty I van Rixel
- Department of Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Denise T D de Ridder
- Department of Social, Health, and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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Burke DT, Hynds P, Priyadarshini A. Assessing the One Health (ecosystem, animal and human health) impacts of current dietary patterns based on farm-to-fork life cycle assessment in the Republic of Ireland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 975:179313. [PMID: 40187334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2025] [Accepted: 03/30/2025] [Indexed: 04/07/2025]
Abstract
Food production and dietary patterns play a central role in the myriad interactions among human, animal, and environmental health, emphasising the need for a One Health approach, and this study aims to evaluate dietary patterns within this framework. A cross-sectional dietary survey of adults was undertaken (2021) with a sample size of 957 respondents, representative of the population of Ireland. Subsequently, a farm-to-fork life cycle assessment (LCA) was employed to assess nine human health and environmental impacts (fine particulate matter formation, freshwater and marine ecotoxicity and eutrophication, human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity and terrestrial acidification and ecotoxicity) across thirteen distinct dietary patterns: total population, rural, urban, omnivore, flexitarian, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, 'meat-focused', 'dairy/ovo-focused', 'vegetable-focused', 'seafood-focused', and 'potato-focused', employing the daily weight of consumed food (g/per capita/day) as the functional unit. Results indicate the 'meat-focused' diet exhibited the highest impact for fine particulate matter formation (8.00 × 10-3 kg PM2.5 eq person-1 day-1), marine eutrophication (6.60 × 10-3 kg N eq person-1 day-1), and terrestrial acidification (0.054 kg SO2 eq person-1 day-1). The 'seafood-focused' diet had the highest impact on freshwater (0.056 kg 1,4-DCB person-1 day-1) and marine ecotoxicity (0.069 kg 1,4-DCB person-1 day-1), freshwater eutrophication (8.36 × 10-4 kg P eq person-1 day-1), and human carcinogenic toxicity (0.144 kg 1,4-DCB person-1 day-1). In comparison, the 'potato-focused' diet exhibited the highest human non-carcinogenic (6.87 kg 1,4-DCB person-1 day-1) and terrestrial ecotoxicity (2.01 kg 1,4-DCB person-1 day-1). Transitioning from the "mean" diet to a vegan diet showed the highest percent decrease across all nine impacts (60.4 % - 107.3 %), followed by the 'vegetable-focused' diet (28.5 % - 66.2 %). Findings indicate adopting sustainable diets-'vegetable-focused', vegetarian, and vegan-can improve human, environmental, and animal health; however, trade-offs should be considered. Effective consumer communication and policies can enhance awareness of the interconnectedness of diets within the One Health framework, supporting both environmental and health goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Burke
- Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, D07 EWV4 Dublin, Ireland; School of Business, Technological University Dublin, Aungier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Hynds
- Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, D07 EWV4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anushree Priyadarshini
- Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, D07 EWV4 Dublin, Ireland; School of Business, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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Sinha S, Ahmad R, Chowdhury K, Islam S, Mehta M, Haque M. Childhood Obesity: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2025; 17:e82233. [PMID: 40231296 PMCID: PMC11995813 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.82233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Obesity among children has emerged as a worldwide health issue due to childhood obesity becoming a pandemic, and it is often linked to various illnesses, fatal outcomes, and disability in adulthood. Obesity has become an epidemic issue in both developed and developing countries, particularly among youngsters. The most common factors contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are unhealthy eating habits, desk-bound games, avoidance of physical activity-requiring activities, smoking, alcohol usage, and other added items. All these factors increase NCDs, including obesity, resulting in various morbidities and early death. Additionally, childhood obesity has psychological, emotional, cognitive, societal, and communicative effects. For example, it raises the possibility of issues related to physical appearance, self-esteem, confidence level, feelings of isolation, social disengagement, stigma, depression, and a sense of inequality. Children who consume more energy-dense, high-fat, low-fiber-containing food than they need usually store the excess as body fat. Standardizing indicators and terminology for obesity-related metrics is critical for better understanding the comparability of obesity prevalence and program effectiveness within and between countries. The underlying variables must be altered to reduce or avoid harm to the target organ in children. As a result, reducing childhood obesity is a considerable public health goal for the benefit of society and the long-term well-being of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Sinha
- Physiology, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Rahnuma Ahmad
- Physiology, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Kona Chowdhury
- Pediatrics, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Shamima Islam
- Forensic Medicine, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Miral Mehta
- Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
| | - Mainul Haque
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, MYS
- Research, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
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Adeyi Q, Adelodun B, Odey G, Choi KS. Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Water Footprints of Food Consumption in South Korea: A Decomposition Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025:10.1007/s00267-025-02151-z. [PMID: 40164889 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-025-02151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025]
Abstract
South Korea faces severe water stress, as classified by the OECD, with changing dietary patterns significantly impacting water resources. To ensure water conservation and food security, it is crucial to understand the driving factors of the water footprint of food consumption (WFC). This study examined the WFC in South Korea from 2007 to 2023, focusing on how dietary choices impact water use and sustainability, and identified the key driving factors of changes in WFC. Using the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI), this study decomposed these drivers into water footprint intensity, dietary structure, average dietary intake per person, and population effect. Additionally, global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to measure the degree of spatial aggregation and distribution of WFC across administrative units. Results revealed a significant increase in WFC, from 27.6 km3 in 2007 to 34.7 km3 in 2023, with an average annual growth of 2%. Among the drivers, water footprint intensity contributed most to the increase in WFC, while average dietary intake per person led to a decrease. Cereals, meats and fish collectively account for more than 76% of the total WFC during the study period. The findings suggest that the drivers influencing the changes in WFC vary across administrative units, underscoring the need for tailored policies and strategies to promote sustainable food consumption practices that could conserve water resources in each administrative unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qudus Adeyi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria.
- Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre, Aga Khan University, Arusha, Tanzania.
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.
| | - Golden Odey
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Academic Belt Road, 31261, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kyung Sook Choi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology, Kyungpook, National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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Richter S, Scherer L, Hegwood M, Bartlett H, Bossert LN, Frehner A, Schader C. Conceptual framework for considering animal welfare in sustainability assessments of foods. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION 2024; 52:179-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2024.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2025]
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van de Locht K, Perrar I, Paris JMG, Schnermann ME, Oluwagbemigun K, Alexy U, Nöthlings U. Environmental sustainability of diets among children and adolescents in the German DONALD cohort study: age and time trends, and nutrient adequacy. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 120:92-101. [PMID: 38677519 PMCID: PMC11291386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying diets beneficial for both human and planetary health has become increasingly important. However, to date, there is limited research on sustainable diets for children and adolescents, a vulnerable population group with specific nutritional needs. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify 1) the main determinants; 2) age and time trends of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), land use (LU), and water use (WU) of diets of children and adolescents; and 3) analyze the associations of dietary GHGE, LU, and WU with nutrient adequacy. METHODS A total of 5510 3-d-weighted dietary records (n = 856; 6-17 y; 48% ♀) of the DONALD (DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed) study between 2000 and 2021 were analyzed. Values of GHGE (kgCO2eq), LU (m2 × year), and WU (L) determined by life cycle assessment were assigned to all recorded foods. For nutrient adequacy, the mean adequacy ratio (MAR = ∑(nutrient intake / recommended intake) / number of nutrients) was used. Data were analyzed using polynomial mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS The main contributors to GHGE and LU were meat products (GHGE: 25.6%; LU: 32.8%), dairy products (22.2%; 17.7%), and sweets and pastries (14.0%; 14.3%); to WU, nonalcoholic beverages (24.3%), meat products (18.9%), and vegetables and fruits (17.7%). GHGE, LU, and WU per 1000 kcal increased with age (P < 0.01). GHGE and LU per 1000 kcal increased between 2000 and 2010 and decreased after that in females (P < 0.01) and males (GHGE only: P = 0.02). No significant time trend was found for WU (P > 0.05). A higher MAR was directly associated with GHGE/1000 kcal (MAR: β: 0.011, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.013, P < 0.0001), LU/1000 kcal (MAR: β: 0.009, 95%CI: 0.005, 0.013, P < 0.0001), and WU/1000 kcal (MAR: β: 0.429, 95% CI: 0.325, 0.533, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the further need and the capacity for change toward more environmentally sustainable diets. Yet, the tradeoff between environmental sustainability and nutrient adequacy in the diets of children and adolescents requires specific attention to dietary composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen van de Locht
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ines Perrar
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Juliana Minetto Gellert Paris
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), Department of Economic and Technological Change, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maike Elena Schnermann
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kolade Oluwagbemigun
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ute Alexy
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ute Nöthlings
- Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Reguant-Closa A, Pedolin D, Herrmann M, Nemecek T. Review of Diet Quality Indices that can be Applied to the Environmental Assessment of Foods and Diets. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:351-362. [PMID: 38625631 PMCID: PMC11133024 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00540-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim was to identify indices of diet quality and health that could be applied to the environmental assessment of foods in order to provide metrics that collectively assess nutritional, health and environmental dimensions. RECENT FINDINGS The review identified five major groups of indices: nutrient-food quantity-based; guideline-based; diversity-based; nutrient quality-based; health-based. Nutrient-food quantity-based and guideline type indices were the most frequently used to evaluate diet quality. Scaled assessment using a nutritional functional unit is the most common integration of diet quality with the environmental analysis of foods. There are fewer indices that measure the heath impacts of foods, but epidemiological dietary risk factors seem a promising approach to integrate diet and health impacts into the environmental assessment of foods. Five groups of nutritional and health indices were identified that can be applied when performing an environmental assessment of foods. This review proposes different methodological insights when doing such assessments to ensure transparency and comparability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Reguant-Closa
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Pedolin
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moritz Herrmann
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Nemecek
- Life Cycle Assessment Research Group, 191, CH-8046, Reckenholzstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
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Roggema R, Krstikj A, Flores B. Spatial Barriers to Transforming toward a Healthy Food System in the Noreste of Mexico. Nutrients 2024; 16:1259. [PMID: 38732506 PMCID: PMC11085837 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past five decades, global food systems have undergone a notable transition, moving from predominantly rural settings to increasingly urban and industrialized environments, largely driven by processes of globalization and supply chain integration. However, this evolution has not adequately addressed equitable access to nutritious diets and food environments, resulting in adverse health outcomes. This study delves into the spatial and non-spatial barriers that impede the adoption of healthy diets in the Noreste of Mexico, particularly focusing on the challenges associated with accessing and cultivating plant-based foods. Through an examination of suitable areas for urban agriculture and an exploration of the socio-cultural factors influencing the adoption of plant-based diets, the research focuses on interventions aimed at promoting healthier and more sustainable eating practices in Monterrey. The findings of the study reveal significant disparities in food access across the Monterrey metropolitan area, with central urban zones exhibiting superior access to fresh foods compared to suburban and peripheral regions. This inequality disproportionately affects marginalized areas characterized by higher poverty rates, exacerbating issues of food insecurity. Nevertheless, traditional dietary practices could offer promising avenues for creating culturally significant and healthier dietary transitions, even amidst the ongoing process of urbanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Roggema
- School of Architecture, Art and Design, Campus Monterrey, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Aleksandra Krstikj
- School of Architecture, Art and Design, Campus State of Mexico, Tecnologico de Monterrey, López Mateos 52926, Mexico;
| | - Brianda Flores
- School of Humanities and Education, Campus Monterrey, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico;
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Paris JMG, Lima EMF, Finger JDAFF, Isidorio WR, Heinzel C, Falkenberg T, Borgemeister C, Pinto UM, Nöthlings U. Changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic across metropolitan regions in Brazil and Germany: A survey-based cross-sectional study. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:2783-2798. [PMID: 38628226 PMCID: PMC11016392 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused profound societal changes to cope rapidly with the new circumstances. The food market changed its quantity, quality, form, and frequency dynamics. Consequently, food-eating habits and lifestyles like physical exercise likely experienced changes. An online-based survey was conducted between June 2020 and January 2021 in the metropolitan regions of Rhine Ruhr Metropolis (RRM), Greater São Paulo (GSP), other metropolitan regions in São Paulo state (oMRSP), other Brazilian metropolitan regions (oBRMR), and the remaining urban areas in both countries (oUA), representing different contexts of Brazil and Germany. We assessed self-reported changes in physical activity level, diet quality, self-reported eating habits, and buying groceries during the first year of the pandemic. In Germany, indoor and outdoor activities increased for 34% of the respondents, while in Brazil, there was a decrease in physical activity for 50% of the participants. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scored higher among Brazilians (16.8) than Germans (15.2) on a 0-29 HEI scale. Increased awareness of healthy and sustainable eating habits was observed in GSP (0.7), oMRSP (0.63), oBRMR (0.7), and oUA (0.68) on a scale from no change (0) to change (1). In RRM, an increase in convenience foods was noticed (0.86). Participants reported discomfort with food purchasing due to hygiene measures and avoided going to the supermarket (0.7 on average in Brazil and 0.58 for females using the same 0-1 scale). Also, food supply at the grocery shops was reported to be often unavailable and in lower quantities. A real-time assessment of self-reported changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the lockdown in 2020 in different contexts is insightful for rethinking strategies to improve conditions in the post-COVID-19 era and prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M. G. Paris
- Center for Development Research (ZEF)University of BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
| | - Emília M. F. Lima
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Jéssica de A. F. F. Finger
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - William R. Isidorio
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Christine Heinzel
- Department of GeographyLudwig‐Maximilians‐University of MunichMunichBavariaGermany
| | - Timo Falkenberg
- Institute for Hygiene and Public HealthUniversity Hospital BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
| | - Christian Borgemeister
- Center for Development Research (ZEF)University of BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
| | - Uelinton M. Pinto
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Ute Nöthlings
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences (IEL) Nutritional EpidemiologyUniversity of BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
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Thapsuwan S, Phulkerd S, Chamratrithirong A, Gray RS, Jindarattanaporn N, Loyfah N, Thongcharoenchupong N, Pattaravanich U. Relationship between consumption of high fat, sugar or sodium (HFSS) food and obesity and non-communicable diseases. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2024; 7:78-87. [PMID: 38966105 PMCID: PMC11221281 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between high in fat, sugar or salt consumption, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the population in Thailand, and other associated factors. This study used data from participants age 15 years or older from the 2021 Health Behaviour of Population Survey. The final analytical sample included 74 894 respondents with complete data. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics, unhealthy food, NCDs and obesity. People with obesity had the significant ORs for sugar-sweetened beverages or SSB (OR 1.208; 95% CI 1.159 to 1.259), high-fat foods (OR 1.162; 95% CI 1.120 to 1.207) and snacks (OR 1.048; 95% CI 1.004 to 1.093), but had the significant protective ORs for meat products (OR 0.964; 95% CI 0.930 to 0.999), instant food (OR 0.903; 95% CI 0.865 to 0.942) and fast food (OR 0.871; 95% CI 0.831 to 0.913). People with any NCDs had the significant protective ORs for meat products (p≤0.001), instant food (p≤0.05) and fast food (p≤0.01). People with diabetes tended not to drink SSB while people with heart disease tended not to consume SSB and snacks. The findings suggest a need for prevention and control strategies such as promoting healthy snacking behaviour, modifying food environments and paying specific attention to the population most at risk of obesity and NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasinee Thapsuwan
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sirinya Phulkerd
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Aphichat Chamratrithirong
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Rossarin Soottipong Gray
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nongnuch Jindarattanaporn
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nutnicha Loyfah
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | | | - Umaporn Pattaravanich
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
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Yanni AE, Iakovidi S, Vasilikopoulou E, Karathanos VT. Legumes: A Vehicle for Transition to Sustainability. Nutrients 2023; 16:98. [PMID: 38201928 PMCID: PMC10780344 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Legumes are an excellent source of protein and have been used in the human diet for centuries. Consumption of legumes has been linked to several health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and certain types of cancer, while legumes' high fiber content promotes digestive health. Aside from the positive health benefits, one of the most significant advantages of legumes is the low environmental footprint of their cultivation. They can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types, and they require less water and fertilizer than other crops, making them a sustainable option for farmers. Thanks to their nutritional and physicochemical properties, they are widely used by the food industry since the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing demand for alternatives to meat offers the opportunity to develop legume-based meat substitutes. As the use of legumes as a source of protein becomes widespread, new market opportunities could be created for farmers and food industries, while the reduction in healthcare costs could have a potential economic impact. Achieving widespread adoption of legumes as a sustainable source of protein requires coordinated efforts by individuals, governments, and the private sector. The objective of this narrative review is to present the benefits coming from legume consumption in terms of health and environmental sustainability, and underline the importance of promoting their inclusion in the daily dietary pattern as well as their use as functional ingredients and plant-based alternatives to animal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia E. Yanni
- Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry of Foods, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave, 176-71 Athens, Greece; (S.I.); (E.V.); (V.T.K.)
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12
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Liz Martins M, Tepper S, Marques B, Abreu S. The SHED Index: A Validation Study to Assess Sustainable HEalthy Diets in Portugal. Nutrients 2023; 15:5071. [PMID: 38140330 PMCID: PMC10745297 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to adapt and validate the Sustainable HEalthy Diet (SHED) Index for the Portuguese adult population, which was developed to assess sustainable and healthy eating patterns. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire administered through interviews with 347 individuals aged between 18 and 65 years old. The SHED Index evaluates 30 items, allowing for the assessment and scoring of sustainable and healthy eating patterns. The higher the SHED Index score, the more sustainable and healthier the diet. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the participants' dietary intake. The criterion validity was examined by testing the relationship between the SHED Index score and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Reproducibility was assessed by determining agreement and reliability with test-retest. Construct validity was confirmed based on established criteria. A higher SHED Index score was associated with moderate to high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while it was inversely related to the proportion of animal-sourced foods in the overall food intake (r = -0.281, p < 0.001). Good reliability and agreement were found for the SHED Index score. Our findings suggest that the SHED Index is a valid and reliable tool for assessing sustainable and healthy diets in the Portuguese adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Liz Martins
- Coimbra Health School (ESTeSC), Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
- GreenUPorto—Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre, 4200-465 Vairao, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sigal Tepper
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel;
| | - Bebiana Marques
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Sandra Abreu
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- School of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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13
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Kozicka M, Havlík P, Valin H, Wollenberg E, Deppermann A, Leclère D, Lauri P, Moses R, Boere E, Frank S, Davis C, Park E, Gurwick N. Feeding climate and biodiversity goals with novel plant-based meat and milk alternatives. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5316. [PMID: 37699877 PMCID: PMC10497520 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40899-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-based animal product alternatives are increasingly promoted to achieve more sustainable diets. Here, we use a global economic land use model to assess the food system-wide impacts of a global dietary shift towards these alternatives. We find a substantial reduction in the global environmental impacts by 2050 if globally 50% of the main animal products (pork, chicken, beef and milk) are substituted-net reduction of forest and natural land is almost fully halted and agriculture and land use GHG emissions decline by 31% in 2050 compared to 2020. If spared agricultural land within forest ecosystems is restored to forest, climate benefits could double, reaching 92% of the previously estimated land sector mitigation potential. Furthermore, the restored area could contribute to 13-25% of the estimated global land restoration needs under target 2 from the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030, and future declines in ecosystem integrity by 2050 would be more than halved. The distribution of these impacts varies across regions-the main impacts on agricultural input use are in China and on environmental outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. While beef replacement provides the largest impacts, substituting multiple products is synergistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kozicka
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.
| | - Petr Havlík
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Hugo Valin
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Eva Wollenberg
- Gund Institute, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
- Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, Cali, Colombia
| | - Andre Deppermann
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - David Leclère
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Pekka Lauri
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | | | - Esther Boere
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
- Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Frank
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | | | | | - Noel Gurwick
- USAID Center for Development, Democracy, and Innovation, Washington, DC, USA
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14
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Ruxton CH, Ruani MA, Evans CE. Promoting and disseminating consistent and effective nutrition messages: challenges and opportunities. Proc Nutr Soc 2023; 82:394-405. [PMID: 36603858 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123000022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition messages are a central part of policy making as well as communication via product information, advertising, healthcare advice and lifestyle campaigns. However, with amplified information (and misinformation) from a growing number of sources, inconsistent and conflicting food landscapes, and limited engagement from the public, nutrition messaging tensions have become more accentuated than previously. In this review, we focus on the challenges facing those wishing to effect dietary change through communication; and identify opportunities and future research questions. Beginning with a new working definition and taxonomy for the term ‘nutrition message’, we consider the evolution of public health nutrition messages from the past century and discuss which types of messages may be more effective. We then turn to the challenges of implementation and highlight specific barriers to recipients' understanding and change. While the evidence has many gaps and there is a need for systematic evaluation of nutrition messages, research indicates that recipients are more likely to act on fewer messages that provide clear benefits and which resonate with their perceived health needs, and which are relatively straightforward to implement. Effectiveness may be improved through consideration of how nutrition messages can be designed to complement key non-health drivers of food choice (taste, cost) and societal/cultural norms. Consistency can be achieved by aligning the wider food and messaging environment to desired public health actions; that is by ensuring that retail settings provide and signpost healthier choices, and that mass media nutrition messages work with, not against, public health advice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria A Ruani
- Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, UK
- The Health Sciences Academy, London, UK
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15
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Lieske B, Moszka N, Borof K, Petersen EL, Jagemann B, Ebinghaus M, Beikler T, Heydecke G, Aarabi G, Zyriax BC. Association between an Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Score and Periodontitis-Evidence from the Population-Based Hamburg City Health Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:3235. [PMID: 37513653 PMCID: PMC10386141 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
While the effects of dietary patterns on cardiovascular risk and diabetes have been well studied, the evidence is scarce as to which diet has the greatest anti-inflammatory potential and how dietary patterns are associated with periodontitis. In the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS), we developed an anti-inflammatory dietary score using a data-driven approach based on the relationship of relevant selected food groups with inflammatory biomarkers (hsCRP and IL-6). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between the anti-inflammatory dietary score and the incidence of periodontitis in Hamburg, Germany. A total of n = 5642 participants fit the required inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Periodontal disease was assessed using probing depth, gingival recession, and bleeding on probing. Dietary intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A self-developed anti-inflammatory dietary score served as the key explanatory variable. Higher scores reflected lower inflammatory processes (measured through the biomarkers hsCRP and IL-6). Several covariates were included in the regression analysis. Regressions revealed that a higher anti-inflammatory dietary score was significantly associated with lower odds to be affected by periodontal disease in an unadjusted model (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82-0.89, p < 0.001) and in an adjusted model (age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and physical activity) (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98, p = 0.003). Our study demonstrated a significant inverse association between an anti-inflammatory dietary score and periodontitis. Individuals with higher intake of proinflammatory nutrition should be specifically addressed to avoid periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Lieske
- Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Midwifery Science-Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nina Moszka
- Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Borof
- Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elina Larissa Petersen
- Population Health Research Department, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Jagemann
- Midwifery Science-Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Merle Ebinghaus
- Midwifery Science-Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Beikler
- Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Heydecke
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ghazal Aarabi
- Department of Periodontics, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit-Christiane Zyriax
- Midwifery Science-Health Care Research and Prevention, Research Group Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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16
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Jato-Espino D, Mayor-Vitoria F, Moscardó V, Capra-Ribeiro F, Bartolomé del Pino LE. Toward One Health: a spatial indicator system to model the facilitation of the spread of zoonotic diseases. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1215574. [PMID: 37457260 PMCID: PMC10340543 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent outbreaks of zoonotic infectious diseases highlight the importance of considering the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health in disease prevention and control. This has given rise to the concept of One Health, which recognizes the interconnectedness of between human and animal health within their ecosystems. As a contribution to the One Health approach, this study aims to develop an indicator system to model the facilitation of the spread of zoonotic diseases. Initially, a literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to identify relevant indicators related to One Health. The selected indicators focused on demographics, socioeconomic aspects, interactions between animal and human populations and water bodies, as well as environmental conditions related to air quality and climate. These indicators were characterized using values obtained from the literature or calculated through distance analysis, geoprocessing tasks, and other methods. Subsequently, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques, specifically the Entropy and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods, were utilized to combine the indicators and create a composite metric for assessing the spread of zoonotic diseases. The final indicators selected were then tested against recorded zoonoses in the Valencian Community (Spain) for 2021, and a strong positive correlation was identified. Therefore, the proposed indicator system can be valuable in guiding the development of planning strategies that align with the One Health principles. Based on the results achieved, such strategies may prioritize the preservation of natural landscape features to mitigate habitat encroachment, protect land and water resources, and attenuate extreme atmospheric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jato-Espino
- GREENIUS Research Group, Universidad Internacional de Valencia—VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fernando Mayor-Vitoria
- GREENIUS Research Group, Universidad Internacional de Valencia—VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanessa Moscardó
- GREENIUS Research Group, Universidad Internacional de Valencia—VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fabio Capra-Ribeiro
- GREENIUS Research Group, Universidad Internacional de Valencia—VIU, Calle Pintor Sorolla, Valencia, Spain
- School of Architecture, College of Art and Design, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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17
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Cambero MI, García de Fernando GD, Romero de Ávila MD, Remiro V, Capelo L, Segura J. Freeze-Dried Cooked Chickpeas: Considering a Suitable Alternative to Prepare Tasty Reconstituted Dishes. Foods 2023; 12:2339. [PMID: 37372550 DOI: 10.3390/foods12122339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The current trend in food consumption is toward convenience, i.e., fast food. The present work aims to study the potential of incorporating freeze-dried cooked chickpeas into a complex and traditional dish in Spanish gastronomy, such as Cocido, which has this legume as the main ingredient. Cocido is a two-course meal: a thin-noodle soup and a mix of chickpeas, several vegetables, and meat portions. The textural properties, sensory qualities, and rehydration kinetics of chickpeas of three Spanish varieties were investigated to select the most suitable cooking conditions to obtain freeze-dried chickpeas of easy rehydration whilst maintaining an adequate sensory quality for the preparation of the traditional dish. The sensory quality of various vegetables and meat portions, cooked under different conditions, was evaluated after freeze-drying and rehydration. It was possible to reproduce the sensory quality of the traditional dish after rehydration with water, heating to boiling in a microwave oven for 5 min, and resting for 10 min. Therefore, it is possible to commercialize complex dishes based on pulses and other cooked and freeze-dried ingredients as reconstituted meals with a wide nutrient profile. Nevertheless, additional research is required on the shelf life, together with other economic and marketing issues such as design of a proper packaging, that would allow consumption as a two-course meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Isabel Cambero
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Doroteo García de Fernando
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Dolores Romero de Ávila
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Remiro
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Capelo
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Segura
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain
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18
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Messina M, Duncan AM, Glenn AJ, Mariotti F. Perspective: Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Can Help Facilitate and Maintain a Lower Animal to Plant Protein Intake Ratio. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:392-405. [PMID: 36906147 PMCID: PMC10201680 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The health and environmental advantages of plant-predominant diets will likely lead to increasing numbers of consumers reducing their reliance on animal products. Consequently, health organizations and professionals will need to provide guidance on how best to make this change. In many developed countries, nearly twice as much protein is derived from animal versus plant sources. Potential benefits could result from consuming a higher share of plant protein. Advice to consume equal amounts from each source is more likely to be embraced than advice to eschew all or most animal products. However, much of the plant protein currently consumed comes from refined grains, which is unlikely to provide the benefits associated with plant-predominant diets. In contrast, legumes provide ample amounts of protein as well other components such as fiber, resistant starch, and polyphenolics, which are collectively thought to exert health benefits. But despite their many accolades and endorsement by the nutrition community, legumes make a negligible contribution to global protein intake, especially in developed countries. Furthermore, evidence suggests the consumption of cooked legumes will not substantially increase over the next several decades. We argue here that plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) made from legumes are a viable alternative, or a complement, to consuming legumes in the traditional manner. These products may be accepted by meat eaters because they can emulate the orosensory properties and functionality of the foods they are intended to replace. PBMAs can be both transition foods and maintenance foods in that they can facilitate the transition to a plant-predominant diet and make it easier to maintain. PBMAs also have a distinct advantage of being able to be fortified with shortfall nutrients in plant-predominant diets. Whether existing PBMAs provide similar health benefits as whole legumes, or can be formulated to do so, remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Messina
- Soy Nutrition Institute Global, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Alison M Duncan
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelp, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea J Glenn
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto 3D Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francois Mariotti
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR PNCA, Palaiseau, France
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19
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Arrigoni A, Marveggio D, Allievi F, Dotelli G, Scaccabarozzi G. Environmental and health-related external costs of meat consumption in Italy: estimations and recommendations through life cycle assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161773. [PMID: 36707004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The literature on the external costs of food consumption is limited. This study aims at advancing in this field by translating the environmental and health-related impacts generated by the life-cycle of meat into external costs via monetization. The main types of meat consumed in Italy are used as a case study. The potential external costs are estimated via attributional life cycle assessment (LCA), using: i) the ReCiPe method for the environmental impact assessment (fourteen impact categories), ii) the population attributional fractions for the health damage from meat ingestion, and iii) the CE Delft environmental prices for monetization. Results show that processed pork and beef generate the highest costs on society, with an external cost of approximately 2€ per 100 g. Fresh pork and poultry follow, with a cost of 1€ and 0.5€ per 100 g, respectively. For comparison, the potential external costs of legumes (i.e., a plant-based alternative to meat) are estimated to be from eight to twenty times lower than meat (around 0.05€ per 100 g of legumes). In 2018, meat consumed in Italy potentially generated a cost on society of 36.6 bn€. The burden arises almost equally from impacts generated before meat ingestion (mainly associated with the emissions arisen from farming), and after the ingestion (due to diseases potentially associated with meat consumption). A sensitivity analysis on the main parameters revealed a large uncertainty on the final yearly cost, ranging from 19 to 93 bn€. Although more research is needed to improve the accuracy and the validity of the models used in the study (e.g., human health impact assessment, monetization) and to include potential external costs currently unaccounted for (e.g., water use, animal welfare, occupational health), results show unequivocal significant costs associated with meat consumption. We thus advocate for policies aimed at reducing these costs and allocating them properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arrigoni
- Simbio Onlus - Sistemi Innovativi di Mantenimento della Biodiversità, 23889 Santa Maria Hoè, Italy; Demetra Società Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, 20842 Besana Brianza, Italy.
| | - Davide Marveggio
- Demetra Società Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, 20842 Besana Brianza, Italy
| | - Francesca Allievi
- Simbio Onlus - Sistemi Innovativi di Mantenimento della Biodiversità, 23889 Santa Maria Hoè, Italy; Jamk University of Applied Sciences, 40200 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Giovanni Dotelli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G.Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Guido Scaccabarozzi
- Simbio Onlus - Sistemi Innovativi di Mantenimento della Biodiversità, 23889 Santa Maria Hoè, Italy; Demetra Società Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, 20842 Besana Brianza, Italy
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20
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Muñoz-Martínez J, Carrillo-Álvarez E, Janiszewska K. European dietitians as key agents of the green transition: An exploratory study of their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and training. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1129052. [PMID: 37063337 PMCID: PMC10102641 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1129052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction How food systems are currently provisioning food to the population is a matter of debate worldwide. Food systems, driven by widespread and increasing adherence to a westernized dietary pattern, are failing to meet people's basic needs and are draining natural resources. There is a push to make food systems more healthy, fair, and sustainable. To this end, action from all players is needed to meet the international agenda. In this regard, dietitians play a crucial role, as they can provide advice and promote actions that foster the adoption of more sustainable dietary patterns (SDP) as well as the promotion of sustainable food systems. As an emerging requirement in their training, it is crucial to know what dietitians know about SDP as well as their attitudes and current practices in this field in order to strengthen their competences and be key agents for the green transition. For this reason, the aim of the present study is to explore the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and training (KAPT) of European dietitians on SDP by administering an online survey. Methods Cross-sectional survey administered between April-August 2021 to dietitians based in the European countries with National Dietetic Associations or Education Associate Members affiliated to the European Federation of Associations of Dietitians (EFAD). Results were analyzed based on European region of professional practice (Northern/Southern/Western/South-East Europe), area of expertise and years of experience. Results Responses from 2211 dietitians from 25 countries were received, although the analysis was based on those that responded at least 90% of the survey (n=208). European dietitians are lacking training on SDP but are willing to learn more about it. Most dietitians perceive themselves as able to define an SDP, although aspects concerning social and economic sustainability were underestimated. Dietitians concur that barriers exist to the promotion of SDP, such as the lack of updated national food-based dietary guidelines and the absence of support from peers and managers. The country of professional activity seemed to be key to influencing dietitians' KAPT. Discussion These results emphasize the need to strengthen European dietitians' training in SDP and increase public/private commitment to consider dietitians as key professionals for the transition towards SDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Muñoz-Martínez
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
- Pedagogy, Society, and Innovation with ICT support (PSITIC) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Psychology, Education and Sport Sciences, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Carrillo-Álvarez
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Bartlett H, Balmford A, Holmes MA, Wood JLN. Advancing the quantitative characterization of farm animal welfare. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230120. [PMID: 36946112 PMCID: PMC10031399 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is usually excluded from life cycle assessments (LCAs) of farming systems because of limited consensus on how to measure it. Here, we constructed several LCA-compatible animal-welfare metrics and applied them to data we collected from 74 diverse breed-to-finish systems responsible for 5% of UK pig production. Some aspects of metric construction will always be subjective, such as how different aspects of welfare are aggregated, and what determines poor versus good welfare. We tested the sensitivity of individual farm rankings, and rankings of those same farms grouped by label type (memberships of quality-assurance schemes or product labelling), to a broad range of approaches to metric construction. We found farms with the same label types clustered together in rankings regardless of metric choice, and there was broad agreement across metrics on the rankings of individual farms. We found woodland and Organic systems typically perform better than those with no labelling and Red tractor labelling, and that outdoor-bred and outdoor-finished systems perform better than indoor-bred and slatted-finished systems, respectively. We conclude that if our goal is to identify relatively better and worse farming systems for animal welfare, exactly how LCA welfare metrics are constructed may be less important than commonly perceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Bartlett
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Andrew Balmford
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Mark A. Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - James L. N. Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
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22
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Carey CN, Paquette M, Sahye-Pudaruth S, Dadvar A, Dinh D, Khodabandehlou K, Liang F, Mishra E, Sidhu M, Brown R, Tandon S, Wanyan J, Bazinet RP, Hanley AJ, Malik V, Sievenpiper JL, Jenkins DJ. The Environmental Sustainability of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns: A Scoping Review. J Nutr 2023; 153:857-869. [PMID: 36809853 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large part of the existential threat associated with climate change is the result of current human feeding patterns. Over the last decade, research evaluating the diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based diets has emerged, and a synthesis of the available data is now due. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were as follows: 1) to compile and summarize the literature on diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based dietary patterns; 2) to assess the nature of the data on impacts of plant-based dietary patterns on both environmental parameters and health (e.g., if land use is reduced for a particular diet, is cancer risk also reduced?); and 3) to determine where sufficient data exist for meta-analyses, in addition to identifying gaps within the literature. METHODS Global peer-reviewed studies on the environmental impacts of plant-based diets were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. After removing duplicates, the screening identified 1553 records. After 2 stages of independent review by 2 reviewers, 65 records met the inclusion criteria and were eligible to be used in synthesis. RESULTS Evidence suggests that plant-based diets may offer lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), land use, and biodiversity loss than offered by standard diets; however, the impact on water and energy use may depend on the types of plant-based foods consumed. Further, the studies were consistent in demonstrating that plant-based dietary patterns that reduce diet-related mortality also promote environmental sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there was agreement across the studies regarding the impact of plant-based dietary patterns on GHGE, land used, and biodiversity loss despite varied plant-based diets assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra N Carey
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Melanie Paquette
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandhya Sahye-Pudaruth
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abolfazl Dadvar
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorothy Dinh
- Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Fred Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ekta Mishra
- McMaster University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mandeep Sidhu
- School of Global Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ramon Brown
- Department of Biology, Western University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shilpa Tandon
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Wanyan
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony J Hanley
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vasanti Malik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John L Sievenpiper
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Ja Jenkins
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Mattas K, Raptou E, Alayidi A, Yener G, Baourakis G. Assessing the interlinkage between biodiversity and diet through the Mediterranean diet case. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:570-582. [PMID: 36997093 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoption of healthy and sustainable diets, and the transition to sustainable food systems is of principal importance in order to counteract the double burden of climate change and non-communicable diseases. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been widely recognized as a biodiversity and healthy nutrition resource to support sustainable development and food security. This study explored biodiversity in terms of food plants species, subspecies, varieties and races, and also addressed food-plant diversity differences between the MD and western-type consumption patterns. It was funded by the EU BioValue Project, aiming to promote the integration of underutilized crops into the food value chains. Using a two-stage scheme, data were selected from MEDUSA and Euro+Med databases (including 449 species, 2,366 subspecies, varieties, and races). Furthermore, 12 countries from North Africa and Europe were classified in two groups according to their sub-regional attributes and their traditionally most prevalent dietary pattern (MD or western-type diets). Statistical analysis showed that the mean of the majorly cultivated food plants in the MD was significantly higher than its counterpart in the Western-diet. Furthermore, no statistical difference was detected in the averages of native food plants between the MD group and the Western diet group, implying that the higher diversity in food plants observed in the MD seems to be attributed to crop utilization rather than crop availability. Our findings indicated the interlinkage between biodiversity and prevailing dietary patterns, and further underlined that biodiversity could constitute a prerequisite for dietary diversity, and hence nutrition security. In addition, this study demonstrated that diets and nutrition should be approached in a broader way within the context of both agro-food and ecological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstadinos Mattas
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Elena Raptou
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
| | - Ahmed Alayidi
- Department of Business Economics and Management, CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Chania, Greece
| | - Gizem Yener
- Department of Business Economics and Management, CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Chania, Greece
| | - George Baourakis
- CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Chania, Greece
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24
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Filippin D, Sarni AR, Rizzo G, Baroni L. Environmental Impact of Two Plant-Based, Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets: The Vegan Diet vs. the Mediterranean Diet. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20053797. [PMID: 36900805 PMCID: PMC10001513 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Food consumption is one of the major causes of climate change, resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, and other kinds of environmental impact by modern households. According to evidence, a global change in dietary habits could be the single most effective and rapid intervention to reduce anthropic pressure on the planet, especially with respect to climate change. Our study applied Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to investigate the total environmental impact of two plant-based diets: the Mediterranean and the Vegan diets, according to relevant Italian nutritional recommendations. The two diets share the same macronutrient rates and cover all the nutritional recommendations. Calculations were made on the basis of a theoretical one-week 2000 kcal/day diet. According to our calculations, the Vegan diet showed about 44% less total environmental impact when compared to the Mediterranean diet, despite the fact that the content of animal products of the latter was low (with 10.6% of the total diet calories). This result clearly supports the concept that meat and dairy consumption plays a critical role, above all, in terms of damage to human health and ecosystems. Our study supports the thesis that even a minimal-to-moderate content of animal foods has a consistent impact on the environmental footprint of a diet, and their reduction can elicit significant ecological benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Filippin
- Scientific Society for Vegetarian Nutrition, 30171 Venice, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Sarni
- Scientific Society for Vegetarian Nutrition, 30171 Venice, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rizzo
- Independent Researcher, Via Venezuela 66, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Scientific Society for Vegetarian Nutrition, 30171 Venice, Italy
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25
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Elsner F, Matthiessen LE, Średnicka-Tober D, Marx W, O’Neil A, Welch AA, Hayhoe RP, Higgs S, van Vliet M, Morphew-Lu E, Kazimierczak R, Góralska-Walczak R, Kopczyńska K, Steenbuch Krabbe Bruun T, Rosane BP, Gjedsted Bügel S, Strassner C. Identifying Future Study Designs for Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Associated with Diets of a Cohort Living in Eco-Regions: Findings from the INSUM Expert Workshop. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:669. [PMID: 36612999 PMCID: PMC9819394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Diets influence our mental health and social wellbeing (MHSW) in multiple ways. A rising community concept, Eco-Regions, has gained interest. The research project "Indicators for assessment of health effects of consumption of sustainable, organic school meals in Ecoregions" (INSUM) aims to develop future-oriented research approaches to measure the potential health effects of more sustainable and healthy diets. This first part of the project focuses on MHSW with the goal to identify suitable study designs and indicators. The methodology is based on a 2-day workshop with an interdisciplinary group of experts. This paper describes commonly applied research methods on the nexus between diet and MHSW as presented by the experts and summarises key points from the discussions. The results show that the dominating tool to investigate MSHW is questionnaires. Questionnaires vary largely depending on the research design, such as participants or distribution channels. Cohort studies addressing families and including in-depth interventional and/or experimental studies may be suitable for an Eco-Region investigation. Those MHSW studies can be conducted and combined with measurements of somatic health effects. We conclude that indicators should be seen as complementary rather than independent. Explorative research designs are required to investigate complex Eco-Regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Elsner
- Department of Food, Nutrition, Facilities, FH Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Lea Ellen Matthiessen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Dominika Średnicka-Tober
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT—The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Adrienne O’Neil
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT—The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Ailsa A. Welch
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Richard Peter Hayhoe
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Suzanne Higgs
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Marja van Vliet
- Institute for Positive Health, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Renata Kazimierczak
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rita Góralska-Walczak
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia Kopczyńska
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Beatriz Philippi Rosane
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Susanne Gjedsted Bügel
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Carola Strassner
- Department of Food, Nutrition, Facilities, FH Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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26
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Kesse-Guyot E, Allès B, Brunin J, Fouillet H, Dussiot A, Mariotti F, Langevin B, Berthy F, Touvier M, Julia C, Hercberg S, Lairon D, Barbier C, Couturier C, Pointereau P, Baudry J. Nutritionally adequate and environmentally respectful diets are possible for different diet groups: an optimized study from the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1621-1633. [PMID: 36124645 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown that vegetarian diets have a low environmental impact, but few studies have examined the environmental impacts and nutritional adequacy of these diets together, even though vegetarian diets can lead to nutritional issues. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to optimize and compare 6 types of diets with varying degrees of plant foods (lacto-, ovolacto-, and pescovegetarian diets and diets with low, medium, and high meat content) under nutritional constraints. METHODS Consumption data in 30,000 participants were derived from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort using an FFQ. Diets were optimized by a nonlinear algorithm minimizing the diet deviation while meeting multiple constraints at both the individual and population levels: nonincrease of the cost and environmental impacts (as partial ReCiPe accounting for greenhouse gas emissions, cumulative energy demand, and land occupation, distinguishing production methods: organic and conventional), under epidemiologic, nutritional (based on nutrient reference values), and acceptability (according to the diet type) constraints. RESULTS Optimized diets were successfully identified for each diet type, except that it was impossible to meet the EPA (20:5n-3) + DHA (22:6n-3) requirements in lacto- and ovolactovegetarians. In all cases, meat consumption was redistributed or reduced and the consumption of legumes (including soy-based products), whole grains, and vegetables were increased, whereas some food groups, such as potatoes, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages, were entirely removed from the diets. The lower environmental impacts (as well as individual indicators) observed for vegetarians could be attained even when nutritional references were reached except for long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS A low-meat diet could be considered as a target for the general population in the context of sustainable transitions, although all diets tested can be overall nutritionally adequate (except for n-3 fatty acids) when planned appropriately.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03335644.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France
| | - Benjamin Allès
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France
| | - Joséphine Brunin
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France.,French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), Angers, France
| | - Hélène Fouillet
- Physiology of Nutrition and Ingestive Behavior (UMR PNCA), Paris-Saclay University, AgroParisTech, National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Alison Dussiot
- Physiology of Nutrition and Ingestive Behavior (UMR PNCA), Paris-Saclay University, AgroParisTech, National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - François Mariotti
- Physiology of Nutrition and Ingestive Behavior (UMR PNCA), Paris-Saclay University, AgroParisTech, National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | | | - Florine Berthy
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France
| | - Mathilde Touvier
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France
| | - Chantal Julia
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France.,Department of Public Health, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France
| | - Serge Hercberg
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France.,Department of Public Health, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France
| | - Denis Lairon
- Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research Center (C2VN), Aix-Marseille University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), Marseille, France
| | - Carine Barbier
- International Centre for Research on the Environment and Development (UMR CIRED), National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Julia Baudry
- Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center-Paris Cité University (CRESS), Sorbonne Paris Nord University, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (Cnam), Bobigny, France
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27
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Vinci G, Maddaloni L, Prencipe SA, Ruggeri M, Di Loreto MV. A Comparison of the Mediterranean Diet and Current Food Patterns in Italy: A Life Cycle Thinking Approach for a Sustainable Consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12274. [PMID: 36231575 PMCID: PMC9566268 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The transition toward more sustainable food systems, which already represents a central element of the European Farm to Fork and Green Deal strategies, could be an effective measure to contribute to global decarbonization and greenhouse gas (GHGs) reduction goals; concurrently, it could improve the health status and nutrition of the global population. In this context, the Mediterranean diet (MD) could play a considerable role, as it is generally recognized as a more balanced, healthy, and sustainable eating pattern than Western consumption patterns, which are characterized by excess food and high energy content, thus causing undesirable effects on both human health and the environment. Although traditionally linked to MD, Italy sees relatively moderate adherence by its citizens, as they consume about +75% of the daily caloric intake recommended by MD. Therefore, this study aims to quantitatively assess the potential environmental, economic, and health impacts of this lower adherence to MD by Italians. Current Italian Food Patterns (CIFP) in 2019 were analyzed and compared to the MD recommended amounts through a Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) approach (LCA) and carbon footprint (CF) analysis. The results show that CIFP, compared to MD, has +133% greater impacts on the environmental macro-area, +100% greater impacts on the human health macro-area, and +59% greater impacts on the economic macro-area (with annual fossil and mineral resource savings of $53.35 per person, $3.2 billion per year). The analysis also shows that CIFP has a CF of 6.54 × 101 kg CO2 eq, +142% over MD (2.7 × 101 kg CO2 eq), resulting in a lower environmental impact of the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Vinci
- Department of Management, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Rome, Italy
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28
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Salinas-Velandia DA, Romero-Perdomo F, Numa-Vergel S, Villagrán E, Donado-Godoy P, Galindo-Pacheco JR. Insights into Circular Horticulture: Knowledge Diffusion, Resource Circulation, One Health Approach, and Greenhouse Technologies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12053. [PMID: 36231350 PMCID: PMC9565935 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The integration of the circular economy in agriculture has promoted sustainable innovation in food production systems such as horticulture. The present paper illustrates how horticulture is transitioning to the circular economy. This research field's performance approaches and trends were assessed through a bibliometric and text-mining analysis of the literature. Our findings revealed that circular horticulture is a recent research field that is constantly growing. Its approach has been neither systemic nor integrative but fragmented. Bioeconomy, urban agriculture, recycled nutrients, biochar, fertigation, and desalination have been positioned as research hotspots. Vegetables and fruits are the most studied crops. Resource circulation has focused primarily on biowaste recovery to provide benefits such as biofertilizers and linear-substrate substitutes, and on water reuse for the establishment of hydroponic systems. The One Health approach is scarcely explored and, therefore, weakly articulated, wherein the absence of assessment methodologies encompassing the health of ecosystems, animals, and people is a notable limitation. Science-policy interfaces between One Health and food systems need to be improved. Lastly, greenhouse technologies are aligned with bioenergy, sustainable materials, and sensing technologies. Challenges and directions for future research have been raised to promote the redesign of horticultural production systems, integrating long-term circularity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felipe Romero-Perdomo
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria–AGROSAVIA, C.I. Tibaitatá, Mosquera 250040, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Stephanie Numa-Vergel
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria–AGROSAVIA, C.I. Tibaitatá, Mosquera 250040, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Edwin Villagrán
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria–AGROSAVIA, C.I. Tibaitatá, Mosquera 250040, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Pilar Donado-Godoy
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria–AGROSAVIA, C.I. Tibaitatá, Mosquera 250040, Cundinamarca, Colombia
- Global Health Research Unit for the Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (GHRU–Colombia), CI Tibaitatá, Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA), Mosquera 250040, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Julio Ricardo Galindo-Pacheco
- Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria–AGROSAVIA, C.I. Tibaitatá, Mosquera 250040, Cundinamarca, Colombia
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29
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Bach-Faig A, Wickramasinghe K, Panadero N, Fàbregues S, Rippin H, Halloran A, Fresán U, Pattison M, Breda J. Consensus-building around the conceptualisation and implementation of sustainable healthy diets: a foundation for policymakers. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1480. [PMID: 35927688 PMCID: PMC9351147 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13756-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy and sustainable diets need to be adopted to reduce the negative impact of food consumption on human and planetary health. Food systems account for a third of greenhouse gas emissions. "Dietary Patterns for Health and Sustainability" is a World Health Organization (WHO) project that aims to build consensus among international food, health, and sustainability experts and policymakers on how to conceptualise healthy and sustainable diets and on the actions and policies that could be implemented in the WHO European Region to promote these diets. METHODS A qualitative study among European food, health, and sustainability experts and policymakers to elicit their views on multiple dimensions of food sustainability and health was carried out using a three-phase process, including semi-structured interviews, a Nominal Group Technique, and focus groups during a participatory WHO workshop held in Copenhagen. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the three data sources. RESULTS The workshop resulted in a shared understanding of the interconnected components of sustainable healthy eating habits. As a result of this understanding, a variety of potential solutions were identified, including actions across different policy domains, tools, strategic guidelines, needs, and pathways for sustainable healthy diets. The pathways included the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, as well as the simultaneous execution of an aligned and coherent mix of policies at the local and national levels. CONCLUSIONS The prioritised actions should be aimed at helping government policymakers promote sustainable healthy diets and make decisions on improving dietary patterns for citizens' health and wellbeing in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the European Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bach-Faig
- FoodLab Research Group (2017SGR 83), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kremlin Wickramasinghe
- WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Moscow, 125009, Russia.
| | - Natalia Panadero
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Fàbregues
- Department of Psychology and Education, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Holly Rippin
- WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Moscow, 125009, Russia
| | - Afton Halloran
- WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Moscow, 125009, Russia
| | - Ujué Fresán
- e-Health Group, Instituto de Salud Global Barcelona (ISGlobal), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mary Pattison
- WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Moscow, 125009, Russia
| | - João Breda
- Athens Office Quality of Care, Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Greece, 10675, Athens, Greece
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