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Okekunle AP, Nicolaou M, De Allegri M, Meeks KAC, Osei-Kwasi H, Stockemer J, de-Graft Aikins A, Agbemafle I, Bahendeka S, Boateng D, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Beune E, Agyemang C, Schulze MB, Danquah I. A multi-dimensional Sustainable Diet Index (SDI) for Ghanaian adults under transition: the RODAM Study. Nutr J 2024; 23:117. [PMID: 39354508 PMCID: PMC11443685 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-024-01009-0] [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] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sustainability of diets consumed by African populations under socio-economic transition remains to be determined. This study developed and characterized a multi-dimensional Sustainable Diet Index (SDI) reflecting healthfulness, climate-friendliness, sociocultural benefits, and financial affordability using individual-level data of adults in rural and urban Ghana and Ghanaian migrants in Europe to identify the role of living environment in dietary sustainability. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from the multi-centre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants Study (N = 3169; age range: 25-70 years). For the SDI construct (0-16 score points), we used the Diet Quality Index-International, food-related greenhouse gas emission, the ratio of natural to processed foods, and the proportion of food expenditure from income. In linear regression analyses, we estimated the adjusted ß-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the differences in mean SDI across study sites (using rural Ghana as a reference), accounting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS The overall mean SDI was 8.0 (95% CI: 7.9, 8.1). Participants in the highest SDI-quintile compared to lower quintiles were older, more often women, non-smokers, and alcohol abstainers. The highest mean SDI was seen in London (9.1; 95% CI: 8.9, 9.3), followed by rural Ghana (8.2; 95% CI: 8.0, 8.3), Amsterdam (7.9; 95% CI: 7.7, 8.1), Berlin (7.8; 95% CI: 7.6, 8.0), and urban Ghana (7.7; 95% CI: 7.5, 7.8). Compared to rural Ghana, the differences between study sites were attenuated after accounting for age, gender and energy intake. No further changes were observed after adjustment for lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION The multi-dimensional SDI describes four dimensions of dietary sustainability in this Ghanaian population. Our findings suggest that living in Europe improved dietary sustainability, but the opposite seems true for urbanization in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinkunmi Paul Okekunle
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mary Nicolaou
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Manuela De Allegri
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karlijn A C Meeks
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hibbah Osei-Kwasi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Julia Stockemer
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Isaac Agbemafle
- Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Silver Bahendeka
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, MKPGMS-Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Boateng
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Erik Beune
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthias B Schulze
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Ina Danquah
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Hertz-Chair "Innovation for Planetary Health" at Transdisciplinary Research Area "Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Futures" and Center for Development Research (ZEF), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms- University Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113, Bonn, Germany.
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Shavit Y, Tepper S, Teodorescu K. Exploring culinary diversity to enhance Mediterranean diet adherence: A randomized controlled trial. Appetite 2024; 201:107597. [PMID: 38972638 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107597] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
We Investigated how promoting diverse, healthy food options affects long-term dietary choices. We hypothesized that encouraging exploration of nutritious plant-based foods would lead to lasting improvements in diet. Participants (N = 211) were randomly assigned into two groups for a 6-week intervention: The fixed menu group was given the same large menu every week, while the changing menu group received a new small menu each week. At the end of the intervention both groups were exposed to the same menu suggestions. Food diversity evaluation was based on weekly reports collected during the intervention. Self-reported adherence to Mediterranean diet components was assessed using the I-MEDAS screener. The proportion of plant-based foods in participants' diets was estimated using a 0-100% scale based on self-report. Both items were evaluated using online questionnaires given to participants at baseline, at the end of the intervention, as well as three and six months after the intervention concluded. Results mean(SD) demonstrated that participants in fixed menu group explored a significantly wider array of items 26.33(11.64) than those in the changing menus group [19.79(10.29), t(202) = 4.25, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.60]. A repeated measures analysis of covariance rmANCOVA revealed that short-term increase in I-MEDAS and PBD score were noted in both groups; however, only participants with the fixed menu sustained this increase at months follow-up [diff = 1.50, t(132) = 4.50, p < 0.001 Our findings suggest that manipulating the rate of exposure to food suggestions may affect overall dietary variety. It seems that early presentation with options may increase overall dietary variety and may even support longer-term habits. This study contributes to developing effective interventions and highlights the challenge of promoting exploratory behavior in nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Shavit
- Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel.
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Kashi G. Investigating the mildew and yeast in the bakeries of Abhar City, Iran. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37956. [PMID: 39323835 PMCID: PMC11422043 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37956] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of mold and yeast in bread leads to contamination in bread. Cancer and estrogenic abnormalities in humans are among the diseases caused by fungal and mold mycotoxins in bread. Bread production waste was estimated at about 30 % in Iran country. A comprehensive and specific image study of the sanitary condition of bread and bakeries in Abhar city has not been done. The purpose of this study was to determine the contamination resulting in yeast and mildew on bread supplied in Abhar City bakeries, to examine the sanitary condition of bakeries, and to provide the food security of Iranians. As well as determining the impact of health status variables and the location of bakeries on mold and fungal contamination. This research was done in the bakeries of Abhar in the period of February 1, 2022 to July 1, 2022. Evaluation of mold and yeast load of 61 breads from 61 bakeries was done using sterile potato dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol plates. In order to check the hygiene status of the bakery environment, modified form of Article 13 with 56 items equal to 56 scores was completed. Variables such as baking soda, sodium dithionite, salt percentage, to evaluate mildew and yeast, and the sanitary condition of bakeries were analyzed. After evaluating health status, the score range was divided based on a 4-point Likert scale. All results were compared with the standard and contamination level of each restaurant. 31 of 60 samples (51.6 %) showed mold and yeast infection. 17 bakeries of the 61 bakeries surveyed (43 %) received 100 % points in the five sections (individual health of 14 items, food hygiene of 10 items, tools and equipment of 16 items, building sanitation of 16 items, and disinfection). 49 samples (80.3 %) of 61 breads evaluated by chemical standard such as amount of baking soda were favorable. Sixty samples (98.4 %) of 61 breads complied with the chemical standard of sodium dithionite. 5 samples (8.3 %) of the 61 breads had excess salt levels. 33 samples out of 61 tested (54.1 %) were infected with mold and yeast. Of these, 26 (78.7 %) belonged to serotypes producing toxin A. The bread quality in some bakeries in Abhar City is poor and infected with mold and yeast. Careful monitoring and monitoring of the health status of bakeries, along with training sessions for bakery staff, will lead to improved baking health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giti Kashi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Water Purification Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Cobben RE, Collins CE, Charlton KE, Bucher T, Stanford J. Sustainability and cost of typical and heart-healthy dietary patterns in Australia. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS : CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 45:100448. [PMID: 39282012 PMCID: PMC11399559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2024.100448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Study objective The aim was to quantify and compare the environmental and financial impact of two diets: a heart-healthy Australian diet (HAD) and the typical Australian diet (TAD). Design The study involved a secondary analysis of two modelled dietary patterns used in a cross-over feeding trial. Setting The evaluation focused on two-week (7-day cyclic) meal plans designed to meet the nutritional requirements for a reference 71-year-old male (9000 kJ) for each dietary pattern. Main outcome measures The environmental footprint of each dietary pattern was calculated using the Global Warming Potential (GWP*) metric, taking into account single foods, multi-ingredient foods, and mixed dishes. Prices were obtained from a large Australian supermarket. Results The HAD produced 23.8 % less CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per day (2.16 kg CO2e) compared to the TAD (2.83 kg CO2e per day). Meat and discretionary foods were the primary contributors to the environmental footprint of the TAD, whereas dairy and vegetables constituted the largest contributors to the HAD footprint. However, the HAD was 51 % more expensive than the TAD. Conclusion Transitioning from a TAD to a HAD could significantly reduce CO2 emissions and with benefits for human health and the environment. Affordability will be a major barrier. Strategies to reduce costs of convenient healthy food are needed. Future studies should expand the GWP* database and consider additional environmental dimensions to comprehensively assess the impact of dietary patterns. Current findings have implications for menu planning within feeding trials and for individuals seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while adhering to heart-healthy eating guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Cobben
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Clare E Collins
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Karen E Charlton
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Tamara Bucher
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, Murtenstrasse 10, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordan Stanford
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
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Elliott PS, Devine LD, Gibney ER, O'Sullivan AM. What factors influence sustainable and healthy diet consumption? A review and synthesis of literature within the university setting and beyond. Nutr Res 2024; 126:23-45. [PMID: 38613922 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.03.004] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Globally, typical dietary patterns are neither healthy nor sustainable. Recognizing the key role of dietary change in reducing noncommunicable disease risk and addressing environmental degradation, it is crucial to understand how to shift individuals toward a sustainable and healthy diet (SHD). In this literature review, we introduced the concept of a SHD and outlined the dietary behaviors necessary to transition toward SHD consumption; we reviewed the literature on factors that may influence sustainable (and unsustainable) dietary behaviors in adults; and we developed a novel scoring system to rank factors by priority for targeting in future research. Given the significant potential to promote a sustainable and healthy dietary transition on the university campus-where factors that may impact dietary behaviors can be targeted at all levels of influence (i.e., individual, interpersonal, environmental, policy)-we narrowed our focus to this setting throughout. Aided by our novel scoring system, we identified conscious habitual eating, product price, food availability/accessibility, product convenience, self-regulation skills, knowledge of animal ethics/welfare, food promotion, and eating norms as important modifiable factors that may influence university students' dietary behaviors. When scored without consideration for the university population, these factors were also ranked as highest priority, as was modified portion sizes. Our findings offer insight into factors that may warrant attention in future research aimed at promoting SHDs. In particular, the high-priority factors identified from our synthesis of the literature could help guide the development of more personalized dietary behavioral interventions within the university setting and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Elliott
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lauren D Devine
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Eileen R Gibney
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aifric M O'Sullivan
- Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Navruz-Varlı S, Mortaş H, Çelik MN. Sociodemographic Trends in Planetary Health Diets among Nutrition Students in Türkiye: Bridging Classroom to Kitchen. Nutrients 2024; 16:1277. [PMID: 38732524 PMCID: PMC11085215 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091277] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of sociodemographic parameters on healthy and sustainable nutrition in nutrition students. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 601 students. Researchers administered questionnaire forms to gather sociodemographic information such as age, gender, geographical region, residence area, accommodation, BMI, and income level. Participants' 24 h dietary records were used to evaluate Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020) and Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). The mean PHDI scores of the Marmara (53.4 ± 14.9), Aegean (58.2 ± 18.3), Mediterranean (55.3 ± 15.5), and Black Sea (55.5 ± 15.7) regions, which are the coastal regions of Türkiye, were significantly higher than for the Central Anatolia region (46.7 ± 15.1). The PHDI and HEI-2020 score means of students living in metropolitan cities and rural areas were significantly higher than those living in urban areas (p < 0.05). Being in the 20-25 years age group increased the probability of being in a lower PHDI group (AOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.07:3.12; p = 0.028). While a similar result was found in the 20-25 years age group for HEI-2020, income level and gender did not have a statistically significant effect on these scores. Since students' ages, geographical regions, and residence areas affect PHDI and HEI-2020, it is considered important to take these sociodemographic variables into consideration in guidelines and studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra Navruz-Varlı
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara 06490, Türkiye;
| | - Hande Mortaş
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara 06490, Türkiye;
| | - Menşure Nur Çelik
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun 55500, Türkiye;
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Eustachio Colombo P, Elinder LS, Nykänen EPA, Patterson E, Lindroos AK, Parlesak A. Developing a novel optimisation approach for keeping heterogeneous diets healthy and within planetary boundaries for climate change. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024; 78:193-201. [PMID: 37990128 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-023-01368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Current dietary habits have substantial negative impacts on the health of people and the planet. This study aimed to develop a novel approach for achieving health-promoting and climate-friendly dietary recommendations for a broad range of consumers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Hierarchical clustering analysis was combined with linear programming to design nutritionally adequate, health-promoting, climate-friendly and culturally acceptable diets using Swedish national dietary data (n = 1797). Diets were optimised for the average consumption of the total population as well as for the dietary clusters. RESULTS Three dietary clusters were identified. All optimised diets had lower shares of animal-source foods and contained higher amounts of plant-based foods. These dietary shifts reduced climate impacts by up to 53% while leaving much of the diet unchanged. The optimised diets of the three clusters differed from the optimised diet of the total population. All optimised diets differed considerably from the food-group pattern of the EAT-Lancet diet. CONCLUSIONS The novel cluster-based optimisation approach was able to generate alternatives that may be more acceptable and realistic for a sustainable diet across different groups in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Eustachio Colombo
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT, London, UK.
| | - Liselotte Schäfer Elinder
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Esa-Pekka A Nykänen
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Emma Patterson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Karin Lindroos
- The Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandr Parlesak
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Personalized Nutrition, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg, Heilbronn, Germany
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Leydon CL, Leonard UM, McCarthy SN, Harrington JM. Aligning Environmental Sustainability, Health Outcomes, and Affordability in Diet Quality: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1270-1296. [PMID: 37532100 PMCID: PMC10721486 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.07.007] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving diet quality while simultaneously maintaining planetary health is of critical interest globally. Despite the shared motivation, advancement remains slow, and the research community continues to operate in silos, focusing on certain pairings (diet-climate), or with a discipline-specific lens of a sustainable diet, rather than examining their totality. This review aimed to summarize the literature on adherence to a priori defined dietary patterns in consideration of diet quality, metabolic risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), environmental impacts, and affordability. A methodology using PRISMA guidelines was followed, and searches were performed in 7 databases as of October 2022. The Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for observational cohort studies were employed for quality appraisal. The evidence was narratively synthesized according to the characteristics of the diet quality metrics. The review includes 24 studies published between 2017-2023. Thirteen distinct diet quality scores were identified, with those measuring adherence to national dietary guidelines the most reported. Thirteen distinct environmental impact indicators were identified, with greenhouse gas emissions (n=23) reported most. All studies reported on body mass index, and 7 studies assessed the cost of adherence. Our results are consistent with previous findings that healthier diets can reduce environmental impacts; however, incongruities between population and planetary health can occur. Hence, the "sustainability" of dietary patterns is dependent on the choice of indicators selected. Further, healthy, lower impact diets can increase financial cost, but may also provide a protective role against the risk of obesity. Given the Global Syndemic, strategies to reduce obesity prevalence should emphasize the win-win opportunities for population and planetary health through dietary change. Research should identify diets that address multiple environmental concerns to curtail burdens potentially transferring, and harmonize this with sociocultural and equity dimensions. This review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021238055.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa L Leydon
- Centre for Health and Diet Research, School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Ursula M Leonard
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sinéad N McCarthy
- Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Janas M Harrington
- Centre for Health and Diet Research, School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Elford A, Spence AC, Wakem A, Rozman M, Campbell KJ, Love P. Environmental sustainability and food provision in the early childhood and education setting. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2200-2210. [PMID: 37807888 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001908] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe environmentally sustainable (ES) and healthy food provision practices in childcare services in Victoria, Australia. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Childcare services providing food onsite. PARTICIPANTS Staff completed an online survey that explored ES food provision practices including purchasing seasonal/local food, food waste awareness/management, and food cost/child/d. A purposively sampled subgroup conducted weighed audits to determine compliance with guidelines and total waste, serving waste (prepared, not served) and plate waste. RESULTS Survey results found 8 % of services (n 129) had previously conducted food waste audits. Service audits (n 12) found 27 % total food waste (range: 9 % - 64 %). Statistically significant differences in plate waste were found between services who had previously conducted food waste audits (7 %) and those who had not (17 %) (P = 0·04). The most common ES practice was 'providing seasonal food'; the least common was 'maintaining a compost system' and 'less packaged foods'. Most services (95 %) purchased foods from supermarkets with 23 % purchasing from farmers' markets. This was statistically lower for regional/rural services (8 %), compared to metropolitan services (27 %) (P = 0·04). Twenty-seven per cent of services spent AUD2·50 or less per child per day on food. Only one audited service provided a menu compliant with childcare food provision guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Childcare settings procure and provide large volumes of food; however, food waste awareness appears limited, and environmentally sustainable food procurement practices may be less affordable and difficult to achieve. Understanding the impact of food waste awareness on food waste practices and food costs across time merits further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Elford
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison C Spence
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy Wakem
- Nutrition Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Karen J Campbell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Penelope Love
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
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Young L, Mackay S, Bradbury KE. Nutrient content and cost of canned and dried legumes and plant-based meat analogues available in New Zealand supermarkets. Nutr Diet 2023; 80:472-483. [PMID: 37545013 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12834] [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] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Plant-based eating patterns are recommended for human and planetary health. Plant-based protein sources in supermarkets include traditional options and plant-based meat analogues. This cross-sectional survey examined the nutritional content, healthiness, cost and labelling of these products. METHODS Nutrient content and claims on canned legumes (plain [N = 64] and flavoured [N = 25]), canned baked beans (N = 23), dried legumes (N = 21), tofu (plain [N = 8] and flavoured [N = 5]), falafels (N = 14), meat analogues (meat-free burgers [N = 11], meat-free sausages [N = 10] and 'other' meat-free products [N = 20]) were obtained from a database of packaged foods in New Zealand. Mean (SD) energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, sodium and dietary fibre content (per 100 g) was calculated for each category. Healthiness was assessed using an estimated Health Star Rating (Rating ≥3.5 considered 'healthy'). Product data were linked with household purchasing data from the 2019 Nielsen IQ® consumer panel to calculate mean purchase price/100 g/category. The number and type of nutrition claims were compared across categories. RESULTS The highest mean protein content was 'other' meat-free products (14.8 ± 6.9 g/100 g). Meat-free sausages had the highest sodium and saturated fat content (643 ± 148 mg/100 g, 3.7 ± 4.5 g/100 g). Overall, few meat analogues (N = 5, 12%) scored an estimated Health Star Rating ≥3.5. Dried legumes were the cheapest plant protein (mean ± SD) purchase price = NZ $0.30 ± 0.16/100 g), compared with 'other' meat-free products (purchase price = NZ $2.57 ± 0.88/100 g). The most common nutrition claims on meat analogues were about protein content. Dietary fibre claims were the most common on canned and dried legumes. CONCLUSION Meat analogues offer convenience, however, may be less healthy and more expensive than traditional plant-based proteins. This study assists dietitians in providing accurate consumer messaging about healthy plant-based proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Young
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Mackay
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn E Bradbury
- National Institute for Health Innovation, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Lares-Michel M, Reyes-Castillo Z, Housni FE. Towards the characterisation of sustainable diet's gut microbiota composition and functions: A narrative review. GUT MICROBIOME (CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND) 2023; 4:e15. [PMID: 39295901 PMCID: PMC11406369 DOI: 10.1017/gmb.2023.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a key element for health preservation and disease prevention. Nevertheless, defining a healthy gut microbiome is complex since it is modulated by several factors, such as host genetics, sex, age, geographical zone, drug use, and, especially, diet. Although a healthy diet has proven to increase microbial alpha and beta diversity and to promote the proliferation of health-related bacteria, considering the current environmental and nutritional crisis, such as climate change, water shortage, loss of diversity, and the obesity pandemic, it should be highlighted that a healthy diet is not always sustainable. Sustainable diets are dietary patterns that promote all dimensions of people's health and well-being while exerting low pressure on the environment, and being accessible, affordable, safe, equitable, and culturally acceptable. Examples of diets that tend to be sustainable are the Planetary Health Diet of the EAT-Lancet Commission or territorial diets such as the Mediterranean and the Traditional Mexican diet (milpa diet), adapted to specific contexts. These diets are principally plant-based but include small or moderate amounts of animal-based foods. Characterising the effects of sustainable diets on gut microbiota is urgent to ensure that the benefits for human health are aligned with environmental preservation and respect the sociocultural aspects of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lares-Michel
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento S/N, Parque Tecnológico de la Salud, Armilla, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), Centro Universitario del Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro. 49000, Cd. Guzmán, Jalisco, México
| | - Zyanya Reyes-Castillo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), Centro Universitario del Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro. 49000, Cd. Guzmán, Jalisco, México
| | - Fatima Ezzahra Housni
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Comportamiento Alimentario y Nutrición (IICAN), Centro Universitario del Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Col. Centro. 49000, Cd. Guzmán, Jalisco, México
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12
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Finster LJ, Salvy SJ, Haile RW. A cancer care desert: living in between the urban and rural and the case for defining semirural regions. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204821. [PMID: 37284194 PMCID: PMC10241065 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel J. Finster
- Cancer Research Center for Health Equity, Division of Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Brady PJ, Askelson NM, Thompson H, Kersten S, Hopkins H, Ashida S, Nothwehr F, Janssen B, Frisvold D. A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Food Choices and Food Sources Among Adults Aged 50 Years and Older During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023; 123:602-613.e5. [PMID: 36055634 PMCID: PMC9428107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.08.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic affected food availability and accessibility for many older adults, especially those experiencing food insecurity. Food citizenship is a theoretical framework that encourages the use of alternate over industrial food sources and can characterize where foods are acquired and how food choices are made. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to explore how Iowans aged 50 years and older made choices about what foods to acquire and where to acquire foods during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic using food citizenship as a theoretical framework. DESIGN We used in-depth interviews with Iowans aged 50 years and older (N = 60). PARTICIPANTS We recruited respondents through Area Agencies on Aging, food banks, and food pantries. Individuals who contacted the research team, were aged 50 years and older, and spoke English were eligible. Half of the sample screened as food insecure. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS We conducted a thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. RESULTS Food costs, personal preferences, and the healthfulness of food were cited as the most influential factors. Respondents said that the pandemic had not changed how they make choices, but increased prices had made costs more salient. Respondents primarily got their food from industrial food retailers, government programs, or food pantries. More than half of the respondents also acquired food from an alternate food source, such as a farmers' market. Reasons for not using alternate food sources included cost and transportation barriers. CONCLUSIONS It is essential to ensure that older adults have access to affordable, healthy foods, especially during crises such as the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Alternate food sources provided supplementary, healthy food for many respondents, but there are opportunities to expand the use of these food sources. Incentivizing the use of alternate food sources through government programs and connecting the emergency food system to local producers could increase the consumption of healthy food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Brady
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
| | - Natoshia M Askelson
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa; University of Iowa Public Policy Center, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Helaina Thompson
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sarah Kersten
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Sato Ashida
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Faryle Nothwehr
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Brandi Janssen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David Frisvold
- University of Iowa Public Policy Center, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Economics, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Hough G, Contarini A. Can low-income consumers choose food from sustainable production methods? Curr Opin Food Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2023.101035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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15
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Bracci EL, Davis CR, Murphy KJ. Developing a Mediterranean Healthy Food Basket and an Updated Australian Healthy Food Basket Modelled on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071692. [PMID: 37049532 PMCID: PMC10096976 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Australian healthy food baskets are typically modelled off the Government Guidelines for healthy eating. However, these baskets have not been updated recently, nor has there been a Mediterranean Diet basket developed for an Australian population despite research suggesting high adherence is possible and subsequent health benefits observed. Food baskets typically only present the nutrition profile or the cost of a basket, seldom both. Methods: Baskets were developed based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, The Mediterranean Diet and typical Australian dietary intake (Western Diet). Four reference families were created based on data from Australian censuses and population statistics. Seven-day meal plans for reference families were entered into Foodworks software and aimed to meet 100% of nutrition and energy requirements. Basket costs were calculated from Coles Australia online. Results: The AGHE basket met all NRVs except for VLCN3 for the 7-year-old male (73% adequate intake). The Mediterranean Diet met all NRVs except zinc (44-year-old male) ranging from 98 to 257% of the RDI. The Western Diet failed to meet NRVs for numerous nutrients. The MedDiet baskets were generally cheaper ($78 for a one-person household to $285 for a four-person household) than AGHE and Western Diet. Discussion: Meeting nutrition requirements over seven days for zinc can be challenging for males. Fortified products provide an opportunity to improve nutrient profile; however, nutrient intake should equilibrate over time. Further, cost saving strategies can increase affordability. This research suggests a MedDiet is not more costly than a typical Western Diet or healthy AGHE diet.
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López Cifuentes M, Penker M, Kaufmann L, Wittmann F, Fiala V, Gugerell C, Lauk C, Krausmann F, Eder M, Freyer B. Diverse types of knowledge on a plate: a multi-perspective and multi-method approach for the transformation of urban food systems towards sustainable diets. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2023; 18:1-18. [PMID: 36789006 PMCID: PMC9911332 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-022-01287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization processes are accompanied by growing global challenges for food systems. Urban actors are increasingly striving to address these challenges through a focus on sustainable diets. However, transforming food systems towards more sustainable diets is challenging and it is unclear what the local scope of action might be. Co-production of knowledge between science and non-science is particularly useful for analysing context-specific solutions and promise to result in more robust socio-economic, political and technical solutions. Thus, this paper aims to integrate different types and sources of knowledge to understand urban food systems transformation towards a more sustainable diet in Vienna; and, second, to analyse and reflect on the difficulties and ways forward to integrate diverse actors' perspectives, multiple methods and epistemologies. We created different future scenarios that illustrate the synergies and trade-offs of various bundles of measures and the interactions among single dimensions of sustainable diets. These scenarios show that there is plenty of scope for local action, but co-ordination across diverse groups, interests, and types of knowledge is necessary to overcome lock-ins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta López Cifuentes
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute for Sustainable Economic Development, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Feistmantelstraße 4, 1180 Vienna, Austria
- Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Arthur C Clarke Building, Guildford, GU2 7XH UK
| | - Marianne Penker
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute for Sustainable Economic Development, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Feistmantelstraße 4, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Kaufmann
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fritz Wittmann
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Economics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Feistmantelstraße 4, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Valentin Fiala
- Research Center for Sustainability, Freie Universität Berlin, Ihnestraße 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Gugerell
- Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Arthur C Clarke Building, Guildford, GU2 7XH UK
| | - Christian Lauk
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fridolin Krausmann
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Eder
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Economics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Feistmantelstraße 4, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Freyer
- Division of Organic Farming, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendelstraße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
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Kolbuszewska M, Anderson J, Milyavskaya M. Autonomous motivation, goal-facilitating behaviours, and dietary goal progress in individuals transitioning to a veg*n diet: A longitudinal study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1019714. [PMID: 36619095 PMCID: PMC9815618 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1019714] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have consistently shown that autonomous motivation - pursuing goals because one wants to, rather than has to - is associated with greater behaviour maintenance in the context of healthy eating, exercise, and diet maintenance. The present study used a 7-wave longitudinal design to examine how autonomous motivation is related to dietary goal progress in individuals (N = 222) transitioning to a veg*n (i.e., vegetarian or vegan) diet. We hypothesized that when people reported more autonomous motivation (compared to their own average) they would be more successful in reaching their dietary goals. We also explored the role of goal-facilitating behaviours in this process. We found no directional effects of relative autonomous motivation on goal progress or goal-facilitating behaviours, although the concurrent relations were significant. There were also no within-person effects of behaviours on progress. These findings shed light onto the relationship between autonomous motivation, behaviours, and goal progress both at the same time and over time, and highlight the importance of examining within-person fluctuations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Kolbuszewska
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Marina Milyavskaya
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Marina Milyavskaya,
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18
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A scientific transition to support the 21st century dietary transition. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Lawlis T, Bowden M, Lo J, Devine A. Dietary Intake of Women from Two Australian Cities Living in Poverty. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2150532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Lawlis
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Melinda Bowden
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, Western, Australia
| | - Johnny Lo
- School of Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, Western, Australia
| | - Amanda Devine
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, Western, Australia
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Bracci EL, Milte R, Keogh JB, Murphy KJ. Developing and Piloting a Novel Ranking System to Assess Popular Dietary Patterns and Healthy Eating Principles. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163414. [PMID: 36014923 PMCID: PMC9415867 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A multitude of weight loss diets exist. However, no one diet has been proven to be superior, despite their claims. Resultingly, this creates confusion amongst consumers and conflicting nutrition messages. The aim of the ranking system was to evaluate a range of dietary pattern’s nutrition profile and financial costs, as well as their potential long-term sustainability and associated adverse effects. Nutrition profile is typically the focal point of weight loss diets with less attention focused towards other factors that may affect their suitability. Five popular diets (Keto, Paleo, Intermittent Fasting, Optifast, and 8 Weeks to Wow) and two energy restricted healthy eating principles (Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Mediterranean Diet) were compared for diet quality, cost, adverse effects, and support for behaviour change. In general, healthy eating principles scored more favourably compared to popular weight loss diets in all categories. Lower carbohydrate diets tended to score lower for diet quality due to restricting multiple food groups, had more associated adverse effects and did not encourage behaviour change compared to the other weight loss diets. Optifast was the only weight loss diet to receive a negative score for cost. There should be considerations when undertaking a change to dietary patterns beyond nutrition profile. Diets indeed vary in terms of diet quality, and in addition can be costly, incur adverse effects, and disregard behaviour change which is important for sustainable weight loss and maintenance. This ranking system could create a reference point for future comparisons of diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella L. Bracci
- Clinical and Health Sciences, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Rachel Milte
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Jennifer B. Keogh
- Clinical and Health Sciences, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Karen J. Murphy
- Clinical and Health Sciences, Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
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Vos M, Deforche B, Van Kerckhove A, Michels N, Poelman M, Geuens M, Van Lippevelde W. Determinants of healthy and sustainable food choices in parents with a higher and lower socioeconomic status: A qualitative study. Appetite 2022; 178:106180. [PMID: 35863506 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Establishing healthy and sustainable dietary habits in childhood is necessary for the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases, as well as for the growing pressure on our ecosystems. Considering that parents are the most important actors in affecting dietary behaviors of their children, and that there is a social gradient for obesity, this study aims to investigate differences in determinants of both healthy and sustainable food choices among parents with a higher and lower socioeconomic status (SES). Fifteen focus groups and four individual interviews (n = 78) with parents of children aged 6 to 12 were conducted in Belgium. A semi-structured interview guide based on a socioecological model was used. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematic content analysis was performed using NVivo 1.0. Findings indicate some differences in determinants of healthy and sustainable food choices among higher and lower SES parents. Generally, higher SES parents reported more barriers for sustainable than for healthy food choices. They showed more positive attitudes towards healthy than sustainable food choices, and reported low knowledge and self-efficacy to make sustainable food choices, while a lack of time was a barrier to cook both healthy and sustainable meals. Lower SES parents, like higher SES parents, showed more positive attitudes towards healthy food choices. They reported high prices and a lack of inspiration and skills as barriers for both food choices, while also being influenced by their cultural backgrounds. For both SES types of parents, children had a strong influence on their healthy and sustainable food choices. The findings suggest socioeconomic differences in determinants of healthy and sustainable food choices. Hence, these differences should be taken into account when developing intervention strategies to improve food choices in parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolijn Vos
- Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organization, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium; Unit Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Unit Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium; Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance Research Group, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Van Kerckhove
- Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organization, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Michels
- Unit Public Health Nutrition, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Maartje Poelman
- Chair Group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | - Maggie Geuens
- Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organization, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Wendy Van Lippevelde
- Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organization, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium; Unit Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
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Sherriff S, Kalucy D, Tong A, Naqvi N, Nixon J, Eades S, Ingram T, Slater K, Dickson M, Lee A, Muthayya S. Murradambirra Dhangaang (make food secure): Aboriginal community and stakeholder perspectives on food insecurity in urban and regional Australia. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1066. [PMID: 35643511 PMCID: PMC9146813 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is widely acknowledged that the invasion by colonial powers of the Australian continent had profound and detrimental impacts on Aboriginal Communities, including food security. Policies of successive governments since European arrival have since further exacerbated the situation, with food insecurity now affecting 20–25% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Food insecurity contributes to long-term impacts on health, in particular diet-sensitive chronic diseases. This study aimed to describe Aboriginal community and stakeholder perspectives on food insecurity to get a better understanding of the key contributing factors and recommendations for potential strategies to address this issue in Aboriginal communities in urban and regional Australia. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 44 participants who were purposively selected. This included Aboriginal people in two communities and both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders from local food relief agencies, food suppliers, schools, and government in an urban and regional location in NSW. A conceptual framework was developed from literature on food security, and sensitizing concepts of availability, affordability, accessibility and acceptability or the lack thereof of healthy food were used to elicit responses from the participants. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Results All participants felt strongly that food insecurity was a major problem experienced in their local Aboriginal communities. Five core areas impacting on food security were identified: trapped in financial disadvantage; gaps in the local food system; limitations of non-Aboriginal food relief services; on-going impacts of colonization; and maintaining family, cultural and community commitments and responsibilities. Participants suggested a number of actions that could help ease food insecurity and emphasized that Aboriginal values and culture must be strongly embedded in potential programs. Conclusions This study found Aboriginal families in urban and regional Australia are experiencing food insecurity on a regular basis, which is impacted by a range of socio-economic, environmental, systemic and cultural factors, as reported by the participants. Study findings highlight the need to address system level changes in the food environment and acknowledge Aboriginal history, culture and food preferences when considering the development of programs to alleviate food insecurity among Aboriginal people. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13202-z.
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Barbour L, Bicknell E, Brimblecombe J, Carino S, Fairweather M, Lawrence M, Slattery J, Woods J, World E. Dietitians Australia position statement on healthy and sustainable diets. Nutr Diet 2022; 79:6-27. [PMID: 35233909 PMCID: PMC9311218 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is the position of Dietitians Australia that to promote human and planetary health, a food system transformation is needed that enables the population to adopt healthy and sustainable diet-related practices. A healthy and sustainable diet must (i) be nutritionally adequate, healthy and safe, (ii) have low environmental impact and be protective of natural resources and biodiversity, (iii) be culturally acceptable and (iv) be accessible, economically fair and affordable. Dietitians Australia acknowledges that it is critical to prioritise Indigenous knowledges in consultation, policy-making and implementation processes to achieve these recommendations. In facilitating the uptake of healthy and sustainable diets, dietitians are contributing to the transformation of our current food system that is urgently required to nourish present and future generations within planetary boundaries. In developing this position statement, opportunities for future research have been identified including those to advance the professions' capacity to improve environmental sustainability outcomes across all areas of practice. To achieve a population-level shift towards this diet, Dietitians Australia recommends: (i) the development of a National Food and Nutrition Strategy which honours Indigenous knowledges on food systems, (ii) the integration of sustainability principles in Australia's dietary guidelines, (iii) the reorientation of our food environment to prioritise access to healthy and sustainable foods, and (iv) investment in capacity building activities to equip the current and future nutrition and dietetics workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Barbour
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & FoodMonash UniversityNotting HillVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Julie Brimblecombe
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & FoodMonash UniversityNotting HillVictoriaAustralia
| | - Stefanie Carino
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & FoodMonash UniversityNotting HillVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Mark Lawrence
- Deakin UniversityInstitute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesGeelongAustralia
| | | | - Julie Woods
- Deakin UniversityInstitute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesGeelongAustralia
| | - Elizabeth World
- Dietitians AustraliaDeakinAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
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Bracci EL, Milte R, Keogh JB, Murphy KJ. Developing and implementing a new methodology to test the affordability of currently popular weight loss diet meal plans and healthy eating principles. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:23. [PMID: 34991538 PMCID: PMC8734134 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Weight loss diets continue to rise in popularity; however, the associated costs are seldom reported. Certain weight loss diets may be unaffordable and differ from their traditional nutrition composition to include non-conventional premium products. In contrast, healthy eating principles such as the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) and the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) place an emphasis on fresh produce and staple foods but are sometimes thought to be unaffordable. A new methodology was piloted to assess the cost of weight loss diets using seven meal plans. Methods Seven meal plans were analysed to quantify the absolute grams required of all ingredients across seven days and multiplied by the cost of the ingredient per gram to determine the total cost of each ingredient based on unit size and price. The weekly grocery shopping cost was determined through summation of all ingredients and their entire unit size to compare weekly costs. Results Weekly meal plans (absolute grams) cost between $93-193AUD. The AGHE meal plan was the least expensive and 8 Weeks to Wow was the most expensive. Weekly grocery shopping of entire units cost between $345-$625AUD, over $100AUD greater than the spending of an average Australian ($237AUD/week). Conclusions The financial feasibility for long-term sustainment of weight loss diets may be questionable for groups including low-income earners and low socioeconomic status. Further, when dietary patterns are adapted for weight loss, or followed by consumers, deviations from foundational principles tend to occur which may influence overall cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella L Bracci
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Rachel Milte
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Jennifer B Keogh
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Karen J Murphy
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
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Taghizadeh S, Farhangi MA, Khodayari-Zarnaq R. Stakeholders perspectives of barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies in Iran: A Delphi method study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2260. [PMID: 34895191 PMCID: PMC8665716 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12282-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is one of the most important health challenges of the present century. Many factors affect the prevention policies related to this health problem and make their implementation difficult. This study examined perceived barriers and facilitators of childhood obesity prevention policies by stakeholders. Methods A qualitative descriptive research design based on Delphi method was conducted. In addition, semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with childhood obesity prevention policy stakeholders (n=39) and initial identification of barriers and facilitators in this area. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and finally analyzed, followed by using thematic analysis. Subsequently, two-round Delphi panel was done by sending e-mails to stakeholders (21 stakeholders participated in the first round and 15 stakeholders in the second round) for the final selection of barriers and facilitators of obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents in Iran. Results The identified barriers and facilitators were divided into three levels: individual, executive, and structural. Barriers and facilitators of the structural level showed a high score and priority regarding obesity prevention policies among children and adolescents. Conclusion The existence of significant barriers at all three levels and especially at the structural level were among the concerns of stakeholders. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12282-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Taghizadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 14711, Tabriz, 5166614711, Iran.
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Lee AJ, Patay D, Herron LM, Tan RC, Nicoll E, Fredericks B, Lewis M. Affordability of Heathy, Equitable and More Sustainable Diets in Low-Income Households in Brisbane before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2021; 13:4386. [PMID: 34959938 PMCID: PMC8705813 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased food insecurity worldwide, yet there has been limited assessment of shifts in the cost and affordability of healthy, equitable and sustainable diets. This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and income supplements provided by the Australian government on diet cost and affordability for low-income households in an Australian urban area. The Healthy Diets ASAP method protocol was applied to assess the cost and cost differential of current and recommended diets before (in 2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (late 2020) for households with a minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, by area of socioeconomic disadvantage, in Greater Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Data were collected between August and October, 2020, from 78 food outlets and compared with data collected in the same locations between May and October, 2019, in an earlier study. The price of most healthy food groups increased significantly during the pandemic-with the exception of vegetables and legumes, which decreased. Conversely, the price of discretionary foods and drinks did not increase during the pandemic. The cost of the current and recommended diets significantly increased throughout this period, but the latter continued to be less expensive than the former. Due to income supplements provided between May and September 2020, the affordability of the recommended diet improved greatly, by 27% and 42%, for households with minimum-wage and welfare-only disposable household income, respectively. This improvement in the affordability of the recommended diet highlights the need to permanently increase welfare support for low-income families to ensure food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Lee
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, St Lucia, QLD 4006, Australia; (D.P.); (L.-M.H.); (R.C.T.); (E.N.); (B.F.); (M.L.)
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Reisinger A, Clark H, Cowie AL, Emmet-Booth J, Gonzalez Fischer C, Herrero M, Howden M, Leahy S. How necessary and feasible are reductions of methane emissions from livestock to support stringent temperature goals? PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2021; 379:20200452. [PMID: 34565223 PMCID: PMC8480228 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is the largest single source of global anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions, with ruminants the dominant contributor. Livestock CH4 emissions are projected to grow another 30% by 2050 under current policies, yet few countries have set targets or are implementing policies to reduce emissions in absolute terms. The reason for this limited ambition may be linked not only to the underpinning role of livestock for nutrition and livelihoods in many countries but also diverging perspectives on the importance of mitigating these emissions, given the short atmospheric lifetime of CH4. Here, we show that in mitigation pathways that limit warming to 1.5°C, which include cost-effective reductions from all emission sources, the contribution of future livestock CH4 emissions to global warming in 2050 is about one-third of that from future net carbon dioxide emissions. Future livestock CH4 emissions, therefore, significantly constrain the remaining carbon budget and the ability to meet stringent temperature limits. We review options to address livestock CH4 emissions through more efficient production, technological advances and demand-side changes, and their interactions with land-based carbon sequestration. We conclude that bringing livestock into mainstream mitigation policies, while recognizing their unique social, cultural and economic roles, would make an important contribution towards reaching the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement and is vital for a limit of 1.5°C. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Rising methane: is warming feeding warming? (part 1)'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harry Clark
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Annette L. Cowie
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries/University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Jeremy Emmet-Booth
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Carlos Gonzalez Fischer
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mario Herrero
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Cornell Atkinson Centre for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA
| | - Mark Howden
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sinead Leahy
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
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McKay FH, Godrich SL. Interventions to address food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a rapid review. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 46:1448-1458. [PMID: 34637657 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-1075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity disproportionately impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This review sought to investigate research and evaluations of programs and interventions implemented to address food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A rapid review was conducted to collate the available research from 6 databases. The search was conducted in May 2020. Search constructs related to food insecurity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and Australia. Twenty-five publications were included in this review, 24 reported on an intervention, while 9 were evaluations of an intervention. Interventions included behaviour change projects, including projects that sought to change purchasing and cooking behaviours, school-based education programs, and gardening programs. In general, the studies included in this sample were small and lacked a systematic consideration of the factors that shape the experience of food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people specifically. Based on the findings of this review, authors suggest greater consideration to the systematic determinants of food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to have lasting and sustainable impact on food insecurity. This review has been registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020183709). Novelty: Food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people poses significant risk to health and wellbeing. Small-scale food security interventions may not provide ongoing and sustained impact. Any intervention to promote food security will need to involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and be sustained once external parties have left.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona H McKay
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Stephanie L Godrich
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, South West Campus, Bunbury, WA 6230, Australia
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Abstract
With approximately two in three UK adults overweight or obese, one in five living in poverty and our emergence from the Covid-19 pandemic with implications for employment and income status there is an urgent need to understand what it costs to eat healthily and the role that promotions can play in helping householders manage food budgets. The literature suggests that, in affluent countries, price promotions appear to increase consumer food purchases and are applied more frequently to less healthy products than their healthy counterparts. This review discusses the cost of a healthy diet, identifies the prevalence of promotions in both the supermarket setting generally and a typical shopping basket specifically, and discusses the barriers to affording a healthy diet. Given the current policy focus on the cost of living and population health emphasising the need for food shopping to represent health and value for money for better public health outcomes, this review contributes to the evidence base for retailers' and policymakers' consideration as policy solutions are sought to reduce population obesity levels, while ensuring the affordability and accessibility of nutritious food. It is important, given the shift in consumer purchasing behaviour to online shopping as a result of self-isolating or reticence to physically access stores in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, that retail food promotions are available irrespective of the chosen mode of shopping (in-store or online).
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Lee A, Patay D, Herron LM, Parnell Harrison E, Lewis M. Affordability of current, and healthy, more equitable, sustainable diets by area of socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness in Queensland: insights into food choice. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:153. [PMID: 34193163 PMCID: PMC8243618 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01481-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor diet is the leading preventable risk factor contributing to the burden of disease globally and in Australia, and is inequitably distributed. As the price of healthy foods is a perceived barrier to improved diets, evidence on the cost and affordability of current (unhealthy) and recommended (healthy, more equitable and sustainable) diets is required to support policy action. Methods This study applied the Healthy Diets ASAP (Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing) methods protocol to measure the cost, cost differential and affordability of current and recommended diets for a reference household in Queensland, Australia. Food prices were collected in 18 randomly selected locations stratified by area of socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness. Diet affordability was calculated for three income categories. Results Surprisingly, recommended diets would cost 20% less than the current diet in Queensland as a whole. Households spent around 60% of their food budget on discretionary choices (that is, those not required for health that are high in saturated fat, added sugar, salt and/or alcohol). Queensland families would need to spend around 23% of their income on recommended diets. However, recommended diets would not be affordable in low socioeconomic or very remote areas, costing 30 and 35% of median household income respectively. The government supplements due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic would improve affordability of recommended diets by 29%. Conclusions Study findings highlight that while price is one factor affecting consumer food choice, other drivers such as taste, convenience, advertising and availability are important. Nevertheless, the study found that recommended diets would be unaffordable in very remote areas, and that low-income families are likely experiencing food stress, irrespective of where they live in Queensland. Policy actions, such as increasing to 20% the current 10% tax differential between basic healthy, and unhealthy foods in Australia, and supplementing incomes of vulnerable households, especially in remote areas, are recommended to help improve diet equity and sustainability, and health and wellbeing for all. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12939-021-01481-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Lee
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - Dori Patay
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Lisa-Maree Herron
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Ella Parnell Harrison
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Meron Lewis
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
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Nutritional quality and carbon footprint of university students' diets: results from the EHU12/24 study. Public Health Nutr 2021; 25:183-195. [PMID: 34155963 PMCID: PMC8825978 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021002640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate diets in terms of nutritional characteristics and quality from the perspectives of health, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and possible associations with each other in a representative sample of students at a public university. Design: Cross-sectional. Dietary intake was evaluated with a validated FFQ, and diet quality was assessed through the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) and MedDietScore (MDS). GHGE data were obtained from the literature. In addition, sex, socio-economic status (SES) and body fat (BF) status were analysed as covariates. Setting: Basque Autonomous Community, Spain. Participants: Totally, 26 165 healthy adults aged 18–28 years. Results: Student diets were characterised by low consumption of carbohydrates (38·72 % of total energy intake (TEI)) and a high intake of lipids (39·08 % of TEI). Over half of the participants had low dietary quality. The low-emitting diets were more likely to be consumed by subjects with low HEI-2010 scores (β: 0·039 kg eCO2/1000 kcal/d) and high MDS scores (β: −0·023 kg eCO2/1000 kcal/d), after controlling for sex, SES and BF status. Both the low-emitting and healthy diets were more likely to be consumed by women and by those with normal BF percentage. Conclusions: UPV/EHU university students’ diets were characterised by moderate quality from a nutritional perspective and moderate variation in the size of carbon footprints. In this population, diets of the highest quality were not always those with the lowest diet-related GHGE; this relationship depended in part on the constructs and scoring criteria of diet quality indices used.
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Fox EL, Davis C, Downs SM, McLaren R, Fanzo J. A focused ethnographic study on the role of health and sustainability in food choice decisions. Appetite 2021; 165:105319. [PMID: 34004242 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, typical dietary patterns are not necessarily healthy and sustainable. In order to shift diets, we need to provide support to individuals in a way that reflects what matters most to them. In this study, we aimed to identify the considerations that are most important to individuals regarding food-related decisions, and to determine how those considerations relate to specific foods, with a focus on health and environmental sustainability. In a sequential mixed-methods design, we first conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with participants in California and Nebraska. These interviews included a free-listing activity, where we used a technical construct of salience, Smith's S Index, to identify the considerations that were most important to our participants. We followed up with 20 of those participants to complete a pile-sorting survey, where participants sorted and rated 42 food items for price, taste, health, convenience, familiarity, and environmental impact. Our findings showed that the most salient considerations cited by our participants were price, health, taste, and time. There was consensus for how participants rated the foods for price, taste, convenience, and familiarity. However, there was only weak consensus for how participants rated the foods for health impact, and no consensus for how participants rated the foods for environmental impact. There was also disagreement on how to sort new plant-based products intended to replace or substitute meat and other animal-based foods. These findings have implications for how to communicate about healthy and sustainable diets. They highlight conflicting considerations, disagreement in classification of new products, and limited consensus for perceived health and environmental impact of foods, which present challenges to the achievement of diets that are healthy and environmentally sustainable in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Fox
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; Master of Public Health Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Claire Davis
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shauna M Downs
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, NJ, USA
| | - Rebecca McLaren
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Fanzo
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, USA
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Kosti RI, Kanellopoulou A, Notara V, Antonogeorgos G, Rojas-Gil AP, Kornilaki EN, Lagiou A, Panagiotakos DB. Household food spending, parental and childhood's diet quality, in financial crisis: a cross-sectional study in Greece. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:822-828. [PMID: 33970271 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade, the financial crisis has affected harshly the household income of Greek people. This study aimed to investigate whether the effect of the financial crisis on food spending has affected the dietary habits in the family environment. METHODS Under a cross-sectional study conducted during 2014-2016, 1145 children and their parents completed questionnaires examining socio-economic and dietary characteristics. The MedDietScore and the KIDMED Score were used to assess parental and childhood adherence to the Mediterranean diet, respectively. RESULTS The parents who reported that the financial crisis has affected food spending used to consume weekly fewer fruits (3.26 ± 0.94 vs. 3.41 ± 0.90, P = 0.016), carbohydrate foods (3.16 ± 0.57 vs. 2.99 ± 0.55, P < 0.001) and legumes (3.28 ± 0.76 vs. 3.14 ± 0.67, P = 0.001) and more nutrient-poor/energy-dense foods (2.55 ± 0.98 vs. 2.20 ± 0.82, P < 0.001) compared with non-affected parents. Their children showed a decreased weekly consumption of vegetables (2.82 ± 0.90 vs. 2.97 ± 0.98, P = 0.019) and increased weekly consumption of nutrient-poor/energy-dense foods (2.38 ± 0.97 vs. 2.19 ± 0.80, P < 0.001). The affected parents had a lower MedDietScore than non-affected parents (25.76 ± 8.10 vs. 27.03 ± 8.11, P = 0.034). No difference was revealed on the KIDMED Score (P = 0.294). CONCLUSIONS The constrained food spending due to financial crisis has an independent and inverse impact on parent's diet quality while keeping unaffected preadolescent's diet quality. This finding highlights the role of parents as a protective 'wall' against the deterioration of their children's diet quality. The modification on the prices of healthy food and the provision of food aid particularly in economically disadvantaged households is underlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena I Kosti
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sports and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Kanellopoulou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Venetia Notara
- Department of Public and Community Health, Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - George Antonogeorgos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrea Paola Rojas-Gil
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
| | - Ekaterina N Kornilaki
- Department of Preschool Education, School of Education, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Areti Lagiou
- Department of Public and Community Health, Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenes B Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.,Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Aldaya MM, Ibañez FC, Domínguez-Lacueva P, Murillo-Arbizu MT, Rubio-Varas M, Soret B, Beriain MJ. Indicators and Recommendations for Assessing Sustainable Healthy Diets. Foods 2021; 10:999. [PMID: 34063236 PMCID: PMC8147455 DOI: 10.3390/foods10050999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research coupling human nutrition and sustainability concerns is a rapidly developing field, which is essential to guide governments' policies. This critical and comprehensive review analyzes indicators and approaches to "sustainable healthy diets" published in the literature since this discipline's emergence a few years ago, identifying robust gauges and highlighting the flaws of the most commonly used models. The reviewed studies largely focus on one or two domains such as greenhouse gas emissions or water use, while overlooking potential impact shifts to other sectors or resources. The present study covers a comprehensive set of indicators from the health, environmental and socio-economic viewpoints. This assessment concludes that in order to identify the best food option in sustainability assessments and nutrition analysis of diets, some aspects such as the classification and disaggregation of food groups, the impacts of the rates of local food consumption and seasonality, preservation methods, agrobiodiversity and organic food and different production systems, together with consequences for low-income countries, require further analysis and consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite M. Aldaya
- Institute on Innovation & Sustainable Development in the Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Jerónimo de Ayanz Building, Arrosadia Campus, 31006 Pamplona, Spain; (F.C.I.); (M.T.M.-A.); (B.S.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Francisco C. Ibañez
- Institute on Innovation & Sustainable Development in the Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Jerónimo de Ayanz Building, Arrosadia Campus, 31006 Pamplona, Spain; (F.C.I.); (M.T.M.-A.); (B.S.); (M.J.B.)
| | | | - María Teresa Murillo-Arbizu
- Institute on Innovation & Sustainable Development in the Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Jerónimo de Ayanz Building, Arrosadia Campus, 31006 Pamplona, Spain; (F.C.I.); (M.T.M.-A.); (B.S.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Mar Rubio-Varas
- Institute for Advanced Research in Business and Economics (INARBE), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Jerónimo de Ayanz Building, Arrosadia Campus, 31006 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Soret
- Institute on Innovation & Sustainable Development in the Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Jerónimo de Ayanz Building, Arrosadia Campus, 31006 Pamplona, Spain; (F.C.I.); (M.T.M.-A.); (B.S.); (M.J.B.)
| | - María José Beriain
- Institute on Innovation & Sustainable Development in the Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Jerónimo de Ayanz Building, Arrosadia Campus, 31006 Pamplona, Spain; (F.C.I.); (M.T.M.-A.); (B.S.); (M.J.B.)
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35
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Development and testing of the Sustainable Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for retail stores in Ontario. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:1962-1971. [PMID: 33517938 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021000446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and test a tool to assess the price and availability of low-carbon footprint and nutritionally balanced dietary patterns in retail food environments in Ontario, Canada. DESIGN Availability and price of selected food from discount and regular grocery stores (n 23) in urban/rural areas of northern/southern Ontario were assessed with the Sustainable Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in 2017. SETTING Ontario, Canada. RESULTS Inter-rater reliability was high for price (intra-class correlation coefficients = 0·819) and for availability (Cohen's κ = 0·993). The tool showed 78 % of the selected food items were available in all stores. Overall, price differences were small between urban and rural locations, and northern and southern Ontario. The greatest price difference was between discount and regular stores. CONCLUSIONS The tool showed excellent inter-rater agreement. Researchers and public health dietitians can use this tool for research, practice and policy to link consumer-level health outcomes to the retail environment.
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Vilar-Compte M, Burrola-Méndez S, Lozano-Marrufo A, Ferré-Eguiluz I, Flores D, Gaitán-Rossi P, Teruel G, Pérez-Escamilla R. Urban poverty and nutrition challenges associated with accessibility to a healthy diet: a global systematic literature review. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:40. [PMID: 33472636 PMCID: PMC7816472 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing global trend towards urbanization. In general, there are less food access issues in urban than rural areas, but this "urban advantage" does not benefit the poorest who face disproportionate barriers to accessing healthy food and have an increased risk of malnutrition. OBJECTIVES This systematic literature review aimed to assess urban poverty as a determinant of access to a healthy diet, and to examine the contribution of urban poverty to the nutritional status of individuals. METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology, our review included quantitative and qualitative studies published in English or in Spanish between 2000 and 2019. The articles were eligible if they focused on nutrition access (i.e. access to a healthy diet) or nutrition outcomes (i.e., anemia, overweight and obesity, micronutrient deficiency, micronutrient malnutrition) among urban poor populations. Articles were excluded if they did not meet pre-established criteria. The quality of the quantitative studies was assessed by applying Khan et al.'s methodology. Similarly, we assessed the quality of qualitative articles through an adapted version of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) methodology checklist. Finally, we systematically analyzed all papers that met the inclusion criteria based on a qualitative content and thematic analysis. RESULTS Of the 68 papers included in the systematic review, 55 used quantitative and 13 used qualitative methods. Through the analysis of the literature we found four key themes: (i) elements that affect access to healthy eating in individuals in urban poverty, (ii) food insecurity and urban poverty, (iii) risk factors for the nutritional status of urban poor and (iv) coping strategies to limited access to food. Based on the systematization of the literature on these themes, we then proposed a conceptual framework of urban poverty and nutrition. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review identified distinct barriers posed by urban poverty in accessing healthy diets and its association with poorer nutrition outcomes, hence, questioning the "urban advantage". A conceptual framework emerging from the existing literature is proposed to guide future studies and policies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42018089788 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireya Vilar-Compte
- Research Institute for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Soraya Burrola-Méndez
- Research Institute for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Annel Lozano-Marrufo
- Research Institute for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isabel Ferré-Eguiluz
- Research Institute for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Flores
- Research Institute for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pablo Gaitán-Rossi
- Research Institute for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Graciela Teruel
- Research Institute for Equitable Development EQUIDE, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fé, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
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Plackett B. Changing diets at scale. Nature 2020; 588:S70-S72. [PMID: 33299212 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-020-03450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Lewis M, McNaughton SA, Rychetnik L, Lee AJ. A systematic scoping review of the habitual dietary costs in low socioeconomic groups compared to high socioeconomic groups in Australia. Nutr J 2020; 19:139. [PMID: 33302963 PMCID: PMC7731625 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-020-00654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low socioeconomic groups (SEGs) in Australia are less likely to consume diets consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs) and suffer poorer health than the broader population. The unaffordability, or perceived high cost, of healthy diets may be a factor. Detailed data on the cost of habitually consumed diets is required in order to inform strategies to alleviate socioeconomic impacts on dietary intake. This systematic scoping review aims to identify the cost of the habitual dietary intake of low SEGs in Australia, in terms of the whole diet and its composite foods, in comparison to the cost in higher SEGs. Methods A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature since 2000 and key government and non-government organisation (NGO) websites was undertaken. Data were extracted, synthesised and analysed in relation to study populations, dietary cost assessment measures, socioeconomic measures, and dietary cost and affordability. Results The review identified four studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results confirmed that overall, low SEGs spend a lower amount, yet a higher proportion of household income, on food and drinks than higher SEGs. Quantitative comparison of the dietary costs between included studies was not possible due to difference in populations and study metrics. Costs of the habitual diet in these studies were not reported for ADG food groups, so did not allow for assessment of the healthfulness of the dietary intake or comparison with costs of recommended diets at food group level. Conclusions Existing research does not provide sufficiently granular data of the costs of habitual diets of low SEGs in comparison to higher SEGs or data in a form that can inform strategies and interventions to improve dietary intake and diet-related health of low SEGs in Australia. Future empirical health research requires more granular measures of habitual spending on ADG food groups across SEGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meron Lewis
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia. .,The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Sarah A McNaughton
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia
| | - Lucie Rychetnik
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda J Lee
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, The Sax Institute, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
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Barbour LR, Woods JL, Brimblecombe JK. Translating evidence into policy action: which diet-related practices are essential to achieve healthy and sustainable food system transformation? Aust N Z J Public Health 2020; 45:83-84. [PMID: 33252819 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Liza R Barbour
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Victoria
| | - Julie L Woods
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Victoria
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Abstract
The accessibility, availability and consumption of food in food and agriculture systems are key public health and food security concerns. We draw on empirical research from members of the Community Economies Research Network from Australia, New Zealand, India and Finland to reimagine food and agriculture systems as a planetary food commons (PFC). PFCs situate food-futures in relation to a broader post-capitalist commons sociality.
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41
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Investigation into the diets and nutritional knowledge of young men with depression: The MENDDS survey. Nutrition 2020; 78:110946. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2020.110946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Goulding T, Lindberg R, Russell CG. The affordability of a healthy and sustainable diet: an Australian case study. Nutr J 2020; 19:109. [PMID: 32998734 PMCID: PMC7528590 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-020-00606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS EAT-Lancet Commission's Planetary Health Diet proposed a diet that integrates nutrition and sustainability considerations, however its affordability is unknown in many country-specific contexts, including Australia. The aim of this study is to develop a healthy and sustainable food basket modelled on the Planetary Health Diet to determine the affordability of the Planetary Health Diet basket across various socio-economic groups, and compare this affordability with a food basket modelled on the typical current diet, in an Australian setting. METHODS An Australian-specific Planetary Health Diet basket was developed for a reference household (2 adults and 2 children) modelled on the Planetary Health Diet reference diet, and compared to a previously-developed Typical Australian Diet basket. The cost of each food basket was determined by online supermarket shopping surveys in low, medium and high socio-economic areas in each Australian state. Basket affordability was determined for the reference household by comparing the basket cost to disposable income in each socio-economic group in each state. Mann-Whitney U tests then determined if there were significant differences between the median costs and the median affordability of both baskets. RESULTS The Planetary Health Diet basket was shown to be less expensive and more affordable than the Typical Australian Diet basket nationally, in all metropolitan areas, in all socio-economic groups across Australia (median cost: Planetary Health Diet = AUD$188.21, Typical Australian Diet = AUD$224.36; median affordability: Planetary Health Diet = 13%, Typical Australian Diet = 16%; p = < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study showed the Planetary Health Diet to be more affordable than the Typical Australian Diet for metropolitan-dwelling Australians. IMPLICATIONS These results can help to inform public health and food policy aimed at achieving a healthy and sustainable future for all Australians, including reductions in overweight/obesity rates and increased food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Goulding
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Lindberg
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
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Dietary inequity? A systematic scoping review of dietary intake in low socio-economic groups compared with high socio-economic groups in Australia. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:393-411. [PMID: 32883404 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020003006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low socio-economic groups (SEG) in Australia suffer poorer diet-related health than the rest of the population. Therefore, it is expected that low SEG are less likely to consume diets conforming to Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) than higher SEG. However, dietary intake of low SEG in Australia has not been synthesised methodically. This systematic scoping review aims to explore detailed dietary intake of low SEG in Australia in comparison to higher SEG. DESIGN A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature and websites, since 1999. Data were extracted, synthesised and analysed in relation to study populations, dietary assessment methods, food groups studied, socio-economic measures and dietary intake. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Persons of any age and gender, differentiated by a socio-economic measure. RESULTS Results from thirty-three included studies confirmed that overall dietary nutritional value/quality tended to be lower in low SEG than higher SEG in Australia. However, findings were inconsistent across studies for all food groups or all socio-economic measures. Large variations were found between study metrics, definitions, dietary assessment methods, granularity of results and conclusions. Quantitative intakes of all ADG food groups by SEG were not reported in most studies and, where reported, were not comparable. CONCLUSION The review showed detailed dietary data are lacking to inform policy and practice and help develop targeted interventions to improve diet-related health of Australian low SEG. There is urgent need for regular, granular assessment of population dietary data to enable comparison of intake between SEG in the context of national food-based dietary guidelines in Australia.
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Lee AJ, Kane S, Herron LM, Matsuyama M, Lewis M. A tale of two cities: the cost, price-differential and affordability of current and healthy diets in Sydney and Canberra, Australia. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2020; 17:80. [PMID: 32571334 PMCID: PMC7309977 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-020-00981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perception that healthy foods are more expensive than unhealthy foods has been reported widely to be a key barrier to healthy eating. However, assessment of the relative cost of healthy and unhealthy foods and diets is fraught methodologically. Standardised approaches to produce reliable data on the cost of total diets and different dietary patterns, rather than selected foods, are lacking globally to inform policy and practice. METHODS This paper reports the first application, in randomly selected statistical areas stratified by socio-economic status in two Australian cities, of the Healthy Diets Australian Standardized Affordability and Pricing (ASAP) method protocols: diet pricing tools based on national nutrition survey data and dietary guidelines; store sampling and location; determination of household incomes; food price data collection; and analysis and reporting. The methods were developed by the International Network on Food and Obesity/NCD Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) as a prototype of an optimum approach to assess, compare and monitor the cost and affordability of diets across different geographical and socio-economic settings and times. RESULTS Under current tax policy in Australia, healthy diets would be 15-17% less expensive than current (unhealthy) diets in all locations assessed. Nevertheless, healthy diets are likely to be unaffordable for low income households, costing more than 30% of disposable income in both cities surveyed. Households spent around 58% of their food budget on unhealthy food and drinks. Food costs were on average 4% higher in Canberra than Sydney, and tended to be higher in high socioeconomic locations. CONCLUSIONS Health and fiscal policy actions to increase affordability of healthy diets for low income households are required urgently. Also, there is a need to counter perceptions that current, unhealthy diets must be less expensive than healthy diets. The Healthy Diets ASAP methods could be adapted to assess the cost and affordability of healthy and unhealthy diets elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Lee
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - Sarah Kane
- Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Lisa-Maree Herron
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Misa Matsuyama
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Meron Lewis
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
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George A, Villarosa AR, Ingram S, Fatema K, Elliott K, Grace R, Kemp L, Scharkie S, Anderson C, Bucknall N, Wright DC, Comino E. Oral health status, behaviours, food and beverage consumption of aboriginal children in Australia. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32:208-215. [PMID: 32338802 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Dental decay is prevalent among Australian Aboriginal children, yet little is known about their oral health-related behaviours. This study explored the oral health status, behaviours, food and beverage consumption of Aboriginal school children aged 7-9 years in Sydney, Australia. METHODS Parents who were part of an existing longitudinal birth cohort ("Gudaga") were surveyed when their child was between 7 and 9 years. Children (n = 110) also received oral health screening by a trained nurse. RESULTS A number of children (62%-91%) had at least one visible oral health problem across the 2 years. Around two thirds (62%-67%) of parents rated their child's oral health as excellent/very good and less than half the children (32%-45%) had received dental check-ups. Most children (79%-90%) brushed their teeth and drank water (97%) but more than half (57%-70%) also drank sugar sweetened beverages daily. CONCLUSIONS Parents are instilling good oral health behaviours, however, the oral health screening suggests children are experiencing oral health issues of which parents may be unaware. Parents also seem to be unaware of beverage consumption practices that can increase the risk of childhood decay. SO WHAT?: The findings highlight the need for greater oral health awareness among Aboriginal families on how to recognise early symptoms dental decay and risk factors like sugar sweetened beverages among school going children. This suggests that existing health promotion strategies may not be reaching many Aboriginal families in the urban areas and more culturally appropriate programs may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajesh George
- Centre for Oral Health Outcomes & Research Translation (COHORT), Western Sydney University, South Western Sydney Local Health District, University of Sydney, Ingham Institute Applied Medical Research, Translational Health Research Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy R Villarosa
- COHORT, Western Sydney University, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Ingham Institute Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Suzanne Ingram
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE), Part of the UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity A Unit of Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, A member of the Ingham Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Kaniz Fatema
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE), Part of the UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity A Unit of Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, A member of the Ingham Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Koby Elliott
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE), Part of the UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity A Unit of Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, A member of the Ingham Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebekah Grace
- Translation Research and Social Innovation Group, Western Sydney University/Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Lynn Kemp
- Translation Research and Social Innovation Group, Western Sydney University/Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Sheryl Scharkie
- Translation Research and Social Innovation Group, Western Sydney University/Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Natasha Bucknall
- Translation Research and Social Innovation Group, Western Sydney University/Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Elizabeth Comino
- Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE), Part of the UNSW Australia Research Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity A Unit of Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, A member of the Ingham Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Downs SM, Ahmed S, Fanzo J, Herforth A. Food Environment Typology: Advancing an Expanded Definition, Framework, and Methodological Approach for Improved Characterization of Wild, Cultivated, and Built Food Environments toward Sustainable Diets. Foods 2020; 9:E532. [PMID: 32331424 PMCID: PMC7230632 DOI: 10.3390/foods9040532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The food environment is a critical place in the food system to implement interventions to support sustainable diets and address the global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change, because it contains the total scope of options within which consumers make decisions about which foods to acquire and consume. In this paper, we build on existing definitions of the food environment, and provide an expanded definition that includes the parameter of sustainability properties of foods and beverages, in order to integrate linkages between food environments and sustainable diets. We further provide a graphical representation of the food environment using a socio-ecological framework. Next, we provide a typology with descriptions of the different types of food environments that consumers have access to in low-, middle-, and high-income countries including wild, cultivated, and built food environments. We characterize the availability, affordability, convenience, promotion and quality (previously termed desirability), and sustainability properties of food and beverages for each food environment type. Lastly, we identify a methodological approach with potential objective and subjective tools and metrics for measuring the different properties of various types of food environments. The definition, framework, typology, and methodological toolbox presented here are intended to facilitate scholars and practitioners to identify entry points in the food environment for implementing and evaluating interventions that support sustainable diets for enhancing human and planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna M. Downs
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| | - Selena Ahmed
- Sustainable Food Systems Program, Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Jessica Fanzo
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC 21205, USA;
| | - Anna Herforth
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard, University Boston, MA 02125, USA;
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Madsen W, Judd J, Williams SL, McKenzie F, Deagon J, Ames K. Time as a Social and Environmental Determinant of Health for Rural Women. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2020; 47:468-473. [PMID: 31997652 DOI: 10.1177/1090198119893015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. Time insufficiency is frequently cited as a reason for poor dietary habits. This does not adequately explain the variations in how time is perceived as a factor in healthy eating. Aims. This study placed the eating behaviors of rural Australian women within the contexts of their stories to understand the factors that influenced healthy eating and how rural communities could enhance their health and well-being. Method. A three-phase sequential multimode narrative inquiry was used within four communities in rural Queensland, Australia. Each phase used a different mode of data collection: photo elicitation focus groups, narrative interviews, participatory workshops. Data were thematically analyzed iteratively to inform subsequent phases. Results. Nine final themes were identified. This article explored the theme of time and two contrasting perceptions of time sufficiency regarding healthy eating within a rural context during a drought. Discussion. Exploration of "time as a commodity" and "time as a duty" allowed a deeper understanding of time as a social and environmental determinant of health. Conclusion. Time's influence on healthy eating is much more than the minutes it takes to prepare a meal. To fully appreciate its impact, time should be considered as a social and environmental determinant of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Madsen
- CQ University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenni Judd
- CQ University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Fiona McKenzie
- Queensland Country Women's Association, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jay Deagon
- CQ University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate Ames
- CQ University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Hess JM, Cifelli CJ, Agarwal S, Fulgoni VL. Comparing the cost of essential nutrients from different food sources in the American diet using NHANES 2011-2014. Nutr J 2019; 18:68. [PMID: 31706353 PMCID: PMC6842517 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-019-0496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One reason that some Americans do not meet nutrient needs from healthy eating patterns is cost. Food cost affects how people eat, and healthy diets tend to be more expensive. Cost is also important for diet sustainability. Sustainable eating patterns must be both nutritionally adequate and affordable. The objective of this study was to compare the cost of obtaining shortfall nutrients from different food groups to help identify cost-effective ways Americans can move towards healthy and sustainable eating patterns. Methods This analysis used dietary intake data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2012 and 2013–2014 (n = 5876 children 2–18 years and n = 9953 adults 19–99 years). Americans’ nutrient intake from food categories in “What We Eat in America” and the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was determined using the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. Food cost and the cost of nutrients were obtained from Center for Nutrition Promotion and Policy food cost database 2001–2002 and 2003–2004 (adjusted for inflation). Results The daily mean cost of food was $4.74 ± 0.06 for children and $6.43 ± 0.06 for adults. “Protein foods” and “mixed dishes” were the two most expensive food categories (43–45% of daily food costs), while “grains,” “fruits,” and “vegetables” combined accounted for ~ 18% of the daily cost, and “milk and dairy” accounted for 6–12% of total daily food costs in both adults and children. “Milk and dairy” were the least expensive dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet, while “grains” were the least expensive sources of iron and magnesium, and “protein foods” were the least expensive sources of choline. “Fruits” and “vegetables” were the least expensive sources of potassium and vitamin C, respectively, and “snacks and sweets” were the least expensive sources of vitamin E. Conclusion “Milk and dairy” were inexpensive sources of three of the four nutrients of public health concern (calcium, vitamin D, and potassium), while “grains” were the least expensive source of fiber. The results of this work reinforce the importance of consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods for cost-effective, sustainable eating patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Hess
- National Dairy Council, 10255 West Higgins Road, Suite 900, Rosemont, IL, 60018-5616, USA.
| | - Christopher J Cifelli
- National Dairy Council, 10255 West Higgins Road, Suite 900, Rosemont, IL, 60018-5616, USA
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Wilson N, Cleghorn CL, Cobiac LJ, Mizdrak A, Nghiem N. Achieving Healthy and Sustainable Diets: A Review of the Results of Recent Mathematical Optimization Studies. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:S389-S403. [PMID: 31728498 PMCID: PMC6855945 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate protection and other environmental concerns render it critical that diets and agriculture systems become more sustainable. Mathematical optimization techniques can assist in identifying dietary patterns that both improve nutrition and reduce environmental impacts. Here we review 12 recent studies in which such optimization was used to achieve nutrition and environmental sustainability aims. These studies used data from China, India, and Tunisia, and from 7 high-income countries (France, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Most studies aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (10 of 12) and half aimed also to reduce ≥1 other environmental impact, e.g., water use, fossil energy use, land use, marine eutrophication, atmospheric acidification, and nitrogen release. The main findings were that in all 12 studies, the diets optimized for sustainability and nutrition were more plant based with reductions in meat, particularly ruminant meats such as beef and lamb (albeit with 6 of 12 of studies involving increased fish in diets). The amount of dairy products also tended to decrease in most (7 of 12) of the studies with more optimized diets. Other foods that tended to be reduced included: sweet foods (biscuits, cakes, and desserts), savory snacks, white bread, and beverages (alcoholic and soda drinks). These findings were broadly compatible with the findings of 7 out of 8 recent review articles on the sustainability of diets. The literature suggests that healthy and sustainable diets may typically be cost neutral or cost saving, but this is still not clear overall. There remains scope for improvement in such areas as expanding research where there are no competing interests; improving sustainability metrics for food production and consumption; consideration of infectious disease risks from livestock agriculture and meat; and researching optimized diets in settings where major policy changes have occurred (e.g., Mexico's tax on unhealthy food).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wilson
- BODE Programme, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand,Address correspondence to NW (e-mail: )
| | | | - Linda J Cobiac
- BODE Programme, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anja Mizdrak
- BODE Programme, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Nhung Nghiem
- BODE Programme, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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Clarke C, Best T. Food choice motivations: Profiling low-carbohydrate, high-fat dieters. Appetite 2019; 141:104324. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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