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Kürklü NS, Karaçİl Ermumcu MŞ, Suna G, Özyıldırım C, Tel Adigüzel K, Aydın M, Kavalcı A, Bozdağ F, Turgut N. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with sustainable nutrition and environmental footprints on higher educated individuals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38254327 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2308732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Med-Diet adherence with sustainable nutrition and environmental footprints in academicians. METHODS The study involved 153 academicians aged 23-64 working in a university in Turkey. Data were collected through a questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS) and Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviours Scale (SHEBS). Carbon and water footprints were calculated. RESULTS All sub-scales of SHEBS were higher in individuals who adhered to Med-Diet than those who did not (p<0.05). The carbon and water footprints of individuals with high adherence to the Med-Diet were lower than those of no adherence (p<0.05). Each 1-point increase in MEDAS score was associated with a 1-point increase in SHEBS score, a 0.15 CO2 eq/kg and a 0.001 m3/year decrease in the amount of carbon and water footprint of food. CONCLUSION Higher adherence to the Med-Diet was associated with higher sustainable nutrition behaviours, and lower environmental footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilgün Seremet Kürklü
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Gülen Suna
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Caner Özyıldırım
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Kübra Tel Adigüzel
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gülhane Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Melis Aydın
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Aleyna Kavalcı
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Fatmanur Bozdağ
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Nur Turgut
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Bozkurt O, Kocaadam-Bozkurt B, Koçyiğit E. Evaluation of the Relationships Among Mindful Eating, Environmental Beliefs, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and Obesity in Children. Turk Arch Pediatr 2024; 59:98-105. [PMID: 38454267 PMCID: PMC10837568 DOI: 10.5152/turkarchpediatr.2024.23173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), mindful eating, environmental beliefs, and obesity in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 318 children (50.6% male, 49.4% female, 10.0 ± 0.73 years old). Data were obtained using survey and a face-to-face interview method. The questionnaire includes general information, anthropometric measurements, the New Ecological Paradigm Scale for Children (NEP), the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED), and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire for Children. RESULTS According to the KIDMED classification, 52.5% of the children were in the group that needs improvement, 35.2% were in the low diet quality group, and 12.3% were in the optimal MD group. The Mindless score was higher in overweight/obese children compared to the normal body mass index (BMI) group (P < .05). Awareness, NEP, and KIDMED scores were the lowest in overweight/obese children (P < .05). In regression analysis, the father's age, KIDMED, and Awareness scores related to NEP scores positively (R2 : 0.545, P < .001). Also, children's body mass index-related KIDMED scores negatively, and awareness and NEP scores related KIDMED scores positively (R2 : 0.276, P < .001). CONCLUSION Our results show that higher adherence to the MD is associated with higher environmental beliefs. Children with higher mindful eating have higher environmental beliefs and adherence to the MD, and these scores are lower in obese children. Therefore, raising generations that adopt sustainable diet models and have high environmental awareness is necessary. This research provides significant findings for future clinical studies on children's body weight maintenance and sustainability. Cite this article as: Bozkurt O, Kocaadam-Bozkurt B, Koçyiğit E. Evaluation of the relationships among mindful eating, environmental beliefs, adherence to the mediterranean diet, and obesity in children. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2024;59(1):98-105.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Bozkurt
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Erzurum Technical University Faculty of Health Sciences, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Betül Kocaadam-Bozkurt
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Erzurum Technical University Faculty of Health Sciences, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Emine Koçyiğit
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ordu University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ordu, Turkey
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Baudry J, Neves F, Lairon D, Allès B, Langevin B, Brunin J, Berthy F, Danquah I, Touvier M, Hercberg S, Amiot MJ, Pointereau P, Kesse-Guyot E. Sustainability analysis of the Mediterranean diet: results from the French NutriNet-Santé study. Br J Nutr 2023; 130:2182-2197. [PMID: 37357796 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523001411] [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: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet is often proposed as a sustainable diet model. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sustainability domains in a cohort of French adults, using multiple criteria including nutritional quality, environmental pressures, monetary cost and dietary pesticide exposure. Food intakes of 29 210 NutriNet-Santé volunteers were assessed in 2014 using a semi-quantitative FFQ. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the validated literature-based adherence score (MEDI-LITE). The associations between the MEDI-LITE and various sustainability indicators were examined using ANCOVA models, adjusted for sex, age and energy intake. Higher adherence to the MEDI-LITE was associated with higher nutritional quality scores, better overall nutrient profile as well as reduced environmental impact (land occupation: Q5 v. Q1: -35 %, greenhouse gas emissions: -40 % and cumulative energy demand: -17 %). In turn, monetary cost increased with increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Q5 v. Q1: +15 %), while higher adherents to the Mediterranean diet had overall higher pesticide exposure due to their high plant-based food consumption. In this large cohort of French adults, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with nutritional and environmental benefits, but also with higher monetary cost and greater exposure to pesticides, illustrating the necessity to develop large-scale strategies for healthy, safe (pesticide- and contaminant-free) and environmentally sustainable diets for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Baudry
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Floriane Neves
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Denis Lairon
- Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Allès
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
| | | | - Joséphine Brunin
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Florine Berthy
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Ina Danquah
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathilde Touvier
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Serge Hercberg
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
- Département de Santé Publique, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Marie-Josèphe Amiot
- MoISA, Univ Montpellier, CIHEAM-IAMM, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, CNAM, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN), F-93017 Bobigny, France
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O'Malley K, Willits-Smith A, Rose D. Popular diets as selected by adults in the United States show wide variation in carbon footprints and diet quality. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 117:701-708. [PMID: 36868999 PMCID: PMC10131583 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.01.009] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbon footprints of vegetarian, pescatarian, and other popular diets have been studied previously, but mostly as idealized versions modeled to meet dietary recommendations. Less is known about the footprints of popular diets as they are consumed by US adults, and thus the potential trade-offs with diet quality for free-living individuals. OBJECTIVES This study estimated the carbon footprint and diet quality of popular diets as selected by a nationally representative sample of US consumers, including the recently trending keto- and paleo-style diets. METHODS The 2005-2010 NHANES 24-h recall data were used to categorize individual adult diets (n = 16,412) into 6 types: vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, paleo, keto, and all other diets, referred to here as omnivore diets. Average daily greenhouse gas emissions in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents per 1000 kcal (kg CO2-eq/1000 kcal) were calculated for each diet by matching our previously developed database to NHANES individual diet data. Diet quality was determined using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index. Survey-weighted ordinary least-squares regression was used to assess mean differences in diets. RESULTS The average carbon footprints of vegan (0.69 ± 0.05 kg CO2-eq/1000 kcal) and vegetarian (1.16 ± 0.02) diets were lower (P < 0.05) than those of the pescatarian (1.66 ± 0.04), omnivore (2.23 ± 0.01), paleo (2.62 ± 0.33), or keto (2.91 ± 0.27) diets. Mean HEI scores were highest for pescatarian diets (58.76 ± 0.79) and higher (P < 0.05) for vegetarian (51.89 ± 0.74) than for omnivore (48.92 ± 0.33) or keto (43.69 ± 1.61) diets. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the nuances when evaluating the nutritional quality of diets and their carbon footprints. On average, pescatarian diets may be the healthiest, but plant-based diets have lower carbon footprints than other popular diets, including keto- and paleo-style diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keelia O'Malley
- Tulane Nutrition, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Amelia Willits-Smith
- Tulane Nutrition, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Donald Rose
- Tulane Nutrition, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Kocaadam-Bozkurt B, Bozkurt O. Relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and awareness of reducing the ecological footprint. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:430-440. [PMID: 36726049 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2172384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and awareness of reducing the ecological footprint. It was conducted with 1333 adults (38.2% male, 61.8% female, mean age 24.2 ± 7.5 years). The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the Awareness Scale for Reducing Ecological Footprint (ASREF), the Sustainable and Healthy Eating (SHE) Behaviors Scale, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS). 40.2% of the participants adhered to the MD (≥7 scores). Obese individuals' total scores on MEDAS, SHE Behaviors Scale, and ASREF were the lowest (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, education duration, SHE Behaviors Scale total score, and BMI affected the ASREF score (p < 0.05). The education duration, SHE Behaviors Scale scores, and ASREF scores were higher in those in MD-adherence group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adherence to the MD was associated with higher sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and higher awareness of ecological footprint reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Kocaadam-Bozkurt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Osman Bozkurt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Carey CN, Paquette M, Sahye-Pudaruth S, Dadvar A, Dinh D, Khodabandehlou K, Liang F, Mishra E, Sidhu M, Brown R, Tandon S, Wanyan J, Bazinet RP, Hanley AJ, Malik V, Sievenpiper JL, Jenkins DJ. The Environmental Sustainability of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns: A Scoping Review. J Nutr 2023; 153:857-869. [PMID: 36809853 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large part of the existential threat associated with climate change is the result of current human feeding patterns. Over the last decade, research evaluating the diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based diets has emerged, and a synthesis of the available data is now due. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were as follows: 1) to compile and summarize the literature on diet-related environmental impacts of plant-based dietary patterns; 2) to assess the nature of the data on impacts of plant-based dietary patterns on both environmental parameters and health (e.g., if land use is reduced for a particular diet, is cancer risk also reduced?); and 3) to determine where sufficient data exist for meta-analyses, in addition to identifying gaps within the literature. METHODS Global peer-reviewed studies on the environmental impacts of plant-based diets were searched in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. After removing duplicates, the screening identified 1553 records. After 2 stages of independent review by 2 reviewers, 65 records met the inclusion criteria and were eligible to be used in synthesis. RESULTS Evidence suggests that plant-based diets may offer lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), land use, and biodiversity loss than offered by standard diets; however, the impact on water and energy use may depend on the types of plant-based foods consumed. Further, the studies were consistent in demonstrating that plant-based dietary patterns that reduce diet-related mortality also promote environmental sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there was agreement across the studies regarding the impact of plant-based dietary patterns on GHGE, land used, and biodiversity loss despite varied plant-based diets assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra N Carey
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Melanie Paquette
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandhya Sahye-Pudaruth
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abolfazl Dadvar
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dorothy Dinh
- Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Fred Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ekta Mishra
- McMaster University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mandeep Sidhu
- School of Global Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ramon Brown
- Department of Biology, Western University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shilpa Tandon
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Wanyan
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony J Hanley
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vasanti Malik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John L Sievenpiper
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Ja Jenkins
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hatjiathanassiadou M, Rolim PM, Seabra LMJ. Nutrition and its footprints: Using environmental indicators to assess the nexus between sustainability and food. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.1078997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Current food systems are associated with the unsustainable use of natural resources; therefore, rethinking current models is urgent and is part of a global agenda to reach sustainable development. Sustainable diets encompass health, society, economy, culture as well as the environment, in addition to considering all the stages that make up the food production chain. This study aimed to perform a review on the importance of using environmental footprints (EnF) as a way of assessing the environmental impacts of food systems. The most used EnF to assess impacts related to the food system was the carbon footprint, followed by the water footprint, and the land use footprint. These EnF usually measured the impacts mainly of the current diet and theoretical diets. Animal-source foods were the ones that most contribute to the environmental impact, with incentives to reduce consumption. However, changing dietary patterns should not be restricted to changing behavior only, but should also involve all stakeholders in the functioning of food systems. We conclude that EnF are excellent tools to evaluate and guide the adoption of more sustainable diets, and can be applied in different contexts of food systems, such as food consumption analysis, menu analysis, food waste, and inclusion of EnF information on food labels.
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Daher B, Bachour R, Yanni SF, Koo-Oshima S, Mohtar RH. Food security under compound shocks: Can Lebanon produce its own Mediterranean food basket? FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.969248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As Lebanon faces compound challenges, a looming food security crisis is rapidly approaching, much of which could be attributed to the lack of long-term planning for sustainability in its agricultural sector. The disconnect between decision-makers within the agricultural sector, and other interconnected sectors is exacerbated by the lack of integrative national platforms and methodologies for quantifying the trade-offs associated with possible interventions. This study aims to: (1) identify and quantify the critical interconnections between water, energy, nutrition, and food systems in Lebanon; (2) develop a framework to quantify the trade-offs associated with adopting interventions within current water, energy, and agriculture portfolios and practices; (3) evaluate producers' perceptions toward their willingness to implement proposed changes in crop production, renewable energy, and water reuse. Findings show that investing in locally producing Lebanon's needs of broad beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas, results in cost savings, increased nutritional value in the locally produced basket, and reduced reliance on foreign markets. In turn, this comes at additional water, energy, land and carbon footprints which needs to be accounted for. Given the uncertainty of future currency conversion rates, it becomes more critical to identify a strategic food basket that could be produced locally to reduce reliance on imports. Conclusions from this study can play a role in informing policymaking and planning in Lebanon, which could be adapted and replicated in other countries in the MENA Region.
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Dietary Environmental Footprints and Their Association with Socioeconomic Factors and Food Purchase Practices: BRAZUCA Natal Study. Foods 2022; 11:foods11233842. [PMID: 36496650 PMCID: PMC9739984 DOI: 10.3390/foods11233842] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of dietary environmental impacts has proven to be an important tool for guiding the adoption of healthier and more sustainable diets. This study aimed to estimate the dietary carbon (CF), water (WF), and ecological (EF) footprints of residents in the city of Natal, Brazil; the study also aimed to verify their association with socioeconomic factors and food purchase practices. This is a cross-sectional study that used dietary data from 411 adults and elderlies, which was collected via a questionnaire that applied to the respondents. The results showed that the dietary CF was 1901.88 g CO2 eq/day/1000 kcal, the WF was 1834.03 L/day/1000 kcal, and the EF was 14.29 m2/day/1000 kcal. The highest environmental footprint values showed an association (p ≤ 0.05) with the factors of male sex, white ethnicity, and higher income and schooling, whereas the lowest environmental footprint values were associated with social vulnerability variables such as female sex, non-white ethnicity, and lower income and schooling (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, people with lower environmental footprints consumed less fast food, had fewer meals at snack bars, and used food delivery services less often than those with higher footprints. The foods that most contributed to the CFs and WFs were beef and chicken, while fish and beef contribute the most to the EFs. The data in the present study show that a diet with a lower environmental impact is not always equal to a sustainable diet. This relationship is paradoxical and relates to food justice, as people with lower environmental footprint values are the same ones with worse socioeconomic conditions. In this sense, is it essential to consider the influence of the social context when assessing dietary environmental impacts and when assessing actions that promote healthier and more sustainable diets.
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Food purchase behaviour in a Finnish population: patterns, carbon footprints and expenditures. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:3265-3277. [PMID: 35979803 PMCID: PMC9991547 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022001707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify food purchase patterns and to assess their carbon footprint and expenditure. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Purchase patterns were identified by factor analysis from the annual purchases of 3435 product groups. The associations between purchase patterns and the total purchases' carbon footprints (based on life-cycle assessment) and expenditure were analysed using linear regression and adjusted for nutritional energy content of the purchases. PARTICIPANTS Loyalty card holders (n 22 860) of the largest food retailer in Finland. RESULTS Eight patterns explained 55 % of the variation in food purchases. The Animal-based pattern made the greatest contribution to the annual carbon footprint, followed by the Easy-cooking, and Ready-to-eat patterns. High-energy, Traditional and Plant-based patterns made the smallest contribution to the carbon footprint of the purchases. Animal-based, Ready-to-eat, Plant-based and High-energy patterns made the greatest contribution, whereas the Traditional and Easy-cooking patterns made the smallest contribution to food expenditure. Carbon footprint per euros spent increased with stronger adherence to the Traditional, Animal-based and Easy-cooking patterns. CONCLUSIONS The Animal-based, Ready-to-eat and High-energy patterns were associated with relatively high expenditure on food, suggesting no economic barrier to a potential shift towards a plant-based diet for consumers adherent to those patterns. Strong adherence to the Traditional pattern resulted in a low energy-adjusted carbon footprint but high carbon footprint per euro. This suggests a preference for cheap nutritional energy rather than environment-conscious purchase behaviour. Whether a shift towards a plant-based pattern would be affordable for those with more traditional and cheaper purchase patterns requires more research.
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Yardimci H, Demirer B. Is high adaptation to the Mediterranean diet effective in increasing ecological footprint awareness? A cross-sectional study from Turkey. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:3724-3729. [PMID: 34907547 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of diet type on sustainable environment is known. It is important to understand the adaptation of individuals with high ecological footprint awareness to the Mediterranean type diet, especially under the assumption that the Mediterranean diet will reduce the ecological footprint. In the study, it is aimed to examine the relationship between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and Ecological Footprint awareness of adults. RESULTS The sample of the study consisted of 395 individuals with a mean age of 26.2 ± 8.7 years: 293 females (74.2%) and 102 males (25.8%). As the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MDAS) score of individuals increased, the Ecological Footprint Awareness Scale score also increased. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between the participants' MDAS score and the awareness of food (r = 0.157; P = 0.002), energy (r = 0.133; P = 0.008), waste (r = 0.149; P = 0.003) and water consumption (r = 0.101; P = 0.045), which are sub-factors of the Ecological Footprint Awareness Scale. CONCLUSION As far as is known, this cross-sectional study is one of the first studies on compliance with the Mediterranean diet and awareness of the ecological footprint. The findings of the study show that as individuals' compliance with the Mediterranean diet increases, their awareness of their ecological footprint will also increase. To reach a conclusion on this issue, future studies should evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and awareness of food-environmental impact on different samples. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hülya Yardimci
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Büşra Demirer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey
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Bôto JM, Rocha A, Miguéis V, Meireles M, Neto B. Sustainability Dimensions of the Mediterranean Diet: A Systematic Review of the Indicators Used and Its Results. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2015-2038. [PMID: 35679078 PMCID: PMC9526822 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The concern about sustainability is growing and the Mediterranean diet has been extensively identified as a promising model, with benefits for human and environmental health. This systematic review aims to identify and describe the indicators that have been used to evaluate the sustainability of the Mediterranean diet and the results from their application. A methodology using PRISMA guidelines was followed, and searches were performed in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and GreenFile. A total of 32 studies assessing the sustainability of the Mediterranean diet were identified. Twenty-five of these studies quantified the environmental impact, 7 studies evaluated the nutritional quality, and 12 studies assessed the daily cost of this dietary pattern. A total of 33 distinct indicators were identified, of which 10 were used to assess the environmental dimension (mainly, carbon, water, and ecological footprint), 8 were used to assess the nutritional dimension (mainly Health score and Nutrient Rich Food Index), 1 was used to assess the economic dimension (dietary cost), and 8 used combined indicators. The remaining 6 indicators for the assessment of sociocultural dimension were only identified in 1 study but were not measured. The Mediterranean diet had a lower environmental impact than Western diets and showed a carbon footprint between 0.9 and 6.88 kg CO2/d per capita, a water footprint between 600 and 5280 m3/d per capita, and an ecological footprint between 2.8 and 53.42 m2/d per capita. With regard to the nutritional dimension, the Mediterranean diet had a high nutritional quality and obtained 122 points on the Health score and ranged between 12.95 and 90.6 points on the Nutrient Rich Food Index. The cost of the Mediterranean diet is similar to other diets and varied between 3.33 and 14.42€/d per capita. These findings show that no uniformity in assessing the MDiet's sustainability exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Margarida Bôto
- GreenUPorto—Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/Inov4Agro, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal,Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal,LEPABE (Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal,InescTec (Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ada Rocha
- GreenUPorto—Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/Inov4Agro, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Miguéis
- InescTec (Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Meireles
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
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Naja F, Ismail LC, Abbas N, Saleh S, Ali HI. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its association with environmental footprints among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates. Eur J Nutr 2022; 61:2585-2599. [PMID: 35229167 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02835-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the association of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) with Environmental Footprints (EFPs) among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS Data belonging to a nationally representative sample of 482 women (19-50 years) were derived from a previous survey in the UAE. In face-to-face interviews, participants completed questionnaires addressing sociodemographic, physical activity, and dietary intake characteristics; the latter assessed using a multiple pass 24-h recall. The composite Mediterranean (c-MED) index was used to examine the adherence to the MD. Metrics for the EFPs (water use, energy use, and GHG emissions) were calculated using Life Cycle Analyses. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were used in data analysis. RESULTS In the study sample, the distribution of the c-MED scores was skewed to the right, indicating a low adherence to the MD. The lowest contributions to the total c-MED score were observed for legumes (2.9%) and olive oil (1.8%). The EFPs associated with food consumption per 1000 kcal were: water use: 1256.89 ± 544.95 L/day; energy use: 18.01 ± 7.85 MJ/day, and GHG: 2.46 ± 1.46 kg CO2 eq/day. After adjustment for age, energy intake, and potential confounders, being adherent to the MD was associated with 540.57 [95% CI (- 726.6; - 354.54)] units decrease in water use and 0.94 units decrease in GHG emissions [95% CI (- 1.45; - 0.43)]. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study revealed an inverse association between adherence to the MD and EFPs. As such, the MD may represent a promising dietary strategy to improve health outcomes and reduce the environmental impact. Public health programs addressing the low adherence to the MD among women of childbearing age in the UAE are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nada Abbas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sheima Saleh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba I Ali
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Portugal-Nunes C, Nunes FM, Fraga I, Saraiva C, Gonçalves C. Assessment of the Methodology That Is Used to Determine the Nutritional Sustainability of the Mediterranean Diet-A Scoping Review. Front Nutr 2022; 8:772133. [PMID: 35004806 PMCID: PMC8733552 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.772133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is often used as an example of a sustainable diet that promotes a sustainable food system. MedDiet presents low environmental impacts, is characterized by high sociocultural food values, allows for positive local economic returns, and presents major health and nutrition benefits. Previous studies have not systematically examined the methodological assessment of MedDiet nutritional sustainability. In our study, we review the methodological assessment of nutritional sustainability, filling a crucial gap in the literature that can inform the state of the art regarding the cross-disciplinary assessment of MedDiet nutritional sustainability. Through a systematic search on PubMed and Scopus, we identified 28 studies, published between 2013 and 2021, that dealt with the MedDiet nutritional sustainability. Studies that assessed the sustainability of MedDiet based on dietary consumption data, studies that explored the MedDiet sustainability resorting to dietary scenarios, and studies with a mixed approach (dietary consumption and dietary scenarios) and proposals of methodological approaches to assess the MedDiet nutritional sustainability were summarized. We identified 24 studies exploring the dimensions of nutritional sustainability of the MedDiet, and 4 proposing the methodological approaches to assess the MedDiet nutritional sustainability or the sustainability of MedDiet typical agro-foods. From the 24 studies exploring the sustainability of MedDiet, none fully addressed the complexity of the four dimensions of nutritional sustainability (environmental, economic, socio-cultural, and health-nutrition). One of the methodological proposals to assess the MedDiet nutritional sustainability contemplated on the four dimensions of nutritional sustainability, as well as one of the methodological proposals to assess the sustainability of typical agro-foods of MedDiet. Environmental sustainability was the most well-studied dimension, while no study focuses on the socio-cultural dimension of sustainability. Our study reviewed for the first time the assessment of nutritional sustainability of MedDiet. To the best of our knowledge, no research has been made assessing MedDiet in all the dimensions of the complex concept, that is nutritional sustainability. Integrating health and nutrition, environmental, economic, and socio-cultural considerations across scales and contexts can offer a more complete understanding of the opportunities and barriers to achieving nutritional sustainability not only in MedDiet but also in other dietary patterns and food products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando M Nunes
- Food and Wine Chemistry Laboratory, CQ-VR-Chemistry Research Centre-Vila Real, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Chemistry Department, School of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Irene Fraga
- CITAB-Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Cristina Saraiva
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Science Research Centre, Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carla Gonçalves
- CITAB-Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,CIAFEL-Research Center for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Biology and Environment Department, School of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
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Alhothali GT, Almoraie NM, Shatwan IM, Aljefree NM. Sociodemographic Characteristics and Dietary Choices as Determinants of Climate Change Understanding and Concern in Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010605. [PMID: 34682350 PMCID: PMC8535203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Climate change poses a global threat to public health. This study investigated the understanding of, and concern over, climate change in Saudi Arabia and examined the associations with sociodemographic characteristics and dietary choices. This cross-sectional study consisted of 280 participants recruited via an online survey. Of the study participants, 45% demonstrated a sufficient understanding of climate change, and 56% were highly concerned about climate change. Male sex, medium-high monthly income, high education, and governmental employees were determinants of sufficient understanding of and great concern over climate change. Participants who exhibited a high understanding of climate change score demonstrated significantly higher consumption of vegetables (3.47 ± 0.98) and vegetable oils (3.26 ± 1.07) than participants with a low understanding score (3.31 ± 0.96 and 3.00 ± 1.01, respectively) (p ≤ 0.01). Additionally, participants with higher concern of climate change scores exhibited lower consumption of red meat (p = 0.0001), poultry (p = 0.003), margarine (p = 0.02), and soy products (p = 0.04). The study revealed a poor understanding of, but great concern over, climate change. The intake of non-climate-friendly food was typically higher than that of climate-friendly food. These findings are critical for developing strategies to enhance awareness of climate change and encourage people to consume climate-friendly food to mitigate climate change and improve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Talat Alhothali
- Department of Marketing, College of Business, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 3795, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Noha M. Almoraie
- Food and Nutrition Department, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 3270, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.A.); (I.M.S.); (N.M.A.)
| | - Israa M. Shatwan
- Food and Nutrition Department, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 3270, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.A.); (I.M.S.); (N.M.A.)
| | - Najlaa M. Aljefree
- Food and Nutrition Department, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 3270, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.A.); (I.M.S.); (N.M.A.)
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Spatial-Temporal Footprints Assessment and Driving Mechanism of China Household Diet Based on CHNS. Foods 2021; 10:foods10081858. [PMID: 34441635 PMCID: PMC8391238 DOI: 10.3390/foods10081858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Food consumption is closely associated with resource consumption and environmental sustainability. An unreasonable dietary pattern would cause great pressure or damage to resources and the environment. It is particularly important to reduce the negative impact of household food consumption on resources and the environment while simultaneously ensuring people’s nutrient intake and health. This study applied the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) database to quantitatively study the spatial-temporal analysis of multiple footprints of household food consumption at multiple scales and explored the driving mechanism of the multiple footprints. The results showed that, except land footprint (LF), the other four types of footprints all decreased at varying degrees; the water footprint (WF), carbon footprint (CF), nitrogen footprint (NF) and energy footprint (EF) decreased by 18.24%, 17.82%, 12.03% and 20.36%, respectively, from 2000 to 2011; multiple footprints of food consumption of household in Guizhou was the highest among the 12 provinces involved in the study; this shows that resource consumption (water, energy and land resource) and environmental influences (CO2 emissions and nitrogen emissions) brought by food consumption of per household in Guizhou are much greater than in other provinces, which has a negative influence on sustainable development; by analyzing the driving factors of multiple footprints, it is shown that nutrient intake, household attributes, educational level and health conditions were significantly correlated to multiple footprints. Among them, nutrient intake has greater impact on the multiple footprints of Chinese household food consumption. By comparing multiple footprints of different dietary patterns, it was found that the current Chinese dietary pattern would cause excessive resource consumption, which would bring more pressure on resources and the environment. Adjusting household living habits would possibly reverse the unsustainable situation, such as reducing the consumption of animal-derived foods and adjusting the dietary pattern of households with a higher educational level and income status. Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2016 has better sustainability; the promotion of this dietary pattern across the country would help China to relieve the pressure on resources and environment from the consumer side, promoting the realization of sustainable development.
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Shatila H, Baroudi M, El Sayed Ahmad R, Chehab R, Forman MR, Abbas N, Faris M, Naja F. Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Dietary Intakes Among Healthy Adults: A Year-Round Comparative Study. Front Nutr 2021; 8:689788. [PMID: 34422880 PMCID: PMC8375294 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.689788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Religious rituals are considered among the principle factors that impact dietary behaviors and food selections. The main objective of this study is to characterize food intake among Lebanese adults observant of the fasting month of Ramadan and compare it to their intake of the rest of the year. During a year-round study, including the month of Ramadan, Lebanese adults (n = 62), completed multiple (9 to 13) 24-h dietary recalls. Information about sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics was also obtained. Dietary intake was examined using food groups as well as energy, macro, and micronutrient consumption. Significant differences in dietary intakes were observed for 12 of the 19 food groups (expressed as a percent of total energy) during Ramadan as compared to the rest of the year. More specifically, the intakes of cereals, cereal-based products, pasta, eggs, nuts and seeds, milk and dairy, and fats and oils were lower, while vegetables, dried fruit, Arabic sweets, cakes and pastries, and sugar-sweetened-beverages intakes were higher during Ramadan as compared to the remainder of the year (p < 0.05). Such differences in food groups' intakes were reflected in nutrients intakes, including carbohydrates, cholesterol, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The findings of this study highlighted major differences in dietary intakes between the fasting month as compared to the rest of the year. With the large number of adults who observe fasting during Ramadan, the particularities of dietary intake during Ramadan ought to be considered in the development of context and culture-specific dietary recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hibeh Shatila
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Baroudi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raeda El Sayed Ahmad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Chehab
- Nutrition Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Michele R. Forman
- Nutrition Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Nada Abbas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - MoezAlIslam Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Belgacem W, Mattas K, Arampatzis G, Baourakis G. Changing Dietary Behavior for Better Biodiversity Preservation: A Preliminary Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062076. [PMID: 34204478 PMCID: PMC8234216 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Broadly consumed dietary patterns, such as the European and Western ones, are exerting pressures on biodiversity both in Europe and globally, and shifting toward a sustainable dietary pattern has thus become a must. This paper constitutes a preliminary communication of the results of a research project on the issue. In this study, the pressures of three dietary patterns (European, Western, and Mediterranean) on biodiversity are addressed in terms of land use, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and eutrophication impact indicators. The environmental impacts are calculated based on a compositional analysis of each dietary pattern and the environmental footprints of the corresponding food groups. Food balance sheets published by the FAO are used as a basis for the compositional analysis, while the environmental footprints of each of the representative food products are retrieved from related life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. The results show that a shift from the European to the Mediterranean dietary pattern would lead to 10 m2/capita/day land savings, 240 L/capita/day water savings, 3 kg CO2/capita/day reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and 20 gPO4eq/capita/day reductions in eutrophication potential. Likewise, a shift from the Western to the Mediterranean dietary pattern would lead to 18 m2/capita/day land savings, 100 L/capita/day water savings, 4 kg CO2/capita/day reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and 16 gPO4eq/capita/day reduction in eutrophication potential. Based on these findings, it is clear that this shift is urgently needed as a step toward environmentally sustainable dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean one, to preserve biodiversity for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajdi Belgacem
- Department of Business Economics and Management, CIHEAM-MAICh, 73200 Chania, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| | - Konstadinos Mattas
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - George Arampatzis
- School of Production Engineering and Management, Technical University of Crete, 73200 Chania, Greece;
| | - George Baourakis
- Department of Business Economics and Management, CIHEAM-MAICh, 73200 Chania, Greece;
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Schulz CA, Oluwagbemigun K, Nöthlings U. Advances in dietary pattern analysis in nutritional epidemiology. Eur J Nutr 2021; 60:4115-4130. [PMID: 33899149 PMCID: PMC8572214 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02545-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and Purpose It used to be a common practice in the field of nutritional epidemiology to analyze separate nutrients, foods, or food groups. However, in reality, nutrients and foods are consumed in combination. The introduction of dietary patterns (DP) and their analysis has revolutionized this field, making it possible to take into account the synergistic effects of foods and to account for the complex interaction among nutrients and foods. Three approaches of DP analysis exist: (1) the hypothesis-based approach (based on prior knowledge regarding the current understanding of dietary components and their health relation), (2) the exploratory approach (solely relying on dietary intake data), and (3) the hybrid approach (a combination of both approaches). During the recent past, complementary approaches for DP analysis have emerged both conceptually and methodologically. Method We have summarized the recent developments that include incorporating the Treelet transformation method as a complementary exploratory approach in a narrative review. Results Uses, peculiarities, strengths, limitations, and scope of recent developments in DP analysis are outlined. Next, the narrative review gives an overview of the literature that takes into account potential relevant dietary-related factors, specifically the metabolome and the gut microbiome in DP analysis. Then the review deals with the aspect of data processing that is needed prior to DP analysis, particularly when dietary data arise from assessment methods other than the long-established food frequency questionnaire. Lastly, potential opportunities for upcoming DP analysis are summarized in the outlook.
Conclusion Biological factors like the metabolome and the microbiome are crucial to understand diet-disease relationships. Therefore, the inclusion of these factors in DP analysis might provide deeper insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina-Alexandra Schulz
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 19b, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kolade Oluwagbemigun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 19b, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ute Nöthlings
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 19b, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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Vitale M, Giosuè A, Vaccaro O, Riccardi G. Recent Trends in Dietary Habits of the Italian Population: Potential Impact on Health and the Environment. Nutrients 2021; 13:476. [PMID: 33572514 PMCID: PMC7911362 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Population growth, globalization, urbanization, and economic pressures are causing changes in food consumption all over the world. The study's aims are (1) to evaluate trends in food habits in Italy to highlight deviations from the traditional Mediterranean diet, (2) to analyze the features of the present Italian diet that should be modified to meet evidence-based global scientific targets for a healthy and sustainable diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission. Trends in food availability for human consumption during the period 2000-2017 were assessed using the food balance sheets (FBSs). Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission was estimated according to life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses. During the study period, the availability of animal fat and beef meat greatly declined (-58% and -32%, respectively), followed by fruit, potatoes, vegetables, milk, and non-tropical oils (-20%, -15%, -13%, -14%, and -11%, respectively). A substantial increase has occurred for tropical oils, fish, and nuts (+156, +26%, and +21%, respectively). In order to meet the targets of consumption proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, the consumption of legumes and nuts should be almost doubled, whereas the consumption of meat, eggs, dairy products, animal fat, tropical oils, and sugars should be reduced by proportions ranging from 60% to 90%. If implemented, these changes would reduce the diet-related greenhouse gas emission by nearly 50%. In conclusion, these data call for nutritional education programs and interventions on the food system aimed at promoting a healthier and more environmentally sustainable diet. To this end, the availability and affordability of products with a better impact on human health and the environment should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Vitale
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.V.); (A.G.); (G.R.)
| | - Annalisa Giosuè
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.V.); (A.G.); (G.R.)
| | - Olga Vaccaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Riccardi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.V.); (A.G.); (G.R.)
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Brytek-Matera A, Sacre H, Staniszewska A, Hallit S. The Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa in Polish and Lebanese Adults and Its Relationship with Sociodemographic Variables and BMI Ranges: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3865. [PMID: 33348787 PMCID: PMC7767210 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) appears to be increasing, and more research into its cross-cultural aspects is required to provide culturally appropriate psychological treatment. Until now, there has been relatively little research published about ON across cultures. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine: (1) the prevalence of ON in Polish and Lebanese adults and (2) the association between ON and sociodemographic variables and Body Mass Index (BMI) in two culturally different samples. One thousand two hundred and sixty-two adults participated in the present study (NPoland = 743 adults; NLebanon = 519 adults). The Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale and the Eating Habits Questionnaire were used in the present study. Information about age, sex, anthropometry, and marital status was obtained from all participants as well. The Polish sample had an ON prevalence rate of 2.6%, while the Lebanese sample had an ON prevalence rate of 8.4%. No significant correlation was found between ON and age in both samples. A statistically significant difference was found between marital status and country on ON, with the highest mean score seen among Lebanese singles. In Lebanon, having a low of BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 compared to a high BMI was significantly associated with lower ON tendencies, while this association was not significant among Polish participants. This study was the second to focus on the prevalence of ON in Western and non-Western countries and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and BMI ranges. Knowledge about ON and its correlates in diverse populations may inform the design of culturally tailored behavior change interventions and the development of culturally appropriate tools in various groups to improve their dietary patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brytek-Matera
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Dawida 1, 50-527 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Hala Sacre
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon; (H.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Anna Staniszewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon; (H.S.); (S.H.)
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
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El Sayed Ahmad R, Baroudi M, Shatila H, Nasreddine L, Chokor FAZ, Chehab RF, Forman MR, Naja F. Validity and Reproducibility of a Culture-Specific Food Frequency Questionnaire in Lebanon. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3316. [PMID: 33137973 PMCID: PMC7692843 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the validity and reproducibility of a culture-specific semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for Lebanese adults. The 94-item FFQ captures intake of traditional Mediterranean dishes and Western food, reflective of current Lebanese nutrition transition. Among 107 participants (18-65 years), the FFQ was administered at baseline (FFQ-1) and one year thereafter (FFQ-2); 2-3 24-h recalls (24-HRs)/season were collected for a total of 8-12 over four seasons. A subset (n = 67) provided a fasting blood sample in the fall. Spearman-correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, joint-classification and (ICC) were calculated. Mean intakes from FFQ-2 were higher than from the total 24-HRs. Correlations for diet from FFQ-2 and 24-HRs ranged from 0.17 for α-carotene to 0.65 for energy. Joint classification in the same/adjacent quartile ranged from 74.8% to 95%. FFQ-2-plasma carotenoid correlations ranged from 0.18 for lutein/zeaxanthin to 0.59 for β-carotene. Intra-class correlations for FFQ-1 and FFQ-2 ranged from 0.36 for β-cryptoxanthin to 0.85 for energy. 24-HRs carotenoid intake varied by season; combining season-specific 24-HRs proximal to biospecimen collection to the FFQ-2 improved diet-biochemical correlations. By applying dietary data from two tools with biomarkers taking into consideration seasonal variation, we report a valid, reproducible Lebanese FFQ for use in diet-disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeda El Sayed Ahmad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon; (R.E.S.A.); (M.B.); (H.S.); (L.N.); (F.A.Z.C.)
| | - Mariam Baroudi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon; (R.E.S.A.); (M.B.); (H.S.); (L.N.); (F.A.Z.C.)
| | - Hibeh Shatila
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon; (R.E.S.A.); (M.B.); (H.S.); (L.N.); (F.A.Z.C.)
| | - Lara Nasreddine
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon; (R.E.S.A.); (M.B.); (H.S.); (L.N.); (F.A.Z.C.)
| | - Fatima Al Zahraa Chokor
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon; (R.E.S.A.); (M.B.); (H.S.); (L.N.); (F.A.Z.C.)
| | - Rana F. Chehab
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Michele R. Forman
- Nutrition Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon; (R.E.S.A.); (M.B.); (H.S.); (L.N.); (F.A.Z.C.)
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
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23
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Coats L, Aboul-Enein BH, Dodge E, Benajiba N, Kruk J, Khaled MB, Diaf M, El Herrag SE. Perspectives of Environmental Health Promotion and the Mediterranean Diet: A Thematic Narrative Synthesis. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2020.1777242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Coats
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Arthur C. Guyton Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Basil H. Aboul-Enein
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Dodge
- College of Graduate & Professional Studies, University of New England, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Nada Benajiba
- Department of Health Sciences, Track of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health and Rehabilitation, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joanna Kruk
- Faculty of Physical Culture and Health Promotion, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Meghit Boumédiène Khaled
- Faculty of Life and Natural Science, Department of Biology, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria
| | - Mustapha Diaf
- Faculty of Life and Natural Science, Department of Biology, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria
| | - Salah Eddine El Herrag
- Faculty of Life and Natural Science, Department of Biology, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria
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24
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Mediterranean Diet and its Environmental Footprints amid Nutrition Transition: The Case of Lebanon. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11236690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many Mediterranean countries, including Lebanon, are experiencing a shift in food consumption away from the traditional Mediterranean diet (MD), concomitant with the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases and dwindling environmental resources. Objective: to examine the adherence to the MD and its association with environmental footprints (EFPs), including water use, energy use, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, among Lebanese adults. Data of Lebanese adults were drawn from the national food consumption survey (n = 2610). Assessment of dietary intake was conducted using a food-frequency questionnaire. Adherence to the MD was examined using four published MD scores. Metrics for the EFPs were calculated using a review of existing life cycle assessments (LCAs). For all MD scores, less than 13% of participants were in the highest tertile. After adjustments for covariates, two of the MD scores were associated with lower water use. For GHG, significant inverse associations were observed with all MD scores. Energy use was not associated with MD scores. Overall, low adherence to the MD among Lebanese adults was observed, together with an inverse association between adherence to the MD and water use and GHG emissions. These findings support and enforce ongoing efforts that aim to increase adherence to the MD in order to address health issues, as well as tackle environmental sustainability.
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