0909 Is there a role for meat in a plant-based diet?

Abstract

Many North Americans are overfed and undernourished, resulting in significant negative health consequences. Obesity is of global concern, with rates tripling in Canada in one generation. Dietary patterns have shifted away from fresh and minimally processed foods to include alarming amounts of added sugars and ultra-processed foods. In the U.S., added sugars in ultra-processed foods (21.1% of calories) was eightfold higher than in processed foods (2.4%) and fivefold higher than in unprocessed or minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients grouped together (3.7%). Similarly, 22% of calories in the average Canadian diet come from foods that provide little or no nutritional value. Foods not included in Canada's Food Guide make up a greater percentage of the calories in the diet of Canadians than do foods from the Meat and Alternatives, Milk and Alternatives, or Vegetables and Fruits food groups. To counter the obesity epidemic, plant-based diets are often promoted as a solution. However, it is widely accepted that animal products supplement and complement a diet based on plant foods so that it is nutritionally adequate. Replacing some carbohydrate with high quality protein foods may have clinical benefits. The nutritional lens needs to be adjusted to focus on the dietary quality meat contributes to a plant-based diet.