The evolution process, characteristics and adjustment of Chinese dietary guidelines: A global perspective

Abstract

The role of national dietary guidelines in realizing sustainable diet is noteworthy. Exploring the evolution, characteristics and adjustment of Chinese dietary guidelines can provide important inspiration for global sustainable diet adjustment. Here, we explored the differences between the dietary structure and dietary guidelines, and quantified the environmental impact of Chinese dietary guidelines using the food carbon footprint, water footprint and land demand. The results showed that Chinese dietary guidelines changed from survival to nutrition balance. In contrast, Chinese dietary guidelines run counter to the increasing consumption of animal foods in the current dietary structure, which can improve the health of the nation to some extent. In terms of environmental impact, if adjusted to the dietary guidelines, food carbon emissions will increase by 9%, and water-land resources consumption increased by 56% and 87%, respectively. In addition, the environmental impact of Chinese dietary guidelines is also higher compared to the three global dietary patterns, mainly due to the increase in animal foods consumption, especially meat. Therefore, we proposed that the new Chinese dietary guidelines should optimize the dietary structure and appropriately reduce meat consumption to achieve a win-win situation of health and environmental sustainability. However, we didn't take into account the uncertainty of data sources, nevertheless, this study analyzed the rationality of Chinese dietary guidelines from a systematic perspective, which can contribute to the achievement of global sustainable diets. In addition, China's experience and lessons can also provide inspiration and reference for developing countries.