Average Diet Research Articles

Population-based dietary risks for kidney stones: Implications for dietary counseling and prevention.

In the context of the increasing incidence of kidney stones, we aimed to assess the percentage of the population who are eating an at-risk diet for kidney stones and to understand the baseline diet for future counseling. The 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey, a national, cross-sectional instrument administered by Statistics Canada and Health Canada, was queried. Intake of relevant nutrients was compared to dietary risk factors for kidney stone formation. Factors associated with nutrient intake were analyzed in a multivariable regression. Data for 14 275 participants was included, of whom 24% consumed >2.5 of fluid per day and 9.4% consumed 1000-1200 mg of dietary calcium; 53.9% consumed too much sodium but 61% of the population had the recommended protein intake. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the population had at least one dietary risk factor for kidney stone formation, while 92% had two or more risk factors. Fluid, sodium, calcium, and protein intake increased significantly with education level, income, and if employed (p<0.05 for all); however, fluid, protein, and sodium intake were lower in patients with hypertension and heart disease (p<0.05 for all). While only a subset of the population will develop stones, this study shows that 99% of the population has a diet that elevates the risk of stone disease. As the incidence of kidney stones increases, population-based dietary interventions should be considered. Furthermore, clinicians may use these data to understand the average diet as a starting point for questioning and counseling patients.

Integrating environmental sustainability into food-based dietary guidelines in the Nordic countries.

The overall aim of this paper was to provide background knowledge to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 Committee for integrating environmental sustainability in a framework for national Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) within the Nordics and Baltics. Additionally, this paper aims to give an overview of recent Nordic scientific literature on environmental impact of foods and dietary patterns and of the FBDG of the Nordics. Finally, we suggest methods for developing national sustainable FBDG. Nordic and Baltic studies on sustainability of diets were searched in August 2022 and complemented with additional relevant literature. The studies show that current diets are far from environmentally sustainable, exceeding planetary boundaries for most impact categories; meat and dairy products being the largest contributors to dietary greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) and land use. Scenario, modelling, optimisation and intervention studies confirm the potential of shifting towards more plant-based diets to improve overall diet quality in terms of both health and environmental sustainability. Such diets comprised of vegetables, fruits, legumes, potatoes, whole grain and refined cereal products, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, with animal foods in moderate or limited amounts. The FBDG in the Nordics promotes more plant-based diets than the current average diet but could improve from further integration of environmental sustainability. To form basis for sustainable FBDG dietary modelling at the national level, prioritising health outcomes and nutritional adequacy is essential. Second, integrating environmental sustainability involves estimating the impact of food choices and amounts on GHGE, land and water use, eutrophication and biodiversity loss. Exploring positive and negative implications of fortified foods and supplementation in relation to nutrient intake, health and environmental sustainability may be needed. Implementing dietary transition requires solutions beyond FBDG to ensure affordability, acceptability and ease of adaption.

Modelling the cost differential between current and healthy diets according to household education level in Belgium

This study aims to estimate the cost differential between current and healthy diets, overall and by household education level. Data from the 2014–2015 Belgian National Food Consumption Survey and food prices from the 2014 GfK ConsumerScan panel were linked. The DIETCOST programme was used to model healthy, isocaloric healthy and current diets. For the reference household, the average daily diet cost was 20.1€ (95%CI: 19.9–20.4) for current diets, 20.9€ (95%CI: 20.6–21.2) for healthy isocaloric diets (+3.9% vs. the current diets) and 22.5€ (95%CI: 22.3–22.8) for healthy diets (+12.0%). In low-educated households, the cost of current and of healthy isocaloric diets was similar (19.2€ (95%CI: 19.0–19.5) vs. 19.3€ (95%CI: 19.0–19.6)), whereas in high-educated households, the cost of healthy isocaloric diets (22.0€; 95%CI: 21.8–22.3) was higher than the cost of current diets (21.2€; 95%CI: 20.9–21.4)). Though needing validation, this finding is valuable for interventions aimed at improving dietary habits in disadvantaged populations.

Association between the Korean Healthy Diet Score and Metabolic Syndrome: Effectiveness and Optimal Cutoff of the Korean Healthy Diet Score.

Although the prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased among Koreans, the specific health benefits of the Korean Healthy Diet score remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the Korean Healthy Diet score and metabolic syndrome and to identify the optimal cutoff of the Korean Healthy Diet score for reducing metabolic syndrome prevalence. This cross-sectional study used data from 11,403 participants of the seventh and eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The Korean Healthy Diet score was calculated based on adherence to 13 dietary components. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the Korean Healthy Diet score and metabolic syndrome, as well as to identify the optimal cutoff values for the Korean Healthy Diet score. The average Korean Healthy Diet score was significantly lower in participants with metabolic syndrome than in those without metabolic syndrome (5.03 vs. 5.14, p = 0.016). A one-point increase in the Korean Healthy Diet score was associated with a reduction in metabolic syndrome prevalence (odds ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91-0.98). The optimal cutoff for the Korean Healthy Diet score was identified as >7 points, particularly showing significantly decreased prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The Korean Healthy Diet score was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome prevalence, and the identified optimal cutoff values can serve as a practical tool for public health interventions aimed at reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Hydrology and trophic flexibility structure alpine stream food webs in the Teton Range, Wyoming, USA

AbstractUnderstanding biotic interactions and how they vary across habitats is important for assessing the vulnerability of communities to climate change. Receding glaciers in high mountain areas can lead to the hydrologic homogenization of streams and reduce habitat heterogeneity, which are predicted to drive declines in regional diversity and imperil endemic species. However, little is known about food web structure in alpine stream habitats, particularly among streams fed by different hydrologic sources (e.g., glaciers or snowfields). We used gut content and stable isotope analyses to characterize food web structure of alpine macroinvertebrate communities in streams fed by glaciers, subterranean ice, and seasonal snowpack in the Teton Range, Wyoming, USA. Specifically, we sought to (1) assess community resource use among streams fed by different hydrologic sources, (2) explore how variability in resource use relates to feeding strategies, and (3) identify which environmental variables influenced resource use within communities. Average taxa diet differed among all hydrologic sources, and food webs in subterranean ice‐fed streams were largely supported by the gold alga Hydrurus. This finding bolsters a hypothesis that streams fed by subterranean ice may provide key habitat for cold‐water species under climate change by maintaining a longer growing season for this high‐quality food resource. While a range of environmental variables associated with hydrologic source (e.g., stream temperature) were related to diet composition, hydrologic source categories explained the most variation in diet composition models. Less variable diets within versus among streams suggest high trophic flexibility, which was further supported by high levels of omnivory. This inherent trophic flexibility may bolster alpine stream communities against future changes in resource availability as the mountain cryosphere fades. Ultimately, our results expand understanding of the habitat requirements for imperiled alpine taxa while empowering predictions of their vulnerability under climate change.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Italian Children: How much do Demographic Factors and Socio-Economic Status Matter?

. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the degree of children's adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), to estimate the weekly cost of MD, and to assess the role of food cost and demographic/socio-economic factors as potential barriers to comply with a healthy dietary model. . Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire sent to parents of children (6-11 years old) living in Italy. This survey allowed the collection of demographic/socio-economic information about the family and their dietary habits. Adherence to the MD in children was assessed through the KIDMED index. The weekly diet cost was calculated based on the food prices of two Italian supermarket chains. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were run to evaluate the sample's characteristics and correlations between diet cost, socio-demographics, and adherence to MD. . Data highlighted that 31.5% of the children achieved high compliance with the MD, whereas 22.2% showed low adherence. The average diet cost increased significantly with the increasing level of adherence to the MD (Spearman's Rho = 0.322, p = 0.018). Moreover, results showed that a high parent educational level was positively associated with the KIDMED score (Spearman's Rho = 0.323, p = 0.017). No significant correlations were found between dietary cost and other characteristics such as economic status and house type. . Despite the small sample size, our results suggest that nutrition education interventions targeted at children and their parents/caregivers might favour more conscious dietary choices, which in turn will help reduce the differences in diet quality caused by the educational level gaps existing in families.

Potential response of Mexican consumers to a Ban on genetically modified Maize imports

Mexico enacted a decree to ban the sale of genetically modified (GM) maize seed and maize for human consumption. Maize is particularly important to the average diet in Mexico as it is the main feed for the primary source of protein (poultry) and the main ingredient for the primary source of calories (corn tortillas). This study aimed to assess consumer awareness of the decree, support for the decree, and sensitivity of support given possible economic outcomes related to the decree. Additionally, we estimate the premiums consumers were willing to pay (WTP) for non-GM products relative to GM products (i.e., chicken meat, eggs, and corn tortillas). Results show that 54% of the Mexicans were unaware of the ban and that 77% of those aware supported the ban. Many consumers were willing to pay premiums to cover potential price increases due to the ban; however, not all low-income consumers would pay the potential premiums. Focusing on low-income consumers is particularly important, given they will likely be affected disproportionately more by the burden of increased food prices.

Is Nutrient Quality of the Locally-Existing, EAT-Lancet-like Plant-Based Diet Better or Worse than the Average Diet in Taiwan? An Example of Local Translation.

The EAT-Lancet commission advocated a planetary health diet in 2019. Some have raised concerns about its nutrient adequacy. This study used data from recent Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan-from 2017 to 2020 (n = 6538)-to assess food intake and nutrient adequacy among three red meat consumption levels (low/medium/high). The low red meat group, whose diet was similar to the EAT-Lancet reference, showed significantly higher/better levels of vitamins C and E, calcium, magnesium, sodium, dietary fiber, and the polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio. However, protein, B vitamins, phosphorus for females, and zinc were slightly compromised, but they were still near or above 100% of the Daily Reference Intakes (DRIs), except for zinc (74~75%). The intake levels of vitamin D, calcium, and dietary fiber in all three groups at times did not reach 70% of the DRIs, but this was more pronounced in the high red meat group compared to the low red meat group. Replacing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with whole/healthy foods improved levels of zinc, calcium, and dietary fiber, but not vitamin D. Finally, a proposed local planetary health dietary construct was provided, suggesting maintaining the original distribution of the food groups recommended by the Taiwan Food Guide while specifying amounts of protein sources in line with the EAT-Lancet principles. The proposed diet, according to our estimation and comparison with Taiwanese DRIs, was nearly perfect in its nutrient composition.

What does it take to revolutionize Chinese diets: evidence from a choice experiment on urban Chinese consumers

PurposeThe purpose is to understand the factors affecting Chinese diet selections and propose strategies for revolutionizing Chinese diets toward healthy ones.Design/methodology/approachThis study implemented an online discrete choice experiment to identify the factors affecting diet selections among urban Chinese consumers. Four different diet patterns were used to label each of the product alternatives in the experiment, which varied in taste and cost. Specifically, implying the healthiness and sustainability of a diet, the diet alternatives included the average diet, the Chinese Food Guide Pagoda diet, the EAT-Lancet diet and the Flexitarian diet. Using consumer data from six provincial capital cities, we used random parameter logit models to estimate their preferences.FindingsDiet type and diet cost were found to be more important in urban Chinese consumers' diet selections than the ability to customize taste. The average diet, although not healthy and sustainable, was preferred most by respondents, signaling the challenges of shifting the consumer diet in China. Increasing the cost of the average diet can significantly promote sustainable healthy diet choices among urban Chinese residents. In other words, improving the affordability of sustainable healthy diets would have the potential to fuel the diet revolution in China.Originality/valueInstead of choices of a single food item, this paper focused on the individual selection of a diet, where different food products can act as substitutes or as complements for one another. We also proposed a way to assess individual preferences and valuations for several different diets.

Dental microwear analysis of Kudaro cave bears: Insights into dietary evolution from the Middle to Late Pleistocene

The dietary changes of early cave bear populations from the Middle to Late Pleistocene are poorly understood. In this study, we analysed 60 m1 through dental microwear analysis of three diachronic Middle (Ursus praekudarensis and U. praekudarensis/kudarensis) to Late Pleistocene (U. kudarensis) populations inhabiting the Kudaro 1 and Kudaro 3 caves in the Southern Caucasus. The diet of all populations was inferred to be omnivorous, although it changed over time, adapting to the climatic and ecological conditions of the period. Bones from U. praekudarensis/kudarensis populations accumulated throughout the year; thus, microwear suggests an average annual diet dominated by plant resources. The widespread presence of hypercoarse scratches in U. kudarensis and U. praekudarensis populations suggests animal protein intake during the hyperphagia. The presence of omnivorous guild competitors and harsh conditions in a high-altitude environment could have driven the Caucasian cave bears to consume animal protein as a fallback diet during their predormancy period. Furthermore, the cave bears' capacity for dietary flexibility through time highlights the ability of cave bears to withstand climatic changes, while competition with other omnivorous species could have driven their dietary niche during their hyperphagia period towards animal protein consumption throughout the Middle to Late Pleistocene.

Study of Clinical and Haematological Profile of Vitamin b12 Deficiency and to Check Response to Vitamin b12 Therapy

Objectives: Vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) deficiency has been a known clinical entity for long time. Average Indian diet is deficient in vitamin B12. Deficiency of vitamin is associated with a wide spectrum of haematologic and neuropsychiatric disorders that can often be reversed by early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Diagnosis is easy and treatment ids cheap. Hence, we conducted this study to find patterns of presentation in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency with haematological profile and to check response to therapy. Material and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted between September 2016 and November 2018 in the Department of Medicine at Government Medical College, Nagpur, India. One hundred patients whose serum vitamin B12 level was &lt;250 pg/mL were included in the study. Results: Mean vitamin B12 level in patients was 162.64 ± 43.31 pg/mL. Most of patients were male and deficiency was common among vegetarians. History of alcoholism was present in 41% of patients. The most common complaint was fatigue present in 87% of patients. Most common neuropsychiatric complaint was tingling and numbness (14%). Most common sign elicited was pallor in 96% of patients while icterus and knuckle hyperpigmentation was present in 57% and 74% of patients, respectively. Mean haemoglobin (Hb) among cases was 6.09 ± 2.21 g/dL. After treatment, all the patients showed a dramatic response in Hb level, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume. Conclusion: Deficiency of vitamin B12 is associated with plethora of clinical manifestations. Males, alcoholics and vegetarians are at risk. Early treatment halts late complications.

Following Through: The Impact of Culinary Medicine on Mediterranean Diet Uptake in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recommended for all patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) unless there is a specific contraindication. Culinary medicine has emerged as a method for improving dietary education. Patients and caregivers are often invested in making dietary changes to improve disease control. Here, we examine the dietary preferences of a group of young people with IBD and apply culinary medicine techniques with an in-person MD-focused cooking class. A survey evaluating dietary attitudes was sent to an IBD email listserv at our tertiary care center (n = 779). A validated questionnaire, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents was used to assess MD adherence. IBD dietitians customized 2 in-person MD-focused cooking classes, one for children 6 to 12 years of age (arm 1) and one for adolescents 13 to 17 years of age (arm 2). Baseline, 1-month follow-up, and 3-month follow-up surveys were completed. There were 112 survey responses. Participants were 67.0% male with diagnosis of Crohn's disease (50.0%), ulcerative colitis (42.0%), or IBD unclassified (8.0%). Most were managed on advanced therapies (82.0%). Most reported making decisions about diet (82.0%) in order to help with IBD, had met with a dietitian (69.0%), and were interested in learning more about the MD (55.3%). MD scores were primarily in the average (49.5%) and poor (41.1%) diet categories. Only those eating together as a family 3 or more times per week or those who had met with a dietitian scored in the optimal diet category. The median MD score at baseline was 4.5, increasing to 6.0 at 1 month and 7.0 at 3 months postintervention. Almost all (90%) would recommend cooking classes to others. Common barriers to MD uptake included lack of knowledge about which foods to prepare, concern about taste, and time to prepare food. This study showcases high patient and caregiver interest in dietary management of IBD and demonstrates efficacy of education via application of culinary medicine. Classes were well received by families and MD adherence scores increased postintervention. As patients with IBD and their families are often motivated to incorporate dietary therapy into their care, this work highlights the role of culinary medicine and value of future study.

Changes in Gut Microbiota and Plasma, Fecal, and Urinary Metabolites Following Mediterranean Diets With Varying Quantities of Lean Beef Compared to an Average American Diet

Changes in Gut Microbiota and Plasma, Fecal, and Urinary Metabolites Following Mediterranean Diets With Varying Quantities of Lean Beef Compared to an Average American Diet

Sex-specific diet differences in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) via spatial assortment.

The lack of recovery of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Pacific Northwest has been blamed in part on predation by pinnipeds, particularly the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). Previous work at a limited number of locations has shown that male seal diet contains more salmon than that of female seals and that sex ratios at haul-out sites differ spatiotemporally. This intrapopulation variation in predation may result in greater effects on salmon than suggested by models assuming equal spatial distribution and diet proportion. To address the generality of these patterns, we examined the sex ratios and diet of male and female harbor seals from 13 haul-out sites in the inland waters of Washington State and the province of British Columbia during 2012-2018. DNA metabarcoding was conducted to determine prey species proportions of individual scat samples. The sex of harbor seals was then determined from each scat matrix sample with the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We analyzed 2405 harbor seal scat samples using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to examine the factors influencing harbor seal sex ratio at haul-out sites and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to examine the influence of sex and haul-out site on harbor seal diet composition. We found that the overall sex ratio was 1:1.02 (female:male) with notable spatiotemporal variation. Salmoniformes were about 2.6 times more abundant in the diet of males than in the diet of females, and Chinook salmon comprised ca. three times more of the average male harbor seal's diet than the average female's diet. Based on site-specific sex ratios and diet data, we identified three haul-out sites where Chinook salmon appear to be under high predation pressure by male harbor seals: Cowichan Bay, Cutts Area, and Fraser River. Our study indicates that combining sex-specific pinniped diet data with the sex ratio of haul-out sites can help identify priority sites of conservation concern.

A Cross-sectional Study on Dietary Diversity and Diet Cost in Type 2 Diabetic Population

Background: Globally, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is considered a major public health disease, influenced by nutrition and lifestyle patterns. The majority of people worldwide consume nutritionally poor, cereal-based diets. Therefore, assessing dietary diversity, macronutrient intake, and food costs is essential for better diabetes management. Objective: To compare the dietary diversity of the Type 2 diabetic population with estimated dietary costs and other relevant parameters. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 adult Type 2 adult diabetic population. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on dietary diversity using the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS), Food Variety Score (FVS) and diet cost estimation using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. FVS was associated with nutrition status, Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), macronutrient consumption, socio economic status and the average daily diet cost of the study population. Results: The majority of the population were overweight. 50% of the population had low dietary diversity and had uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c of 7-8%. Dietary diversity influenced the nutritional status of diabetic people. There was no difference between socioeconomic and living status, HbA1c and FVS. Females had higher per day cost when compared to males. Mean per day increased with the increase in the macronutrient consumption. Conclusion: Diabetic patients often have low dietary diversity, which affects their nutritional status. Therefore, dietary diversity, along with diet cost, is integral to the effective nutritional care of the diabetic population.

LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN COUNTRYSIDE AND THE COUNTRY’S FOOD SECURITY

Agricultural production is one of the most important components of the economy of every country, as it guarantees their food security. The livestock products market occupies an important place in the general food market of Ukraine. Ensuring the needs of the population with food products produced from the products provided by the livestock industry depends on its development. However, the actual state of the industry during the last 30 years does not correspond to potential opportunities and is characterized by a reduction in the number of almost all types of farm animals. In the 90s of the last century, after a short-lived reform of the agro-industrial complex, livestock farming in Ukraine underwent negative changes. The population of agricultural animals in large agricultural enterprises (collective farms and state farms) began to decrease at a catastrophic pace, productivity decreased, production became unprofitable and product quality deteriorated, the country’s export potential decreased and the social living conditions of the rural population worsened. All this puts national food security at risk. The article analyzes the state of animal husbandry development in the period 1991–2021 and found that after 1990, the production of the main livestock products moved to private homesteads of peasants, to small areas of homestead plots. Most of the peasants in their households keep pigs (68.4%), sheep and goats (78%), poultry (79.5%), rabbits (99.5%) and bee colonies (88.3%). It was established that in 2021, the production of meat and meat products amounted to 70.1%, milk and dairy products — 44.6% of those produced in 1991, but the production of eggs increased by 8.3% compared to 1991. It was found that the low level of income does not allow Ukrainians to eat well. In 2021, the level of consumption of meat and meat products by the population of Ukraine amounted to 71% of the rational norm and exceeded the minimum necessary norm by only 9.2%. Ukrainians also do not consume enough milk and dairy products — 53.1% of the rational norm, and only eggs — an almost rational norm (95.9%). At the same time, it should be noted that 29% of the average daily diet of Ukrainians is provided by the consumption of products of animal origin. The influence of the enemy’s military actions on the livestock industry of Ukraine is given. Significant losses of farm animals and poultry and ecological damage to the natural environment for decades to come have been caused due to the destruction of animals and the inability to dispose of them in time and in accordance with the rules.

Diet and trophic structure of fishes in the Barents Sea: Effects of size within (ontogenetic) and between species

A large data set on stomach content (over 27,000 individual fish) – collected in the Barents Sea in 2015 – was used to examine ontogenetic and interspecific changes in diet with size for 35 fish species. The analysis combined the use of hierarchical clustering and random forest. Two different diet metrics were used (% weight of prey types per weight of stomach content or per weight of fish, the latter reflecting also feeding intensity), and data were analysed based on average diet of predator groups (species and size groups) across the entire sample series (from the whole Barents Sea in different seasons), or for data broken down by geographical areas and seasons. Similar trophic groups (clusters) were identified for the various data sets suggesting that the results on trophic structure were robust. The trophic groups including size information were broadly similar to groups found earlier with data averaged at species level. Hierarchical clustering produces a hierarchy of trophic groups (or trophic guilds) at various levels of diet dissimilarity. With 12 clusters identified, one cluster had fish as dominant prey, and 5–6 others had either plankton or benthos as dominant prey. The clusters tended to be distinct and homogenous with one dominant prey category in average diet (often > 60 %). This was especially the case for the plankton clusters, with copepods, euphausiids, hyperiid amphipods, or gelatinous zooplankton as dominant prey in each of 4 trophic groups. The benthos clusters tended to be less dissimilar with more overlap in diet composition, with predominance of either hard-shelled forms (echinoderms and molluscs) or softer prey (polychaetes and crustaceans) for groups of clusters. There were clear patterns of ontogenetic shifts in fish diet. Fish that clustered as piscivores at larger size tended to grow from being planktivores when smaller. Smaller species of planktivores or benthivores shifted position among trophic groups but remained within the categories of planktivores or benthivores, respectively. Taxonomy (species) tended to be more important than size for explaining the diet composition of the different clusters of fish predators.

Prevalence and Implementation Characteristics of Weekend Food Assistance Programs in U.S. Schools

IntroductionAmid national efforts to align priorities for nutrition and food assistance programs, little is known about the implementation of community-led efforts for children. This study aimed to estimate U.S. public school participation in weekend backpack programs (WBPs), to document program structure, and to consider characteristics of programs with more nutritious food offerings. MethodsThe prevalence of WBP participation in 2022 was estimated using a state-stratified, random sample of n=413 public schools. Administrators from WBPs at 49 schools completed measures of implementation characteristics and nutritional quality of foods offered. In 2022-2023, using a multivariable-adjusted linear regression model, the authors explored the association between hypothesized implementation characteristics and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 scores of foods provided. ResultsHalf of public schools (53.7%, 95% CI: 46.8%, 60.7%) in the national sample reported participating in WBPs. Many WBPs in the subsample were affiliated with anti-hunger organizations (41%), led by school counselors and volunteers (55%), and funded by grants (51%). WBPs spent an average of $0.56 (sd=$0.36) per item. Foods provided averaged an HEI-2015 score of 58.4 (sd=12.3), similar to children's average diets. About half of WBPs (41%) reported accessing nutrition resources. ConclusionsDespite the decentralized structure and absence of dedicated funding mechanisms, WBPs were common in our national sample of schools, suggesting widespread perceptions of unmet food needs and extensive efforts from community members to mitigate weekend hunger. Further research on food procurement methods and program impacts on child nutrition outcomes is needed to advance national priorities for nutrition and food security.

China's dietary transition and its impact on cropland demand for sustainable agriculture

China's rapid economic development and urbanization have significantly shifted dietary patterns, increasing stress on cropland. This study addresses the need to quantify cropland demand under different dietary scenarios using the latest consistent, balanced, and physical Food and Agriculture Biomass Input–Output dataset for China (FABIO-CHN) dataset, which offers the highest sectorial resolution for agricultural products. Employing an environmentally extended multi-regional input-output (EE-MRIO) analysis, we estimated domestic cropland demand driven by various dietary patterns, including food consumption away from home and food waste. We found that most dietary patterns would increase China's domestic cropland demand except the EAT-Lancet diet and the Japanese diet, ranging from −7.0 Mha to 55.2 Mha. However, the cropland footprint demand for meat and grain consumption would decrease for all scenarios, with values between −44.8 Mha and − 5.8 Mha for meat consumption while −12.2 Mha and − 3.3 Mha for grain consumption. The current average diet in China aligns more closely with the Japanese or Mediterranean diet. However, changes in cropland demand would vary from province due to diverse dietary structures. For instance, the per-capita cropland footprint is highest in Tibet and Qinghai due to traditional meat-rich diets. Our findings highlight the critical need for region-specific dietary guidelines and contributions to global sustainability challenges such as agricultural land expansion, and food security. While shifting toward more plant-based diets like the EAT-Lancet or Japanese diet could mitigate cropland stress, tailored policies considering regional dietary habits and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are essential for supporting China's dietary transition and sustainable cropland use.

Consumer resistance diminishes environmental gains of dietary change

The environmental gains of dietary change are often assessed in relation to average national diets, overlooking differences in individual consumption habits and people’s willingness to change. This study combines microdata on food intake and consumer behaviour to elicit the likely environmental gains of dietary shifts. We focus on the Netherlands owing to the country’s ambition to halve its dietary footprint by 2050. Linking food recall survey data from a cross-section of the population (n = 4313), life cycle inventory analysis for 220 food products, and behavioural survey data (n = 1233), we estimate the dietary footprints of consumer groups across water, land, biodiversity and greenhouse gas (GHG). We find that meat and dairy significantly contribute to the dietary GHG footprint (59%), land footprint (54%), and biodiversity footprint (59%) of all consumer groups and that male consumers impose a 30%–32% greater burden than women across these impact areas. Our scenario analysis reveals that simply replacing cow milk with soy milk could reduce the GHG, land and biodiversity footprints by ≈8% if widely adopted by the Dutch adult population. These footprints could be further reduced to ≈20% with full adoption of the EAT-Lancet diet but with a significantly increased blue water footprint. However, when incorporating gender- and age-specific willingness to reduce meat and dairy consumption, the environmental gains resulting from partial adoption of the No-Milk diet and EAT diet diminish to a mere ≈0.8% and ≈4.5%, respectively. Consequently, consumer motivation alone is insufficient to realise the significant environmental gains often promised by dietary change. Yet, substituting high-impact food products offers a near-term opportunity to accelerate a rapid sustainable dietary transition. Future studies on sustainable dietary transition must incorporate consumer behaviour to fully comprehend the lock-in of food consumption patterns and targeted policy action required to secure a sustainable food future.