Dietary recommendations in Spain –affordability and environmental sustainability?

Abstract

Global food demand is increasing due to population growth and dietary transitions, resulting from rising incomes, are associated with increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Improving the sustainability of the food sector is also critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This study assesses for the first time the greenhouse gases emissions (Carbon Footprint – CF), the water footprint (WF) and the cost of three omnivorous diets recommended in Spain due to their health benefits: the Mediterranean diet (MD), the Southern European Atlantic diet (SEAD) and the Spanish dietary guidelines (NAOS). Analysis was conducted using standard Life Cycle Assessment and WF methods together with current Spanish food price data. The dietary energy recommendation of the SEAD is greater than that of MD and NAOS (11 and 15% respectively), and SEAD also has greater animal source food content than the other two diets. SEAD has a concomitantly higher CF, WF and cost scores in comparison with MD (+30%, +23% and +21% respectively) and NAOS (+15%, +9% and +21% respectively). Adjusting recommendations to meet the suggested Spanish adult dietary energy of 2228 kcal.capita −1 .day −1 changed the environmental profiles of the diets and the NAOS has the highest environmental impact. However, the isocaloric diets had approximately the same cost. Analysis of the WF of the diets identified the major contribution of precipitation (the green WF) to the overall WF (88% of the total) and the significant contribution of animal-source foods to dietary WF. Regardless of the dietary scenario, better scores were identified for the Spanish recommendations analysed than those reported for other healthy diets identified in Europe. Differences in the recommended intake levels of certain food groups, cooking techniques and the origin of food products are behind these results. Environmental indicators should be considered alongside nutrition and health metrics when defining national dietary guidelines. Supporting citizens to follow healthy and environmentally-friendly dietary recommendations through, among other things, information campaigns and nutritional education programmes is essential. It is recommended the incorporation not only of health, but also of environmental indicators of these dietary options in the national dietary guidelines, as well as implementation of information campaigns and nutritional education programs among citizens to promote their adhesion since balanced dietary habits rich on plant-based products and low on animal-based ones involve multiple health and environmental benefits.

Environmental and nutritional analysis of the EAT-Lancet diet at the individual level: insights from the NutriNet-Santé study

“…In addition, the Mediterranean Diet, permitting some animal food (such as diary) consumption is often advanced as a sustainable diet ( 41). Indeed, one study documented a higher GHGe (+15%) and water use (+9%) for a diet based on the Spanish dietary guidelines compared to the Mediterranean diet (González-García et al, 2020). However, it has also been reported that Mediterranean Diet had a global warming potential about twice that of the vegan diet (Castañé and Antón, 2017).…”

Exploring Sustainable Food Choices Factors and Purchasing Behavior in the Sustainable Development Goals Era in Spain

“…Even though current societies are the most developed and informed, there is still uncertainty about what specific dietary recommendations should be followed [63]. González-García et al [64] claimed the incorporation not only of health, but also of environmental indicators, on dietary options in the Spanish national dietary guidelines, to promote their adhesion to balance and sustainable dietary habits.…”

Reshaping the Traditional Pattern of Food Consumption in Romania through the Integration of Sustainable Diet Principles. A Qualitative Study

“…As for the key messages clustered in the third pillar (general recommendations addressing health and sustainability), our suggestion is that they be conceived as a catchy checking list of recommended actions, such as be active, stay hydrated, drink alcohol in moderation, eat small servings, limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods, reduce sugar consumption, be flexitarian, use a shopping list, check food labels, reduce your household's food waste and loss, consider environment when cleaning, etc. Each recommended action should provide with a brief description, based on scientific evidence [46,[130][131][132][133]. In Figures 2 and 3, we suggest the appropriate description in case of few recommended actions.…”