This study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, aimed to assess adherence to the Planetary Health Diet and identify areas for improvement in the diets of U.S. adults. The Planetary Health Diet is a proposed sustainable and healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods to mitigate the environmental impacts of the global food system.
To measure adherence to the Planetary Health Diet, the researchers developed the Planetary Health Diet Index for the United States (PHDI-US) and analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. They focused on individuals aged 20 or older and obtained dietary information through computer-assisted, in-person interviews.
The PHDI-US consists of sixteen components, and each participant was assigned a total score based on their intake of these components. The study found significant disparities in adherence to the Planetary Health Diet across different race or ethnicity groups, with Non-Hispanic Asian individuals achieving the highest scores and Non-Hispanic Black individuals scoring significantly lower.
Income levels also influenced adherence to the Planetary Health Diet, with higher-income individuals obtaining higher PHDI-US scores. Linear regression analyses showed that nutrients found in animal-based foods were inversely related to PHDI-US scores, while nutrients abundant in plant-based foods showed a positive correlation.
The study also found a positive association between PHDI-US scores and the total healthy eating index (HEI)-2015, indicating that adherence to the Planetary Health Diet is linked to overall healthy eating patterns. Individuals who abstained from smoking and older participants also had higher PHDI-US scores.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the adherence to the Planetary Health Diet in the United States and highlights the need for interventions to improve dietary sustainability and quality. By promoting plant-based foods and addressing disparities in adherence, we can contribute to global environmental conservation and improve public health.
Sources:
– The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
– EAT-Lancet Commission
– National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)