The 2015 Dutch food-based dietary guidelines

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Developing effective food-based dietary guidelines is crucial for public health.
• Previous guidelines may not fully incorporate the latest scientific evidence on diet and chronic disease risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive comprehensive, evidence-based food-based dietary guidelines for the Dutch population.
• To update and formulate new dietary recommendations based on systematic reviews of scientific literature.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 29 systematic reviews of meta-analyses on nutrients, foods, and food patterns.
• Included randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies examining 10 major chronic diseases and three risk factors.
• Categorized evidence strength (strong, weak, inconsistent, insufficient) for guideline derivation.

Main Results:

• Formulated a general guideline promoting plant-based diets and limiting animal-based foods.
• Established 15 specific guidelines, including 10 new ones on various food groups (legumes, nuts, meat, dairy, etc.).
• Updated guidelines on vegetables, fruits, fish, and alcohol, while maintaining the salt guideline.

Conclusions:

• Food-based dietary guidelines can be systematically and transparently derived using robust scientific evidence.
• The updated guidelines provide a clear framework for healthier dietary patterns in the Dutch population.
• Emphasis on plant-based foods and limiting animal products is supported by strong scientific evidence.