Cultures of Nutrition: Classification, Food Policy, and Health

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cultural Anthropology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Nutrition policy often assumes a universal, acultural application of scientific knowledge.
• This approach can overlook significant cultural values embedded within nutrition science and policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cultural values embedded in nutrition guidelines in Mexico and Guatemala.
• To highlight the need for recognizing and addressing "cultures of nutrition" in policy-making.
• To propose adaptive approaches for culturally diverse nutrition policy contexts.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of food guidelines from Mexico and Guatemala.
• Examination of embedded cultural values such as standardization and individual responsibility.
• Conceptualization of "cultures of nutrition".

Main Results:

• Nutrition guidelines in Mexico and Guatemala reveal embedded cultural values.
• Standardization and individual responsibility are prominent, often unrecognized, cultural assumptions.
• Existing policies may not adequately address diverse cultural contexts.

Conclusions:

• Nutrition policy requires greater attention to the cultural values within nutrition science.
• Guidelines should acknowledge diverse "cultures of nutrition" beyond just other people's cultures.
• An adaptive policy-making approach is necessary for navigating colliding cultures of nutrition.