A Comparative Study Between the Dietary Pattern in Argentina and International Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Environmental Sustainability
• Public Health

Background:

• Current food systems threaten human health and environmental sustainability, promoting ultra-processed foods and leading to a global obesity pandemic.
• Obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases, necessitating urgent action towards healthy and sustainable diets.
• The EAT-Lancet Commission (EAT-LC) proposes healthy dietary patterns for a growing global population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare EAT-Lancet Commission's dietary patterns for Latin America and the Caribbean with Argentina's specific consumption.
• To analyze Argentine dietary habits against the EAT-LC's healthy and sustainable pattern.
• To assess the availability of food groups in Argentina relative to EAT-LC recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of consumption patterns using 11 food groups as reference.
• Analysis of Argentine dietary habits and food availability data.
• Evaluation against EAT-Lancet Commission's proposed healthy and sustainable dietary pattern.

Main Results:

• Argentine dietary patterns significantly deviate from EAT-LC recommendations, with 200% higher meat consumption and 78% lower legume consumption.
• Argentina's food availability exceeds recommendations for meat (13.4x), starchy vegetables (2.4x), and eggs (2.3x).
• Availability falls short for vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish compared to EAT-LC guidelines.

Conclusions:

• EAT-Lancet Commission's LA&C dietary patterns are not representative of Argentina.
• Significant disparities exist between Argentine consumption habits and recommended healthy, sustainable diets.
• Addressing cultural aspects is crucial for transforming eating habits towards health and sustainability goals.