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Safeguarding diet quality in a changing climate: a scoping review
Beaula Mutonhodza1,2, Melody Ndemera3, Laurencia Govender4
1Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Frontiers in Nutrition
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Climate change is reducing essential nutrients in staple crops like vegetables and grains. This shift towards nutrient-poor foods increases risks of hidden hunger and chronic diseases, necessitating climate-smart nutrition strategies.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Nutritional Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Climate change is a recognized factor impacting crop nutrient content, but comprehensive data is lacking.
- This review synthesizes existing research on climate change effects on the nutritional quality of key food crops.
- Focuses on vegetables, legumes, and grains, which are vital global food sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map and synthesize current knowledge regarding climate change and crop nutrient quality.
- To identify trends in nutrient composition of vegetables, legumes, and grains under changing climate conditions.
- To highlight the implications for global food security and human health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic online search of peer-reviewed experimental, meta-analytical, and modeling studies.
- Studies published between 1950 and 2024 were included.
- Standardized data extraction methods were employed for quality and consistency.
Main Results:
- Experimental data (132 studies) and meta-analyses (9 studies) indicated increased carbohydrates, simple sugars, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
- Significant decreases were observed in dietary fiber (-13%), folate (-30%), and essential minerals (-3% to -8%).
- Modeling studies (2 studies) projected potential global nutrient availability declines of up to -4% for protein and -3% for zinc and iron.
Conclusions:
- Staple foods are experiencing nutrient loss, contributing to a global rise in energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets.
- This trend exacerbates hidden hunger and increases the risk of chronic diseases.
- There is an urgent need for nutrition-sensitive climate adaptation strategies to mitigate these impacts.
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