Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis

Álvarez-Álvarez, Laura; Fitó Colomer, Montserrat; Castañer, Olga; Zomeño Fajardo, María Dolores; Pérez Vega, Karla Alejandra; Martín Sánchez, Vicente

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2024.02.010

Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis

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Álvarez-Álvarez L, Vitelli-Storelli F, Rubín-García M, García S, Bouzas C, Ruíz-Canela M, et al. Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis. Public Health. 2024 May;230:12-20. DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.02.010

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD). Methods: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models. Results: After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption. Conclusions: A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.