Study Questions Whether Dietary Guidelines Fully Support Healthy and Sustainable Eating

A new international study has examined how food-based dietary guidelines are being used by nutrition and health professionals and whether these recommendations adequately support both healthy eating and environmental sustainability.

The researchers reviewed national dietary guidelines from more than 100 countries and surveyed professionals working in nutrition and related fields. The analysis found that although many professionals regularly refer to their country's dietary guidelines, there are differences in how useful they consider them when advising people about healthy and sustainable food choices.

About 80.5% of the professionals surveyed reported using their national dietary guidelines in their work. However, only 57.6% considered the guidelines at least somewhat helpful for promoting food choices that are both healthy and environmentally sustainable.

The study also identified areas where respondents believed dietary guidance could be strengthened. Foods such as pulses, nuts, seeds and plant-based milk alternatives were reported as receiving comparatively limited attention in many national recommendations.

Dietary guidelines have traditionally concentrated on nutritional requirements and the prevention of diet-related disease. Increasing concerns about climate change, resource consumption and the environmental effects of food production have led researchers to examine whether dietary advice should also incorporate sustainability considerations.

The researchers noted that dietary guidance differs considerably between countries because recommendations are influenced by local food cultures, health priorities, food availability and national circumstances. As a result, approaches suitable for one population may not necessarily be directly transferable to another.

The findings suggest that further development of dietary guidelines could involve closer consideration of both nutritional quality and environmental impact. The study also points to the need for clearer and more practical guidance that health professionals can use when discussing sustainable food choices with the public.

The research provides an international assessment of current dietary guidance and identifies areas that may require further attention as countries consider how nutrition recommendations should evolve.

24-09-2026