As the world prepares for COP30, a new study has drawn attention to the growing need for national dietary guidelines to better support both public health and environmental sustainability. Conducted by ProVeg International and published in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, the research looks at how current food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) often overlook the critical role of plant-based diets in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and health-related issues.
The study, led by Anna-Lena Klapp, the Head of Research at ProVeg, evaluated national dietary guidelines from 100 countries. It found that despite the increasing scientific consensus on the importance of plant-based eating, the vast majority of these guidelines continue to prioritize animal-sourced foods and fail to provide adequate guidance on plant-based alternatives. This disconnect, according to the researchers, is a missed opportunity for governments to help people make healthier food choices that are better for the environment.
Animal agriculture’s environmental toll
The research highlights the extensive environmental impact of animal agriculture, which is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. The livestock sector, in particular, is identified as one of the most resource-intensive and polluting industries. As nations gather at COP30 to discuss ways to reduce emissions from various sectors, the study stresses the need for dietary changes to be part of the conversation.
It points out that animal products, especially red and processed meats, contribute not only to environmental degradation but also to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The overconsumption of meat, the study argues, should be addressed through national guidelines that encourage moderation and highlight healthier, plant-based alternatives.
The need for inclusive dietary guidelines
Despite the clear link between food choices and both public health and climate change, the study found that many national guidelines continue to promote animal-based foods without sufficient consideration of plant-based options. This includes a lack of recommendations for plant-based sources of key nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron. In fact, the study found that a significant portion of FBDGs do not even mention plant-based alternatives for these nutrients, leaving out millions of people who choose plant-based diets for health, ethical, or religious reasons.
“The absence of such recommendations undermines efforts to support diverse dietary preferences”
“Most guidelines recommend mainly animal-sourced foods in the protein group and present milk and dairy as a standalone food group without providing any information about alternative, plant-based food choices. Addressing these gaps is crucial to ensuring that FBDGs remain relevant to a broad spectrum of dietary preferences, including those motivated by ecological, ethical, religious, and cultural factors.” noted Klapp.
The study proposes that dietary guidelines be revised to address this oversight by expanding food group classifications to include plant-based proteins, offering more specific guidance on limiting the consumption of animal-sourced foods, and including advice on how to maintain a balanced diet with plant-based alternatives.
Cultural and economic implications
Beyond health and environmental considerations, the study also draws attention to the cultural and economic factors that influence dietary choices. For many people, especially in low-income regions, plant-based diets are not only a health preference but a necessity due to the high cost and limited availability of animal products. The inclusion of plant-based alternatives in dietary guidelines, therefore, could help make healthy eating more accessible to a broader population, particularly in areas where animal products are prohibitively expensive.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes that national guidelines should be culturally sensitive, reflecting the diverse dietary habits and preferences of different populations. For example, in countries with large vegetarian or vegan communities, such as India, Ethiopia, and Israel, guidelines must offer detailed advice on how to maintain a balanced diet without animal products, particularly for those following religious or ethical dietary practices.
The role of dietary guidelines in global health
Klapp’s study also argues that national dietary guidelines play a crucial role in addressing the global rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are often linked to poor diet choices. The study explains that plant-based diets, when well-planned, have been shown to offer protection against obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. However, without proper guidance from FBDGs, many individuals may struggle to navigate the complexities of plant-based eating, leading to nutritional deficiencies or imbalanced diets.
To remedy this, the research calls for clear, science-based guidance on how to achieve a healthy and sustainable diet through plant-based foods, while ensuring that all nutrient needs—particularly for protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12—are met. Providing such guidance, Klapp asserts, would help support individuals who want to reduce their consumption of animal products and adopt healthier, more sustainable eating habits.
The path forward
As COP30 approaches, governments are urged to revise their dietary guidelines to prioritize health and sustainability, particularly in light of the growing body of evidence linking plant-based diets to positive environmental and health outcomes. Clear, evidence-based recommendations on plant-based eating could help drive the global transition toward more sustainable food systems, reducing emissions, promoting better health outcomes, and enhancing food security worldwide.