New study: one in five deaths associated with poor nutrition worldwide

The study found that in 2017 more deaths were caused by diets containing too few good types of foods, such as whole grains and fruits, than by diets containing too much bad types of foods, such as trans fats and sugary drinks.

"This study confirms what many have been thinking for years: a poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor in the world," said Dr. Christopher Murray, author of the study, director of the # 39; Institute of Metrology and Health Assessment of the University of Toronto. Washington, United States.

"Although sodium, sugar and fat have been the subject of political debate over the past two decades, our badessment suggests that the major risk factors for diet are high sodium intake or low consumption. healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits and nuts, and seeds and vegetables.The paper also highlights the need for comprehensive interventions to promote the production, distribution and consumption of foods. healthy foods in all countries. "

The research looked at 15 dietary items and found that diets high in sodium, whole grains and fruit accounted for more than half of the world's dietary deaths in 2017. The causes of these deaths included: 10 millions deaths from cardiovascular disease, 913,000 cancer deaths, and almost 339,000 deaths from type 2 diabetes.

More troublesome, the researchers found that no region in the world was eating the optimum amount of all 15 dietary factors, although some regions have managed to consume certain food items in the proper amounts.

The most problematic areas

The largest and most problematic deficits in optimal intake were observed for nuts and seeds, milk and whole grains. For example, on average, the world has consumed only 12% of the recommended amount of nuts and seeds.

On the other hand, the largest and most dangerous excesses have been observed for sugary drinks, processed meat and sodium. For example, the world has drunk about ten times the recommended amount of sugary drinks.

The authors called for a new approach to healthy nutrition aimed at promoting the healthy foods needed for optimal nutrition.

"Despite the limitations, the current findings of the GBD provide evidence to shift attention, as the authors argue, from a focus on food restriction to the promotion of drug components." Healthy Food in a Global Context This evidence strongly supports the need to switch foods to foods Nita G Forouhi, Epidemiology Unit of the Medical Research Council, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.