Nutritional Adequacy of the Planetary Health Diet Improved by More Nutrient-Rich Foods: Analyses of the FAO Food Composition Tables for Western Africa

Abstract

The EAT-Lancet planetary health diet (PHD) was designed to meet nutritional needs while staying within planetary boundaries. This study tested nutrient adequacy of the PHD using the Food and Agriculture Organization Food Composition Tables for Western Africa (WAFCT). WAFCT food items (n=596) were aggregated into PHD categories (n=21). Median energy, protein and micronutrient content were calculated for each category. Protein amounts were corrected using the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). Priority micronutrients were iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and folate. Nutrient density of food categories was assessed by the Nutrient Rich Food Index. Median nutrient values were multiplied by food amounts to estimate PHD's nutritional value. Energy was estimated at 2,516 kcal/day. Total protein was estimated at 87 g/day before and 62 g/day after PDCAAS correction. The proposed amounts of calcium vitamin A and zinc were insufficient based on nutrient reference values. Folate, iron, and vitamin B12 were sufficient. Increasing suggested amounts of nutrient-rich beef and chicken livers, small dried fish, and pulses, while reducing whole grains and tree nuts led to a food plan that achieved reference values.