The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 emphasize a decrease in meat consumption while encouraging an increase in the intake of vegetables, fruits, berries, grains, nuts, and pulses. Research from Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Copenhagen indicates that adherence to these guidelines correlates with a reduction in mortality rates.
Food-Based Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 consider the environmental impact of diet regarding greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, along with nitrogen and phosphorus usage. Image credit: SERP PAE.
Diets significantly contribute to climate change, accounting for approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions stemming from food production and consumption.
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 aim to balance human health with sustainability.
“Our research shows that middle-aged Swedish men and women who adhere to these guidelines enjoy a 23% reduction in mortality rates compared to those who do not, factoring in education, income, and physical activity,” stated Anne Baku Molch, a Ph.D. student at Aarhus University.
“Findings indicate a decline in mortality rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases among individuals who strictly follow these guidelines.”
This study analyzed data from over 76,000 Swedish men and women through two large population studies: the Swedish mammography cohort and the Swedish male cohort.
Since 1997, these participants have documented their dietary and lifestyle habits, establishing a solid foundation for investigating the relationship between diet and health.
“The implications of these findings hold significance for both human and planetary health,” commented Dr. Christina Derm from Aarhus University.
“Given that national dietary guidelines are rooted in Nordic nutrition recommendations, our findings are applicable across Scandinavian and Baltic nations.”
“We demonstrate that adherence to the entire set of guidelines contributes positively to public health.”
“Our research extends further; as the guidelines account for both nutritional value and environmental impacts, our study reveals that sustainable Scandinavian diets can enhance public health and positively influence climate, serving as a model for dietary sustainability in other regions globally.”
“This research confirms that following a Scandinavian diet can benefit both health and the climate.”
“However, we have yet to investigate the dietary impact on other health conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer.”
“We aim to explore these areas further in future studies.”
Survey findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition.
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Anne B. Molch et al. Development of Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 Food-based Diet Scores and Their Relationship with All-cause Mortality in Two Swedish Cohorts. Journal of Nutrition Published online on July 3, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.06.030
Source: www.sci.news
