Results of a systematic analysis for the Global
Burden of Disease Study 2017, published online April 3, 2019 in The Lancet show
that dietary factors accounted for 11 million deaths in 2017 and inadequate
intakes of healthy foods caused more deaths compared to excessive consumption
of unhealthy diet. And, improvement of diet could potentially prevent one in
every five deaths globally.
Analyses of data from epidemiologic studies showed
that globally, the largest deficiencies in healthy food consumption were
related to nuts, seeds, milk, and whole grains, whereas sugary drinks,
processed meats, and sodium were overconsumed. Nonoptimal consumption of whole grains,
fruits, and sodium accounted for more than 50% of deaths and 66% of
disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to diet.
· High intake of
sodium was the leading dietary risk for deaths and DALYs in China, Japan, and
Thailand.
· Low intake of
whole grains was the leading dietary risk factor for deaths and DALYs in the
USA, India, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia, Egypt, Germany, Iran and Turkey.
· Low intake of
fruits was the leading dietary risk associated with deaths and DALYs In
Bangladesh.
Leading dietary risk factors for mortality are
diets high in sodium, low in whole grains, low in fruit, low in nuts and seeds,
low in vegetables, and low in omega-3 fatty acids. Each of these factors
accounted for more than 2% of global deaths.
15 relevant dietary factors were identified:
· Diets low in
fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, milk, nuts and seeds, fiber,
calcium, seafood-derived omega-3 fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids
· Diets high in
red meats, processed meats, trans fatty acids, sugary drinks, and sodium
(Source: The Lancet. Published online April 3, 2019)
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
President Elect Confederation of
Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania
(CMAAO)
Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President Heart Care Foundation of
India
Past National President
IMA
