联合国粮农组织-陆生动物源性食物对改善营养和健康结果的健康饮食的贡献（英）-2023.4-296页_6mb

Summary of "Contribution of terrestrial animal source food to healthy diets for improved nutrition and health outcomes"

Core Content

This document, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2023, provides a comprehensive evidence and policy overview on the role of terrestrial animal source food (TASF) in promoting nutrition and health outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of TASF in meeting global nutrition targets and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in addressing malnutrition in all its forms.

Main Viewpoints

• TASF and Nutrition: Terrestrial animal source foods contribute significantly to healthy diets by providing high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, and choline. These nutrients are crucial for human development and health across the life course.

• Dietary Patterns and Agrifood Systems: TASF plays a vital role in dietary patterns, especially in regions where crop production is less viable. However, the livestock sector faces challenges including environmental impact, animal welfare, and public health risks.

• Nutrient Composition: TASFs offer better nutrient bioavailability and digestibility compared to plant-based foods, particularly for proteins and certain micronutrients. The composition of TASFs varies based on the animal species, breed, feeding system, and production environment.

• Health Impacts: TASF consumption can improve nutrient status, anthropometry, and bone health. It also has implications for immune system function and the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, there are concerns about zoonotic and food-borne diseases.

• Food Safety and Risks: Biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and prions are associated with TASF. Chemical hazards like agrochemicals and environmental contaminants also pose risks. Food safety management is essential to mitigate these risks.

• Emerging Topics: The document explores novel products such as insect-based foods, cell-cultured meat, and the role of foodomics and the human microbiome in relation to TASF. It also discusses the integration of TASF into sustainable diets.

• Policy and Recommendations: There is a need for policies that promote the consumption of TASF while addressing sustainability and health concerns. The document outlines recommendations from food-based dietary guidelines and highlights the importance of scientific evidence in shaping these policies.

Key Information

• TASF Types: Includes eggs, milk, meat, hunting and wildlife products, and insect-based foods.

• Nutrient Importance:

  • Macronutrients: TASF provides high-quality proteins, fats, and energy.
  • Micronutrients: Essential for growth, development, and disease prevention, including vitamin A, B12, iron, zinc, and choline.

• Nutrient Bioavailability:

  • Iron and zinc in red meat are more bioavailable than in plant-based foods.
  • Eggs are rich in choline and long-chain fatty acids.
  • Milk is a good source of calcium and other nutrients.

• Factors Influencing Nutrient Quality:

  • Animal Characteristics: Genetic traits, breed, and production environment.
  • Husbandry Practices: Feed systems, environmental conditions, housing, and food safety.

• Life Course Nutrition:

  • TASF supports maternal and child nutrition during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood.
  • It also contributes to adult and older adult health, particularly in terms of bone health, immune function, and NCD prevention.

• Allergies and Intolerances:

  • Milk sensitivity and egg hypersensitivity are noted as potential issues.

• Sustainability and Health:

  • TASF can be part of sustainable diets when managed responsibly.
  • The document highlights the need for balancing nutrition and sustainability in food systems.

• Evidence Gaps and Needs:

  • There are significant gaps in the evidence base regarding the impact of TASF on health and nutrition, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • More research is needed on the effects of genetic modification, environmental influences, and food safety management practices.

Structure of the Document

• Section A: Introduction and the world nutrition situation.
• Section B: Nutrient composition and value of TASF.
• Section C: Effects of TASF on health and nutrition over the life course.
• Section D: Food safety and food-borne diseases.
• Section E: Emerging topics related to TASF.
• Annex: Tables and figures providing detailed data on nutrient composition, policy recommendations, and evidence gaps.

References and Supporting Materials

• The document includes a wide range of references, tables, and figures to support its findings and recommendations.
• It also features a glossary and a list of external reviewers who contributed to the assessment.

Conclusion

The document underscores the critical role of TASF in promoting nutrition and health outcomes across the life course. It calls for a balanced approach to integrating TASF into sustainable food systems, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence, policy support, and improved food safety practices.