Abstract
Introduction: Many dietary guidelines promote the substitution of animal proteins with plant-based proteins for health benefits but also to help transitioning toward more sustainable dietary patterns. The aim of this study was to examine the food and nutrient characteristics as well as the overall quality and costs of dietary patterns consistent with lower intakes of animal-based protein foods and with higher intakes of plant-based protein foods among French Canadian adults. Methods: Dietary intake data, evaluated with 24 h recalls, from 1,147 French-speaking adults of the PRÉDicteurs Individuels, Sociaux et Environnementaux (PREDISE) study conducted between 2015 and 2017 in Québec were used. Usual dietary intakes and diet costs were estimated with the National Cancer Institute’s multivariate method. Consumption of animal and plant-based protein foods was classified into quarters (Q) and differences in food and nutrient intakes, Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI)-2019 scores and diet costs across quarters were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for age and sex. Results: Participants with lower intakes of animal-based protein foods (Q1 vs. Q4) had a higher HEFI-2019 total score (+4.0 pts, 95% CI, 0.9 to 7.1) and lower daily diet costs (-1.9 $CAD, 95% CI, -2.6 to -1.2). Participants with higher intakes of plant-based protein foods (Q4 vs. Q1) had a higher HEFI-2019 total score (+14.6 pts, 95% CI, 12.4 to 16.9) but no difference in daily diet costs (0.0$CAD, 95% CI, -0.7 to 0.7). Discussion: In a perspective of diet sustainability, results from this study among French-speaking Canadian adults suggest that a shift toward a dietary pattern focused primarily on lower amounts of animal-based protein foods may be associated with a better diet quality at lower costs. On the other hand, transitioning to a dietary pattern focused primarily on higher amounts of plant-based protein foods may further improve the diet quality at no additional cost.
Generated Summary
This study, based on a cross-sectional design, utilized data from the web-based multicenter study PREDISE, which investigated the association between individual, social, and environmental factors and adherence to dietary guidelines. The research examined the food and nutrient characteristics, diet quality, and costs associated with dietary patterns among 1,147 French-speaking adults in Quebec, Canada. Dietary intake data were evaluated using 24-hour recalls, and usual dietary intakes and diet costs were estimated using the National Cancer Institute’s multivariate method. The study classified the consumption of animal- and plant-based protein foods into quarters to assess differences in food and nutrient intakes, Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI)-2019 scores, and diet costs. The research aimed to understand dietary patterns consistent with lower intakes of animal-based protein and higher intakes of plant-based protein among French-Canadian adults to inform more sustainable dietary practices.
Key Findings & Statistics
- The study analyzed data from 1,147 French-speaking adults.
- Participants with lower intakes of animal-based protein foods (Q1 vs. Q4) showed a higher HEFI-2019 total score (+4.0 pts, 95% CI, 0.9 to 7.1) and lower daily diet costs (-1.9 $CAD, 95% CI, -2.6 to -1.2).
- Participants with higher intakes of plant-based protein foods (Q4 vs. Q1) had a higher HEFI-2019 total score (+14.6 pts, 95% CI, 12.4 to 16.9) but no significant difference in daily diet costs (0.0 $CAD, 95% CI, -0.7 to 0.7).
- In the animal-based protein foods analysis, the mean intake for Q4 was 6.5 RA/2,500 kcal (SE, 0.3), while Q1 was 2.8 RA/2,500 kcal (SE, 0.1).
- Participants in Q1 (low animal-based protein) had higher intakes of whole grains (+0.3 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.6), plant-based protein foods (+0.5 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.8), other foods not recommended in the CFG-2019 (+0.8 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, 0.0 to 1.7), PUFA (+1.1%E, 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.5), and free sugars (+2.5%E, 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.8), while lower intakes of SFA (-2.1%E, 95% CI, -2.8 to -1.4) and sodium (-332 mg/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, -528 to -135).
- In the plant-based protein foods analysis, Q1 had a mean intake of 0.2 RA/2,500 kcal (SE, 0.0) and Q4 had a mean intake of 2.2 RA/2,500 kcal (SE, 0.1).
- Participants in Q4 (high plant-based protein) had higher intakes of vegetables and fruits (+1.8 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.4), whole grains (+0.9 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, 0.7 to 1.1), MUFA (+1.0%E, 95% CI, 0.5 to 1.6), and PUFA (+1.4%E, 95% CI, 0.9 to 1.8) and lower intakes of refined grains (-0.5 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, -0.8 to -0.2), animal-based protein foods (-0.8 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, -1.4 to -0.2), processed meats (-0.4 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, -0.5 to -0.2), other foods not recommended in the CFG-2019 (-1.5 RA/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, -2.2 to -0.8), SFA (-1.5%E, 95% CI, -2.2 to -0.7), free sugars (-3.3%E, 95% CI, -4.6 to -2.0), and sodium (-256 mg/2,500 kcal, 95% CI, -460 to -52).
- Less than 30% of the cohort was categorized into corresponding quarters of usual plant-based and animal-based protein food consumption.
Other Important Findings
- Participants with higher intakes of plant-based protein foods tended to be older, had lower BMIs, were less likely to smoke, and had higher education levels.
- The study observed a strong mismatch between the quarters of animal-based and plant-based protein food consumption.
- High plant-based protein food consumers may be more health-conscious.
- The quarter of the population with the highest consumption of plant-based protein foods still consumed approximately 4 RA of animal-based protein foods per day.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The data used were from 2015 to 2017, which may not represent current dietary patterns.
- Food price data did not include store type, season, or geographic location.
- The study sample had a relatively high education and income level.
- The study did not assess the environmental impact of the dietary patterns.
Conclusion
The findings from this study suggest that a dietary pattern characterized by lower amounts of animal-based protein foods may improve diet quality with lower daily diet costs among French-speaking Canadians. Shifting to a diet with more plant-based protein foods may further enhance diet quality at no additional cost. The study indicates that promoting plant-based dietary patterns, without fully excluding animal-based protein foods, is promising. This suggests the potential for improving diet quality and reducing costs by shifting towards plant-based protein, while also providing environmental benefits. The study highlights a disconnect between animal and plant-based protein intake, which is crucial for developing effective public health messaging. The findings emphasize that the adoption of healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns may be easier than previously thought because it may not require major changes in the diet. Encouraging the consumption of plant-based protein, without completely excluding animal-based protein foods, could be a key strategy in dietary guidelines, potentially improving both health and sustainability. Furthermore, more research is needed to assess and compare the environmental impacts of dietary patterns among French Canadians and other populations.