South African Experts Contribute to Groundbreaking Study on Plant-Forward Diets Published in The Lancet

New study highlights the role of indigenous foods and gender perspectives in addressing nutritional gaps while promoting planetary sustainability. 

A study, “Recommendations to address the shortfalls of the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet from a plant-forward perspective,” co-authored by Dr. Nanine Wyma, Executive Director of the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa, and Catherine Ndinda, Research Director of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of South Africa has been published in The Lancet Planetary Health. The study addresses key criticisms of the planetary health diet (PHD). It advocates for its plant-forward foundation as essential for human health and planetary sustainability.

The planetary health diet, proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission in 2019, is a science-backed framework aimed at transforming global food systems by prioritising plant-based foods—such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes—with limited amounts of animal-source foods (ASF). Despite its global relevance, concerns have been raised about its adequacy in meeting micronutrient requirements, particularly for women of reproductive age, and the potential challenges of its plant-forward approach. In this study, the authors address various shortfalls in the PHD, including the lack of integration of the One Health approach and the lack of an acknowledgement of the importance of Indigenous foods within the diet.

The study, conducted in collaboration with ProVeg International, Umeå University, and the University of Göttingen, identities key areas where the PHD can better meet the nutritional needs of diverse populations. In the study, Dr. Wyma emphasised the importance of incorporating a rich diversity of indigenous plant-based foods into diets. “Indigenous foods are a vital component of our food heritage, offering nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits. They are climate-resilient, nutrient-dense, and culturally significant, yet they remain underutilised in modern food systems,” said Dr. Wyma.

The study advocates for including Indigenous foods in dietary guidelines and food policies to enhance food security and resilience. It cites Brazil and Canada as examples of countries that have integrated Indigenous foods into their national food-based dietary guidelines. Catherine Ndinda from HSRC South Africa highlighted the importance of gender-sensitive approaches to nutrition. “Women of reproductive age have unique nutritional requirements that cannot be met by simply increasing meat consumption, as previously suggested. Social norms and economic factors influence food choices, and plant-forward diets provide sustainable, health-promoting options that align with gender-specific needs,” she explained.

Research cited in the study reveals that plant-based diets can help prevent health conditions prevalent among women, such as obesity, heart disease, breast cancer, and other cancers while also addressing micronutrient deficiencies through strategic dietary planning.

The study also explores the One Health approach, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Dr. Wyma underscored the importance of reducing reliance on animal-sourced foods to mitigate risks such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic disease spillovers. “The One Health approach provides a holistic lens through which we can evaluate our food systems and prioritise plant-forward diets to safeguard both human and planetary health,” she stated. Addressing foodborne illnesses and environmental degradation caused by industrial animal agriculture is crucial for achieving sustainable dietary solutions in South Africa and beyond.

The authors urge policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society to recognise the value of plant-forward diets in addressing public health challenges. “A shift towards plant-based nutrition is not only necessary for our health but also for the sustainability of our food systems,” added Dr. Wyma.

ENDS

ProVeg Media Contact

ProVeg South Africa – Wikus Engelbrecht – Communications Manager: [email protected]; +27 64 172 0120

About ProVeg South Africa:

ProVeg South Africa is the local branch of ProVeg International. ProVeg is an international food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing conventional animal-based products with plant-based and cultured alternatives.

ProVeg works with international decision-making bodies, governments, food producers, investors, the media, and the general public to help the world transition to a society and economy that are less dependent on animal agriculture and more sustainable for humans, animals, and the planet.

About PAN South Africa

Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa, established in 2020, is the national chapter of a global medical non-profit organisation in over 10 countries. We work with health professionals, students and policymakers on the role of plant-forward dietary patterns for chronic disease, climate change and pandemic risk.

PAN Media Contact 

Physicians Association for Nutrition South Africa –  Shaiyah Nosipho Luthuli  – Communications Manager

Email: [email protected]; +27 72 579 5222