Dietary patterns – a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Abstract

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Background: A dietary pattern can be defined as the quantities, proportions, variety, or combination of foods and drinks typically consumed. The dietary pattern approach aims to place the emphasis on the total diet as a long-term health determinant, instead of focusing on separate foods and nutrients, which may interact or confound each other.

Aim: This scoping review describes the totality of evidence for the role of dietary patterns for health-related outcomes as a basis for setting and updating food-based dietary guidelines in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR2023).

Methods: We used evidence from ten qualified systematic reviews identified by the NNR2023 project. No additional literature search was conducted.

Results: Strong or moderate evidence linked dietary patterns high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, and legumes and low in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, sugary foods, and refined grains with beneficial health outcomes, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, bone health, and premature death. We also found limited evidence suggesting a relationship with the described dietary patterns in childhood and decreased risk of obesity and hypertension later in life. Most studies have been conducted among adult populations, and thus, there is a need for studies in certain subgroups, such as children and adolescents as well as the elderly.