Associations between adherence to Japanese food guide spinning top and nutrient density, climate impacts, and monetary cost: findings from the Saitama Prefecture Nutrition Survey 2017.

purposeTo examine the associations between adherence to food-based dietary guidelines in Japan (Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top [JFGST]), considering food choices, specifically animal protein consumption pattern, and nutrient density, climate impact, and monetary costs.

methodsThe study used data from the 2017 Saitama Prefecture Nutrition Survey. A total of 479 participants (206 men and 273 women), aged 30-65 years from Saitama Prefecture, Japan, were analyzed. They were selected based on their completion of a self-administered questionnaire and a two-day dietary record showing plausible energy intake (those showing implausible energy intake were excluded). Adherence to the JFGST (original and modified scores incorporating white-to-red meat ratio), Nutrient-Rich Food index (NRF) 9.3, greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), and monetary costs were calculated from the dietary records. Multiple linear regressions were performed to examine the relationships between the JFGST scores, NRF9.3, GHGE, and monetary costs.

resultsHigher JFGST scores were associated with higher NRF9.3. No score showed a significant association with GHGE or monetary costs in men. In women, both scores were associated with higher GHGE and monetary costs; the association with GHGE was weaker with the modified score. After adjusting for energy intake, these significant associations disappeared.

conclusionsNutrient density increased with higher JFGST compliance in both sexes; however, GHGE showed a positive association only in women. The impact of considering animal protein consumption pattern on GHGE and monetary costs is limited. Further examination of specific food choices is necessary to improve the Japanese Food Guide and consider cost and climate impact.