Maximizing cardiovascular benefits of fish consumption within the One Health approach: Should current recommendations be revised?

AIMS: Current dietary recommendations on fish consumption for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention put somewhat vague emphasis on fatty fish, mainly driven by evidence on the cardioprotective effects of n-3 PUFAs. Recent data on the consumption of different types of fish in relation to hard cardiovascular endpoints suggests that fatty but not lean fish can contribute to CVD prevention. This considered, we aimed at evaluating, by an environmental perspective, fish consumption limited to the fatty type - in appropriate amounts for optimizing CVD prevention - within the European context. DATA SYNTHESIS: Starting from the current average intake of total fish by the European population (i.e., 2 servings/week of fatty plus lean fish), we show that the shift towards the consumption of 2 servings/week of solely fatty fish - appropriate for optimizing CVD prevention - would allow a 32% saving of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to fish consumption. This is due to the lower environmental impact of fatty fish globally considered, compared to lean fish. However, since the carbon footprint of different fatty fish species can vary significantly - with small blue fish (e.g., anchovies, sardines, herrings) in the lowest range, we estimated that GHG emissions due to fish consumption in Europe could be reduced by 82% by focusing on small blue fish consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of 2 servings/week of small blue fish could represent a feasible and effective choice among the functional dietary strategies available to achieve the maximal benefits for human and environmental health.

Recent Trends in Dietary Habits of the Italian Population: Potential Impact on Health and the Environment.

Population growth, globalization, urbanization, and economic pressures are causing changes in food consumption all over the world. The study's aims are (1) to evaluate trends in food habits in Italy to highlight deviations from the traditional Mediterranean diet, (2) to analyze the features of the present Italian diet that should be modified to meet evidence-based global scientific targets for a healthy and sustainable diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission. Trends in food availability for human consumption during the period 2000-2017 were assessed using the food balance sheets (FBSs). Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission was estimated according to life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses. During the study period, the availability of animal fat and beef meat greatly declined (-58% and -32%, respectively), followed by fruit, potatoes, vegetables, milk, and non-tropical oils (-20%, -15%, -13%, -14%, and -11%, respectively). A substantial increase has occurred for tropical oils, fish, and nuts (+156, +26%, and +21%, respectively). In order to meet the targets of consumption proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, the consumption of legumes and nuts should be almost doubled, whereas the consumption of meat, eggs, dairy products, animal fat, tropical oils, and sugars should be reduced by proportions ranging from 60% to 90%. If implemented, these changes would reduce the diet-related greenhouse gas emission by nearly 50%. In conclusion, these data call for nutritional education programs and interventions on the food system aimed at promoting a healthier and more environmentally sustainable diet. To this end, the availability and affordability of products with a better impact on human health and the environment should be promoted.