Hospital and nursing home meals contribute to poor health and climate deterioration, according to a new study.
In a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers have highlighted the need for a significant shift in the food served in hospitals and nursing homes. The study, led by Lisa Pörtner from PIK and Charité, analyzed meal plans and purchasing data from five healthcare facilities in Germany and found that the current meals provided are neither beneficial for individual nor planetary health.
The study reveals that food in these institutions falls significantly short of the recommended daily intake of essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin B6. Whole, plant-based foods account for less than one-fifth of total energy intake in all institutions, far below the 80% recommended by the Planetary Health Diet. Instead, meals offered contain too many refined grains, added sugars, salt, and saturated fats.
Another concerning finding is the high consumption of animal products, particularly red meat and dairy, which significantly contribute to environmental impacts, such as high greenhouse gas emissions, large land use, and water pollution. Red meat contributes between 10 and 17% of calories, leading to overall poor dietary quality.
In nursing homes, insufficient protein intake is a notable issue. The study suggests that this results in inadequate nutritional quality and nutrient content in the meals.
Despite the federal government publishing a nutrition strategy last year that mentioned improving food in healthcare facilities, concrete political measures are still lacking. The responsibility for improving the quality of food in healthcare facilities does not solely lie with the facilities, which have been under increasing pressure in recent years.
The authors of the study suggest that food in nursing homes and hospitals needs to be fundamentally changed to protect both human and planetary health. They recommend mandatory standards for healthy and environmentally friendly diets in healthcare facilities, as well as regular assessments of dietary quality and ecological impacts.
Meanwhile, life continues outside the healthcare facilities. In Stuttgart, a summer festival is being held at Hochburg, celebrating the local creative scene. Elsewhere, the 52nd Höfleswetz Tournament is offering fun and great prizes for young footballers. The deadline for registration is September 16th.
The findings of this study are likely to reflect the catering in many healthcare facilities in Western countries. As we strive for a healthier and more sustainable future, it is crucial to consider the food we consume not only for our personal health but also for the health of our planet. Markus Brauer, a researcher from PIK, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Stanford University, was involved in the study and emphasized the need for action.
- The study in The Lancet Planetary Health, led by Lisa Pörtner, suggests that food in nursing homes and hospitals should be fundamentally changed to promote healthier diets that are also environmentally friendly, due to current meals being insufficient in essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin B6, and containing too many refined grains, added sugars, salt, and saturated fats.
- Another concern highlighted in the study is the high consumption of animal products, particularly red meat and dairy, which contribute significantly to environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, large land use, and water pollution.
- The authors of the study propose mandatory standards for healthy and environmentally friendly diets in healthcare facilities, along with regular assessments of dietary quality and ecological impacts, as a means to improve the quality of food served in these institutions.
