The challenges of the protein transition

The protein transition is necessary for the climate and environmental goals. But what does a diet with much less animal protein mean for our health? The summer issue of Voeding Magazine discusses this in detail.

The Netherlands Health Council investigated the consequences of the protein transition on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. At the end of last year, the report ‘The healthy protein transition’ was published. According to the Health Council, a diet with 40% animal and 60% plant-based proteins can be better for the environment and health, provided that we eat less meat and enough fish and dairy. This report is discussed in Voeding Magazine, the Dutch magazine for health professionals and nutritional scientists, which can be found online on zuivelengezondheid.nl. The article ‘Is the protein transition healthy’ includes information on the health benefits that can be achieved with a transition, but also on deficiencies which can occur. According to the council, the calcium intake of adults is currently already on the low side. Since dairy is the most important supplier of calcium, the Health Council advises to follow the current food-based dietary guideline for dairy.

If we look at the current diet and intake, a number of nutrients already deserve extra attention, according to research by Dr Julia Bird (WUR). In addition to calcium, specific groups in the population suffer from deficiencies of iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin A. The consequences for health depend on the group affected. In children, a calcium and vitamin D deficiency affects growth, in the elderly it increases the risk of falls and fractures. A lack of iron can lead to fatigue in women and folic acid is important for the development of the baby for women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant.

The advice from the Dutch Health Council also raises questions. Dr Stephan Peters of the Dutch Dairy Association (NZO) states in a response that it does not meet the nutritional standards for vitamins and minerals. The council concludes that there are positive health effects of foods – such as preventing type 2 diabetes and colon cancer – in a far-reaching transition. If this is to be translated into the Wheel of Five, it must also be calculated whether we are consuming sufficient quantities of all nutrients; the so-called nutrition standards. Peters points out that this is the task of the Nutrition Centre of the Netherlands. If the Nutrition Centre calculates this, it will become clear that a transition to 40% animal and 60% plant-based is a major challenge for the general population.

Curious about the protein transition and the consequences for health? Below are the Dutch articles, English versions wille be available soon. You can find Voeding Magazine articles on zuivelengezondheid.nl.

• Is de eiwittransitie gezond?
• We krijgen minder binnen dan we denken
• De ongezonde eiwittransitie