An assessment of the nutritional adequacy of scientifically published, plant-centric, modelled diets from a nutrient bioavailability perspective

Sustainable diets are intended to address the growing environmental and health concerns surrounding current food production and consumption patterns. Many of the proposed strategies for sustainable diets advocate a switch to predominantly plant based diets. The nutrient profiles of these diets have been modelled using current datasets of food nutrient content and public health recommendations. Proponents state that these plant-based diets are nutritionally replete and suitable for people of all life stages.
However, nutrient bioavailability and the amino acid profile have rarely been considered in the nutrient modelling of plant-centric diets. Numerous factors can affect the bioavailability of essential nutrients, such as the food matrix, presence of anti-nutritive compounds, storage, processing and cooking methods. Further, indispensable amino acids are often limited in plant sources of protein and are less digestible than those found in animal derived foods. In addition, there can be inherent variations in peoples ability to digest, absorb and metabolise nutrients as a result of life stage or existing illnesses.
This project will use a combination of existing data and laboratory techniques to assess the amino acid profile and nutrient bioavailability aspects of scientifically published, plant-centric, modelled diets. The purpose of this research is to determine whether adherence to these modelled diets in their current form is likely to increase risk of nutrient deficiency. If this is found to be the case, the aim is to identify modifications that will address any nutrient inadequacies. Any suggested refinements to the current plant-centric modelled diets would be made with consideration for all four domains of sustainable diets: nutrition, society, economics and the environment.