New Momentum in Healthy Nutrition: A Proposal for a Nutrient-EnergyDensity Score Concept

Life expectancy is increasing globally however later life years are often connected to ill-health. One of the reasons is that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise and societies face challenges in a continuous increase in the global prevalence of overweight and obesity. This is partly due to the sedentary lifestyle and a trend to processed foods with the availability of cheap and high energy dense foods combined with large portion sizes. As a consequence a major part of the world population has an inadequate and too high intake of energy and in parallel a too low intake of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. There is substantial evidence for a link of lifestyle factors and the risk for NCDs, like osteoporosis, diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, cancer and others. The introduction of nutrient profile scores and indices for energy may help consumers in their food choices and allow food companies to design and promote healthier food items. The goal is to use a nutrient-energy density score to rate food products based on their nutrient and energy profile. The consumer can use the system as a “nutritional navigation system” to make informed choices and optimize the diets. The proposed approach provides a win-win situation for the consumer for long term health and the food industry for new and innovative food items.