EAT-Lancet diet could slash heart deaths by a third, study reveals

A new study by researcher Anna Stubbendorff suggests that adopting the EAT-Lancet diet could cut cardiovascular mortality by a third and reduce premature deaths by a quarter. The findings also highlight a clear link between high-emission diets, particularly those high in meat and dairy, and a 38% higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Sweden, where meat consumption remains high, has already begun shifting food policies to align with these recommendations.

The EAT-Lancet diet promotes a plant-based approach with minimal animal products, setting daily meat intake at around 14 grams—far below Sweden's current average of 680 grams per week. Despite this drastic reduction, the study found no major nutrient shortages among participants, suggesting the body adapts to improve absorption. Folate levels even rose in those following the diet, though a slight increase in iron-deficiency anemia risk was noted, particularly among women.

Swedish eating habits have slowly changed over the past decade. From 2014 to 2023, average meat consumption dropped from roughly 80 kg to 75 kg per person annually, while dairy intake fell more sharply, from 320 kg to 250 kg of milk equivalent. Since 2018, the government and the Swedish Food Agency have pushed initiatives like the 'Keyhole' label for plant-based options, school meal plans cutting red meat by half, and campaigns such as 'Eat Sustainably' to nudge diets closer to EAT-Lancet targets.

The study's strength lies in its thorough methods, combining multiple data sources and a long follow-up period. Results show that aligning diets with sustainability goals does not require nutritional compromises, offering a practical route toward meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The research confirms that the EAT-Lancet diet can lower mortality risks while supporting environmental targets. Sweden's gradual policy shifts—like reduced meat in schools and clearer food labelling—reflect efforts to match these guidelines. With no severe nutrient gaps detected, the findings suggest a feasible transition to healthier, more sustainable eating patterns.