Design of a nutrient profiling model for life cycle assessment of “superfoods” to address nutritional deficiencies and enhance environmental protection in Spain

Abstract

Purpose The overriding connection between climate interactions and nutritional outcomes of food systems is at the forefront of research, especially when it comes to assessing alternative food products. Accordingly, the objective of this paper is to design a nutrient profiling (NP) model adapted to the Spanish context for use in nutritionally-factored environmental life cycle assessments (LCA) of "superfoods." Methods: The variability in nutritional needs between countries and their associated environmental impact were the key points that motivated the creation of the model and guided its development. Based on the "nutrient rich" family of models, the characterization of the NP system was guided by the definition of the specific purpose and the selection of qualifying and disqualifying nutrients according to the Spanish recommendations. The introduction of weighting factors was motivated by the capacity of "superfoods" to cover main nutritional shortfalls of the population and they were estimated with the actual and the recommended intake levels. Results and discussion: The Spanish Nutrient Rich ("super")Food 9.2 (sNRF9.2) model validation and testing across various foods successfully fulfills its purpose by aligning with the Spanish Public Health Strategy and providing an adequate prioritization of products. The application of the index to "superfoods" identified chia seeds, turmeric, kale, or moringa, among others as the most beneficial, thus demonstrating their nutritional potential. Even though the application as functional unit in the LCA of "superfoods" is ongoing, preliminary results in conventional products showed its usefulness in conveying integrated information efficiently. Conclusions: The model represents an initial step toward advancing research, adapting a contextualized NP model for future objective environmental analysis of "superfoods." It will contribute to ensuring sustainable food security and provide new insights and perspective for decision-making by consumers, stakeholders, and policy makers.