Aquatic foods in food-based dietary guidelines around the world

Abstract

Aquatic foods are an indispensable source of multiple micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids that are important for growth, cognitive development and cardiovascular health. Globally, these foods provide 3.3 billion people with almost 20 percent of their average per capita intake of animal-source food. Aquatic food production can generate significant environmental impacts, but these often compare favorably with the impacts of terrestrial animal-source food production. As a result, when consumed in appropriate quantities, aquatic foods have an important role to play in sustainable healthy diets (SHDs). National food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are an essential tool for encouraging habitual intake of aquatic foods in a manner that is healthy for both the global population and the planet. This report provides a global review of aquatic foods in current nationally endorsed FBDGs intended for the general public.