Summary
This narrative review by Mozaffarian synthesises evidence on optimal dietary and policy strategies for reducing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. The author emphasises the importance of whole dietary patterns and food groups (e.g. fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, whole grains) over isolated nutrients, and identifies robust policy approaches targeting economic incentives, schools, workplaces, and food systems as essential complements to clinical behaviour change. The review finds limited cardiometabolic evidence for popular claims regarding organic, grass-fed, local, or non-genetically modified foods, and suggests personalised nutrition depends more on modifiable characteristics (physical activity, adiposity, socioeconomic status) than genetic factors.
Regional applicability
The review is US-authored and published in a major US cardiology journal, reflecting American dietary and policy context; however, the core dietary recommendations (increased plant foods, fish, whole grains; reduced processed and red meats) align broadly with UK dietary guidance. The policy mechanisms discussed (schools, workplaces, economic incentives) are applicable to UK settings, though specific food subsidy and regulatory structures differ. UK practitioners should evaluate local evidence on food affordability and availability barriers to implementing these recommendations.
Key measures
Cardiometabolic risk factors; dietary patterns and food groups; policy effectiveness; genetic versus nongenetic factors in personalised nutrition
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on dietary and policy priorities for preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, evaluating food groups, nutrients, and dietary patterns alongside policy mechanisms for lifestyle change. It assessed claims regarding organic, grass-fed, and genetically modified foods, and characterised evidence for personalised nutrition approaches.
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