Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewed

The impact of agricultural practices on food composition – A systematic review

Amos O. Anim, Herman Erick Lutterodt, Caleb William Ofori, Ivy Oduro Boateng, Justina Achiaa Bonsu, Gloria Mathanda Ankar-Brewoo, Linda Nana Esi Aduku, Charles Apprey, Reginald Adjetey Annan

Journal of Food Composition and Analysis · 2025

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Summary

This 2025 systematic review synthesises peer-reviewed evidence on how agricultural management practices influence the micronutrient and phytochemical composition of food crops. Drawing on literature across diverse geographical and farming contexts, the authors establish the direction and magnitude of effects of farming practice choices on crop nutrient density. The work aims to provide evidence-based guidance for agricultural and nutritional policy decisions regarding farming system selection and management.

UK applicability

The findings may inform UK agricultural policy and nutrient-focused farming recommendations, though applicability depends on the extent to which reviewed studies included temperate climate conditions and UK-relevant crop types. UK farmers and policy-makers may find the evidence synthesis useful for integrating nutritional outcomes into farm management decisions.

Key measures

Micronutrient content; phytochemical concentration; nutrient density metrics across different agricultural management practices

Outcomes reported

This systematic review synthesised evidence on relationships between agricultural management practices and nutrient composition of food crops, with emphasis on micronutrients and phytochemicals across diverse geographical and farming contexts. The work quantified the direction and magnitude of effects of farming practice choices on crop nutrient density.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Crop nutrient density & mineral composition
Study type
Systematic Review
Study design
Systematic review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Global
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1016/j.jfca.2025.108388
Catalogue ID
SNmoy14mzo-2cez7s

Topic tags

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