Beyond Nutrient Content: Redefining Sustainable Diets Through Bioavailability

Research Project, 2026 – 2031

lant-forward diets are widely promoted for climate reasons, but current sustainability frameworks only evaluate nutrient intake, not what is available for absorption in the gut International initiatives, such as the upcoming EAT-Lancet 2.0, mention processing but bioavailability is not included in a systematic way. This leads to overestimation of nutrient adequacy when animal-source foods with easily absorbed nutrients are reduced. The result is rising risks of iron and zinc deficiencies and inadequate calcium intake with increased risk of low bone density/bone fractures, which are greatest for adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, and children, with potential life-long consequences for cognition, growth, and bone health.The aim of this project is to create and scientifically validate the first integrated framework that evaluates diets based on uptake rather than intake. We will combine three well-established algorithms for iron, zinc, and calcium absorption into a single bioavailability model and feed it with new, high-quality data on phytate and mineral contents of commonly consumed plant-based foods. The model will be applied to Swedish national dietary data to establish a baseline for absorbed nutrient intakes and to evaluate two influential plant-forward dietary scenarios, EAT-Lancet 2.0 and WWF One Planet Plate. For each scenario, we will identify risks of inadequate uptake and model the effect of improved food preparation and processing methods, such as fermentation/vitamin C enhancement/fortification.A unique strength of the project is empirical validation using biomarker data from the SWITCH intervention (n≈300), where participants follow controlled plant-rich diets with detailed weighed food records. This allows us to test whether predicted absorption matches observed changes in iron status and refine the model for maximum predictive accuracy.The results will deliver the first evidence-based framework for assessing whether plant-forward diets are not only climate-aligned but also biologically adequate. Findings will be translated into practice through open-access publications, an openly available database, policy briefs, and interactive workshops with the Swedish Food Agency and municipalities, enabling rapid integration into school meal planning, procurement criteria, and dietary guidelines. The project will also provide targeted input for the design of dietary guidelines and public meals that are both climate- and nutrition-smart.