Recommendations to address the shortfalls of the EAT–Lancet planetary health diet from a plant-forward perspective

In January 2025, a peer-reviewed study titled “Recommendations to address the shortfalls of the EAT–Lancet planetary health diet from a plant-forward perspective” was published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

Co-authored by Dr. Nanine Wyma, Executive Director of the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa, Dr. Catherine Ndinda, Research Director at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and other international authors, the paper responds to ongoing debates about the Planetary Health Diet (PHD).

First introduced by the EAT–Lancet Commission in 2019, the PHD is a framework designed to transform global food systems by prioritising plant-based foods, with limited amounts of animal-sourced foods. While the model has been widely praised, concerns have been raised about nutrient adequacy, cultural adaptability, and inclusivity.

This new study recognises the PHD’s global value but identifies critical areas for strengthening its approach, particularly for diverse populations. Among its key contributions:

Nutrient bioavailability – strategies to improve absorption of iron, calcium, and zinc from plant-based foods.

Indigenous foods – highlighting their nutritional, environmental, and cultural importance, and advocating for their inclusion in national dietary guidelines.

Gender-sensitive nutrition – addressing the unique requirements of women of reproductive age without defaulting to higher meat consumption.

One Health approach – recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and reducing reliance on industrial animal agriculture.

Processed foods and plant-based alternatives – distinguishing between harmful ultra-processed foods and beneficial fortified or plant-based options that improve accessibility and reduce household food burdens.

The study, conducted in collaboration with ProVeg International, Umeå University, and the University of Göttingen, underscores that a plant-forward future is not only possible but necessary. It calls on policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society to champion inclusive, sustainable, and health-promoting diets that safeguard both people and the planet.