In June 2023, the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR) were published to inform public health nutrition messages and guidelines for individuals living in Nordic and Baltic nations. It represents the culmination of five years of work from several hundred researchers and experts and, for the first time, includes the environmental impact of food alongside the nutritional quality. 

Additionally, the guideline makes significant strides in updating the daily reference values for many nutrients and attributing reference values to other nutrients which previously had none. 

Key guidance from the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Key recommendations issued as part of the updated guidelines state that individuals should consume: 

• A plant-based diet high in vegetables, fruits, berries, pulses, potatoes and whole grains. 
• 500-800g of fruits and vegetables daily 
• Ample intake of fish and nuts
• A moderate intake of low-fat dairy products
• Limited intake of red meat and poultry
• Minimal intake of processed meat, alcohol, and processed foods containing high amounts of fats, salt and sugar

Other important distinctions in this new guideline include:

• The assignment of dietary reference values to eight nutrients for the first time, including biotin, Vitamin B5, choline, Vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum and fluoride

• A 20% increase in dietary reference values for the B Vitamins B1, B6, folate, and B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, calcium, zinc and selenium

• A new section dedicated to antioxidants and phytochemicals (however, no specific recommendations are given here in terms of frequency or amount for these nutrients)

Global impact of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

The World Health Organisation indicated in an official statement made by Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, that their new healthy diet recommendations will follow the pattern laid out by the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. 

The question remains as to whether the UK government will similarly make amendments to NHS recommendations and the EatWell plate to similarly reflect the stance taken by the NNR and WHO, particularly regarding dietary reference values, plant-based sustainable diets and alcohol consumption. 

Here is a video of the Director General of the WHO speaking on the NNR2023: 

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