The potential impact of nutrient profiles on dairy-related energy and nutrient intake in German children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential impact of nutrient profiling-based dairy product choices on energy and nutrient intake in German children and adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Consumption data were obtained from product-specific dietary records in the DONALD Study (Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study). We compared actual intake data with intake data that were calculated based on the assumption that participants exclusively consumed products that met the criteria of selected nutrient profiling models. RESULTS: For most profiling models, the percentage of compliant products was unrelated to the percentage of the participants' dairy consumption rated eligible. The participants' intake of energy, saturated fatty acids (SAFA), sodium, calcium and vitamin D would be reduced significantly (P<0.0001) if only qualifying products were consumed. The impact on the participants' nutrient intake levels was not directly related to the impact on the product's nutrient content levels. Lower fat consumption was correlated with reduced vitamin D intake, and the models' disqualification of (semi-) hard cheeses had a negative impact on the calcium intake. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of product-specific intake data was critical to understand the potential impact of any profiling scheme on nutrient intake. Selecting dairy products based on nutrient profiling could help reduce the intake of less-desirable nutrients, such as SAFA and sodium. However, models that are too restrictive might negatively impact calcium and vitamin D intake. Ultimately, the effectiveness of nutrient profiling models will be determined by the fact whether or not complying foods are consumed.

Nutrient profiling and food label claims: evaluation of dairy products in three major European countries.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study reviews commercially available dairy products with nutrition or health-related on-pack communication against selected nutrient profiling models. It aims to provide guidance on the model characteristics required to appropriately categorise products into those that are suitable for carrying claims, versus those whose overall nutritional composition does not support such product communication. SUBJECTS/METHODS: More than 300 dairy products carrying claims were identified in Germany, France and the UK and evaluated against six existing nutrient profiling models. All models were assessed regarding their underlying principles, generated results and inter-model agreement levels. RESULTS: In most cases, products failed the criteria of a given model because of too high levels of total fat, saturated fatty acids, sugars and/ or sodium. The Swedish Keyhole and the Smart Choices Program were the most restrictive models and showed the highest level of agreement. In general, the application of nutrient profiles helped to select products with significantly lower average levels of nutrients that are linked to chronic diseases when consumed in excess. However, calcium levels were also highly impacted in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: A nutrient profiling model that targets saturated fatty acids, sugars and sodium can meaningfully and comprehensively identify dairy products with a favourable nutritional composition. However, thresholds have to be set carefully to not reduce the average calcium contribution of the category. The use of separate criteria for cheeses and other dairy products seems necessary to take into account intrinsic compositional differences.

Fine bakery wares with label claims in Europe and their categorisation by nutrient profiling models.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study assesses a range of commercially available fine bakery wares with nutrition or health related on-pack communication against the criteria of selected nutrient profiling models. Different purposes of the application of nutrient profiles were considered, including front-of-pack signposting and the regulation of claims or advertising. SUBJECTS/METHODS: More than 200 commercially available fine bakery wares carrying claims were identified in Germany, France, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom and evaluated against five nutrient profiling models. All models were assessed regarding their underlying principles, generated results and inter-model agreement levels. RESULTS: Total energy, saturated fatty acids, sugars, sodium and fibre were critical parameters for the categorisation of products. The Choices Programme was the most restrictive model in this category, while the Food and Drug Administration model allowed the highest number of products to qualify. According to all models, more savoury than sweet products met the criteria. On average, qualifying products contained less than half the amounts of nutrients to limit and more than double the amount of fibre compared with all the products in the study. None of the models had a significant impact on the average energy contents. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrient profiles can be applied to identify fine bakery wares with a significantly better nutritional composition than the average range of products positioned as healthier. Important parameters to take into account include energy, saturated fatty acids, sugars, sodium and fibre. Different criteria sets for subcategories of fine bakery wares do not seem necessary.