Animal-source foods: Their role in sustainable healthy diets

As part of the rapid evolution of diets in low- and middle-income countries, consumption of animal-source foods has increased sharply in recent decades.

This chapter in the Global Food Policy Report 2024, published by the International Food Policy Research Institute, examines animal-source foods as part of a sustainable healthy diet by exploring the beneficial role of animal-source foods in providing essential micronutrients in some age cohorts and populations in low- and middle-income countries, the potential negative health impacts, and the environmental impacts associated with livestock production.

It concludes with recommendations for animal-source food consumption, including policies and interventions for reducing excess consumption and promoting consumption where animal-source foods could play a larger role in sustainable healthy diets.

Citation
Leroy, J.L. and Alonso, S. 2024. Animal-source foods: Their role in sustainable healthy diets. IN: Global food policy report 2024: Food systems for healthy diets and nutrition. Washington, DC: IFPRI. pp. 62–70.

Photo: Milk in cans, Ol Kalou, Kenya (ILRI/Paul Karaimu)