The Global Growth of ‘Sustainable Diet’ during Recent Decades, a Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The term ‘sustainable diets’ (SDs) was first introduced in the scientific literature in 1986 and later defined in detail by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as pertaining to those diets that can promote environmental health ad effectively ensure food and nutrition security as well as a healthy lifestyle in humans, combining the notion of sustainability with dietary patterns and their beneficial impacts. Since then, various international events have been held promoting sustainability as a significant component of food production, nutrition, and human health. These events have enhanced the knowledge transition and awareness between the scientific community and policymakers concerning the importance of SDs. In this aspect, this is the first study that aims to identify trends and turning points over time concerning the research on SDs. We performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1407 scientific documents published in Scopus during the period 1986–2022. The documents were screened following the PRISMA guidelines, and bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Bibliometrix R-package and VOSviewer and the detection of Sustainable Development Goals with the text2sdg R-package. Overall, there was an exponential growth in the literature on SDs that followed international events from 2009 onward. Among the most impactful journals were Sustainability, Nutrients, and Frontiers in Nutrition. The leading countries in research were pointed out, as well as the high rate of collaborations and partnerships between them. The research interest was mainly focused on (a) climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental impact; (b) food systems, security, and consumption; and (c) health, Mediterranean Diet (MD), and dietary guidelines. The significance of these keywords changed over time, following the evolution of SDs concepts from the planetary environmental impact of food production to the healthier dietary habits of individuals. Among several dietary patterns, MD was identified as the most popular among the local SDs, with synergies among scientists in the Mediterranean region. Overall, the novelty of this study is the mapping of the expansion of knowledge over the last 36 years regarding the term SDs while taking into consideration international events and their impact on scientific research.

The Role of Legumes in the Sustainable Mediterranean Diet: Analysis of the Consumption of Legumes in the Mediterranean Population over the Last Ten Years a PRISMA Statement Methodology

“…In recent years, there has been a growing interest in promoting healthier and more sustainable diets, which may have contributed to an increased focus on legumes [85]. Changes in eating habits, however, can vary over time and depend on several factors, including emergency situations [86], global dietary trends [87], public health issues, and individual preferences [88].…”

Setting Research Priorities for Effective Climate Change Management and Policymaking: A Delphi Study in Bolivia and Paraguay

“…Much has been discussed about the importance of the SDGs, especially in combating climate change and assisting with environmental issues, as the SDGs are a call to action [12][13][14]. In this context, foresight methods and, more specifically, the Delphi method have proven to be of great utility in debating climate change issues [15][16][17] and their relation to the SDGs [18][19][20].…”

Net Photosynthesis and Biomass Production in Stevia, Eggplant, and Cowpea Can Be Improved by Fertilization with Cyanobacteria (Limnospira maxima)

“…The global population is increasing. Several studies suggest that it is expected to reach 9 billion people in 2050 [1]. This escalating trend has led to an increased demand for food to ensure food security and food distribution [1].…”

“…Several studies suggest that it is expected to reach 9 billion people in 2050 [1]. This escalating trend has led to an increased demand for food to ensure food security and food distribution [1]. Food security is a critical priority in developing regions worldwide, where small landholders play a pivotal role in their national food production [2].…”

“…These small producers are indispensable in agriculture, as approximately 500 million of them globally contribute between 70% and 80% of the primary food sources for food security [3]. Within this context, some foods, like cowpea and eggplant, have emerged as potential models for enhancing food production, where yield improvements are essential to meet the growing global demand [1,4]. Stevia rebaudiana is commercially cultivated in several parts of the world due to the increasing base of healthconscious consumers and a preference for natural non-caloric sweeteners [5].…”