(P17-027-25) Global Burden of Diseases Attributed to Low Vegetable Consumption: A Secondary Analysis Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2023 Study

Objectives: Vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. Consuming an inadequate amount of vegetables is associated with poor health outcomes and an increased risk of non-communicable diseases. We aimed to assess the disease burden attributable to low vegetable consumption in adults aged 25 years or older using the Global Burden of Disease 2023 Study.

Methods: Using the comparative risk assessment approach, we estimated the proportion of the disease-specific burden attributable to low vegetable consumption among adults aged 25 years or older. The primary inputs included vegetable intake levels, the relative risk of vegetable intake on disease endpoints, and the theoretical minimum exposure level (306-372 grams/day) associated with the lowest risk of diseases. Then, using disease-specific population attributable fractions, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), we calculated the number of deaths and DALYs attributable to low vegetable consumption. Rates are reported per 100,000 population at risk.

Results: In 2023, diet low in vegetables was responsible for 930, 000 deaths (95% UI: 503,000–1,290,000) globally. The highest number of vegetable attributable deaths were estimated to be in South Asia (270,000; 95% UI: 140,000 – 387,000) followed by High income countries (155,000; 95% UI: 99,000-215,000). Compared to 1990, the global estimate of vegetable attributable death rate declined from 24 (95 UI: 12-36) to 19 (95% UI: 11-27) per 100,000 in 2023. Globally, a total of 23 million (95% UI 11.8 – 32.2) DALYs were attributed to low vegetable consumption in 2023. It was the fourth-leading dietary risk factor for attributable DALYs. The majority of these DALYs, approximately 18 million (95% CI: 10-24 million), were estimated to come from cardiovascular diseases. Compared to 1990, the global estimate of vegetable attributable DALYs rate declined from 636(95 UI: 278-941) to 486(95% UI: 245-692) per 100,000 in 2023.

Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the potential impact of addressing low vegetable consumption on non-communicable mortality and morbidity. Interventions aimed at improving vegetable consumption, which include policies targeting multiple sectors of the food system to increase availability and affordability, as well as behavior change interventions, are urgently needed.

Funding Sources: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation