2023 Volume 76 Issue 1 Pages 27-32
A nutrient profile model (NP model) ranks foods according to their nutritional composition, allowing individuals to make well-informed dietary choices. In other countries, the application of NP models is reportedly associated with healthier food choices and health indicators. We examined a NP model applicable to the Japanese population for processed foods and preparing dishes. Considering the nutrition status of the Japanese population, we proposed that the model should target those aged 18 years or older. A category-specific model was adopted with setting thresholds to avoid overconsumption of total fat, saturated fat, sodium or salt equivalent, and energy for processed foods and prepared foods. We set the nutrient criteria for the proposed model and determined thresholds for each food category. In order to set the salt threshold for each dish, we conducted secondary analyses of the 2014‐2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey. The food groups according to dish type were compared between “high salt” consumers and “adequate” consumers. Furthermore, we conducted an online cross-sectional feasibility survey among 3,000 consumers. Here we describe the development procedure and feasibility of the proposed Japanese NP model to support the practice of healthy eating behavior.
