Created in 2017 then revised and strengthened in 2024, the Nutri-Score aims to inform consumers in a simplified manner about the nutritional quality of the products they purchase. A recent French study suggests that the consumption of foods with a poor Nutri-Score is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. We take stock.
Nutri-Score: nutritional labeling now familiar to consumers
Appearing on the front of food packaging, the Nutri-Score is a logo which informs consumers in a colorful and simplified way about the nutritional quality of products that they buy (food and drinks). It is complementary to the mandatory nutritional declaration.
Established for the first time in France in 2017, then in various European countries, the Nutri-Score is becoming more and more familiar to consumers. Its objective is twofold: to help consumers choose products with the best nutritional quality while encouraging food manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of the products they manufacture. Its application nevertheless remains non-obligatory due to European regulations relating to labeling.
To know! The Nutri-Score is divided into 5 categories: from A-dark green (best nutritional quality) to E-dark orange (lower nutritional quality). Each food or drink obtains a score based on an algorithm calculated from its composition per 100 g of energy, sugars, saturated fatty acids, salt, proteins, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
Recently revised and hardened in 2024, the new Nutri-Score aims to achieve better consistency with current nutritional recommendations. Harmonization on a European scale is also planned as part of the strategy Farm to Fork of the European Commission.
Read also – A new Nutri-Score in 2024
Cardiovascular diseases: an increased risk from foods with a poor Nutri-Score?
In recent years, scientific studies carried out in various European countries (United Kingdom, Spain, Italy) have revealed a link between the consumption of foods with a poor Nutri-Score (lower nutritional quality) and an increased risk of developing various chronic pathologies as well as increased mortality. In France, studies SU.VI.MAX et NutriNet-Santé have observed a link between the consumption of these foods and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
To know! Diet is thought to be the cause of nearly 30% of deaths from cardiovascular disease.
In this context, and based on the new 2024 version of the Nutri-Score, French researchers have undertaken to conduct a new study on the risks of cardiovascular diseases linked to the consumption of foods poorly rated on the Nutri-Score. To do this, they relied on data from 345,533 participants from the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) cohort from 7 European countries. During the 12-year follow-up period (between 1992 and 2010), 16,214 participants developed cardiovascular disease.
After analyzing the data and taking into account a large number of socio-demographic factors, it emerged that it was the participants who consumed on average more foods of lower nutritional quality (lower Nutri-Score) who presented an increased risk of diseases. cardiovascular (myocardial infarction and stroke).
Read also – Food emulsifiers: what cardiovascular risks?
The Nutri-Score: a relevant public health tool
Published in the journal Lancet Regional Health-Europe, these results therefore lean in favor of a increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with consumption of lower-ranked foods on the scale of the new Nutri-Score 2024.
For the authors of the study, this new work confirms the relevance of the Nutri-Score as a real public health tool. Guiding consumers in their food choices, it contributes to the cardiovascular disease prevention strategy. We can bet that these results will also contribute to the adoption of the Nutri-Score as a compulsory nutritional logo on a European scale at a time when cardiovascular diseases represent the main cause of mortality in Western Europe.
Read also – Nutri-Score: poorly rated products cause more mortality
Déborah L., Doctor in Pharmacy
Sources
– Consumption of foods lower in the Nutri-Score is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. presse.inserm.fr. Accessed October 5, 2024.
– Nutri-Score: update on the new products for 2024. Santé Publique France. www.santepubliquefrance.fr. Accessed October 5, 2024.
