The Directorate of Health
New Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 - A diet that promotes good health and has a positive impact on the environment
20th June 2023
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR6) are launched in Iceland today. This is the most extensive update to the recommendations since they were first published 40 years ago. These new Nordic Nutrition Recommendations form the scientific basis for nutritional criteria and dietary recommendations in Nordic and Baltic countries. For the first time, the recommendations reflect the effects on the environment as well as health.
-Automatic translation
Emphasis on a diet that is good for both health and the environment
The recommendations advocate a diet that is mainly plant-based with lots of vegetables, fruit, berries, legumes, potatoes, and whole grains. It is also recommended to consume fish two to three times a week and a moderate intake of low-fat milk products. It is recommended to limit the consumption of red meat and specifically to limit the consumption of processed meat, alcohol, and foods with high levels of fat, salt, and sugar. The Recommendations also examine 15 food groups, the health impact of 36 nutrients, and infant nutrition.
A plant-based diet, increased fish consumption, and reduced meat consumption are recommended
Facts about the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations
The Nordic Nutritional Recommendation 2023 (NDR) is prepared by the Nordic Council of Ministers. They are prepared by an expert group with representatives from health and food authorities from all the Nordic countries.
The work of the NNR is very extensive and is the result of five years of hard work. About 400 experts have reviewed thousands of scientific articles and written chapters on different nutrients and food categories. Each chapter was published for comment on the recommendation's website so the process is transparent.
The Nordic Nutritional Recommendation was first published in 1980, and this is the sixth edition of the recommendations.
Next steps in Iceland
A professional group will be appointed by the Directorate of Health to revise public Dietary recommendations from 2014. They will build on these new Nordic Nutrition Recommendations but national priorities and local context, such as the results of the National dietary surveys 2019-2021, will also be taken into consideration.
Further information:
Hólmfríður Þorgeirsdóttir, nutritionist, holmfridur.thorgeirsdottir@landlaeknir.is
Jóhanna Eyrún Torfadóttir, nutritionist, johanna.e.torfadottir@landlaeknir.is