Food supply and nutritional imbalance in Taiwan: Implications for dietary policy and sustainability

This study examines Taiwan’s food supply and nutrient intake discrepancies from 2017 to 2020, using Food Balance Sheet (FBS) data, 24-hour dietary records, and the Plant-Based Diet framework. Results reveal an overabundance of fats, oils, and nuts (S-Nr = 2.76), while essential food groups such as dairy (S-Nr = 0.47), vegetables (S-Nr = 0.84), and fruits (S-Nr = 0.77) remain insufficient. Calcium intake is severely deficient (NSI= 0.56), particularly among adolescents and older adults, whereas fat (NSI = 2.19) and vitamin A (NSI = 17.23) exceed recommendations. Food Supply Index (FSI) data indicate that men aged 45–74 have the lowest dairy intake (FSI = 0.27), and both adolescents and the elderly consume inadequate fiber and vitamin D. Additionally, Planetary Health Diet (PHD) adherence varies by age and gender, peaking among women aged 19–44 (PHD Score = 64.68). Furthermore, global warming potential (CO?/kg) analysis highlights the environmental burden of food consumption, with the U.S. leading in emissions (2703.21 kg CO?), while India has the lowest (671.96 kg CO?) due to its plant-based diet. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions to optimize plant-based protein intake, enhance dairy and calcium availability, and promote sustainable dietary practices in Taiwan.