Healthy nutrition is critical in the prevention of diet-related risk factors, such as overweight and obesity, and associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Consumption of foods and beverages high in critical nutrients (salt/sodium, sugar, saturated fats and trans fats) has been associated with an increased risk of diet-related risk factors and associated NCDs, as well as all wasting, stunting and deficiency diseases.
Evidence has also demonstrated the importance of the proper practice of breastfeeding and complementary feeding and sustainable healthy food systems.
Through policies, legislation and strategies on healthy nutrition, malnutrition in all its forms can be prevented.
PAHO provides leadership and technical cooperation to Member States on healthy nutrition, such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding, front-of-package labelling, obesity prevention, salt reduction and elimination of trans-fatty acid.
PAHO promotes, generates and disseminates information on these key topics, evidence-based policies and interventions, and monitors trends.
PAHO Nutrient Profile Model
The Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model is a tool to classify processed and ultra-processed food and drink products that are in excess of critical nutrients such as sugars, sodium, total fat, saturated fat and trans-fatty acids.
It defines when products are high in sugars, fats, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium, and it is based on the WHO Population Nutrient Intake Goals, which are adjusted according to the energy requirements, not a fixed amount per day.
