Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

In many developed countries, people tend to get most of their protein from animal-based foods, making up about 65% of total protein intake on average. However, national dietary guidelines, including Canada's Food Guide (CFG), are now recommending that we shift towards more plant-based proteins in our diets. The main goal is to reduce the intake of unhealthy nutrients like saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. In January 2019, Health Canada introduced an updated CFG encouraging the increased consumption of plant-based foods for protein. Research shows that diets high in animal-based foods are linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease, and cancer, along with a shorter life expectancy and higher healthcare costs. There are growing concerns about the sustainability of food production, particularly the environmental impact of animal-based foods, which has led to a push for more plant-based diets. A 2015 study found that Canadian adults were consuming 63% of their protein from animal sources and 37% from plants, Despite the growing interest in plant-based diets, there is still no clear answer on the optimal balance between animal and plant protein in the diet. It's important to consider factors like protein quality, nutrient availability, and overall diet variety to ensure that shifting towards more plant-based foods doesn't lead to nutrient deficiencies or health issues. Also, the environmental impact of protein sources such as greenhouse gas emissions and land use makes this balance even more important for sustainable food systems. This one-day conference will address the ongoing confusion surrounding optimal protein guidance, evaluating new evidence on the health and environmental impacts of different protein types, and exploring how protein needs vary by life stage. Despite the extensive focus on diet and nutrition in various health conferences, there has yet to be a dedicated event examining protein from a health standpoint.