International approaches to developing healthy eating patterns for national dietary guidelines

As part of the revision of the 2007 Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, a literature scan on statistical modeling approaches used in developing healthy eating patterns for national food guides was conducted. The scan included relevant literature and online searches, primarily since the 2007 Canada’s Food Guide was released. Eight countries were identified as utilizing a statistical model or analysis to help inform their healthy eating pattern, defined as the amounts and types of food recommended, with many common characteristics noted. Detail on international modeling approaches is presented, highlighting similarities and differences as well as strengths and challenges.