Currently, harmonized, reliable data on individual-level dietary intake is extremely limited for many nations, and metrics that do exist have shortcomings.
To address this gap, we have established the Global Dietary Database, a comprehensive compilation of information on food and nutrient consumption levels in countries worldwide. GDD is a large, collaborative, ongoing global project to collect, validate, and disseminate data on dietary intakes of major foods and nutrients for children and adults by age, sex, pregnancy/nursing status, rural vs. urban residence, and level of education. These data will capture the scope of the global nutrition transition, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to overnutrition.
This work will generate the most current and reliable estimates of food and nutrient consumption worldwide, particularly in poor and vulnerable populations, and will provide reliable and robust data to inform global nutrition policy.