Co-Benefits of Nutrition Interventions: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Nutrition interventions aim to improve dietary quality and enhance health. They can also result in broader co-benefits, including social, educational, and environmental outcomes. However, these co-benefits remain under-quantified. This review examined quantified non-health outcomes of nutrition-related policies, programs, and interventions. Following PRISMA guidelines, five databases (Medline Complete, Global Health, Environment Complete, SocINDEX, and Embase) were searched for studies published between January 2012 and September 2025. Search terms targeted co-benefits and nutrition or food systems initiatives with a nutrition component. Non-health outcomes were categorized into social, educational, and environmental domains. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Twenty studies evaluating 15 interventions were included. Educational co-benefits were most commonly reported (n = 10), followed by social (n = 8) and environmental (n = 4). Three studies reported co-benefits across multiple domains. Multicomponent interventions consistently showed positive educational and social impacts, though diverse measurement tools limited comparability. Environmental outcomes, notably reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, were consistently significant. Quantifying co-benefits highlights the broader societal value of nutrition initiatives. Standardized outcome measures are essential to advance understanding of these impacts and inform comprehensive policy development.