Breaking: Scientists Prioritise To Tackle Food Knowledge Deficits

The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) has unveiled a vast void in our understanding of the foods consumed globally, particularly in Africa. This revelation stems from a meticulous study, published in Nature Food, which showcases a carefully curated list of 1,650 foods for in-depth biochemical analysis. Astonishingly, over 1,000 of these foods are absent from any internationally recognized food composition databases, shedding light on a crucial gap in scientific knowledge.

Traditionally, agricultural policies and dietary guidelines rely on databases dominated by just three primary crops: rice, wheat, and maize. However, the PTFI study challenges this norm by presenting a diverse array of foods, selected for their nutritional richness, cultural significance, and potential for innovation in response to climate change.

A global effort, spearheaded by 40 experts from various disciplines, has contributed to the compilation of this comprehensive list. The initiative, led by the American Heart Association and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, promises to revolutionize our understanding of food through cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Selena Ahmed, Global Director of PTFI, emphasizes the significance of this endeavor, stating, “A substantial portion of what humanity consumes remains a scientific mystery… We may think we know what we’re eating, but most of the time, we have limited understanding.”

Maya Rajasekharan, Managing Director of Africa at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, echoes this sentiment, stressing the need for comprehensive metrics that acknowledge the interconnectedness of food, health, and the environment.

Dr. John de la Parra, Director of Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, underscores the visionary nature of PTFI, aiming to map the entire complex makeup of every food on the planet. This ambitious goal seeks to benefit human and planetary health on a global scale.

Among the diverse foods highlighted by PTFI are 98 African crops, with 56 previously unregistered in food databases. Bruce German, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of PTFI, emphasizes the urgency of understanding the foods we grow, especially in the face of diet-dependent diseases and climate change.

PTFI’s unique approach, which integrates environmental and agricultural data, sets it apart from traditional food databases. This initiative not only expands our knowledge but also holds the promise of transforming our relationship with food for the betterment of humanity and the planet.