Dietary adaptation mechanisms to the potential health impacts of climate related changes in micronutrients in wheat and other cereals

The climate-change impacts on nutrient levels in staple grains could negatively impact mineral deficiencies amongst at-risk populations, in particular, of iron and zinc. Here we analyse potential dietary-adaptation strategies to such impacts. By pairing nutritional, dietary health and dietary-scenario analyses, we found that replacement of refined grains by whole grains could help compensate the climate-change-related reductions in iron and zinc concentrations in wheat, rice, maize, and improve dietary risks related to low wholegrain/fibre intake. A more comprehensive dietary-change strategy of adopting healthy and sustainable diets would impart further nutritional and health benefits, whilst also contributing to climate-change mitigation.