Potential of 'Food is Medicine' Programs to Boost Diet Quality and Food Security

Recent research highlights the promising role of 'Food is Medicine' (FIM) initiatives, which integrate nutritious food options into healthcare services for individuals with or at risk of chronic diseases. A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials conducted by the American Heart Association reveals that such programs have significant potential to improve key health metrics like diet quality and food security—both essential for overall health. However, evidence regarding their impact on clinical outcomes such as blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and body mass index remains varied. These inconsistencies are partly attributed to small sample sizes and short durations of studies, emphasizing the need for larger, more robust research.

The American Heart Association's scientific statement underscores the need for enhanced efforts, such as the Health Care by Food initiative, to fill existing research gaps and evaluate the long-term benefits of these programs. Their goal is to normalize the inclusion of nutritious food as a standard component of medical care, addressing the high costs and prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases—costing the U.S. over $50 billion annually and affecting millions facing food insecurity.

Experts like Dr. Hilary Seligman advocate for rigorous, standardized, and scalable research to optimize FIM interventions, including produce prescriptions, tailored grocery deliveries, and meals. The initiative, launched in September 2023, plans to fund initial small-scale studies and expand to real-world implementation by integrating behavioral economics and implementation science to enhance engagement and effectiveness.

The statement calls on researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to prioritize the integration of nutritious food into healthcare systems, helping prevent and treat chronic conditions effectively. By developing stronger evidence, these programs can become a cornerstone of healthcare strategies aimed at improving health equity, reducing costs, and lowering the burden of chronic diseases worldwide.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-food-medicine-potential-diet-quality.html