Saudi Arabia’s health experts created a new eating guide called the Saudi Healthy Plate 2024 to help people eat better and prevent diseases like diabetes and heart problems. Using computer models and lots of testing, they designed meal plans that include foods people in Saudi Arabia actually like to eat. The guide works for people who need different amounts of food each day and costs between about $100-200 per month. While the eating plan provides most vitamins and nutrients people need, it falls short on vitamin E and choline, which the experts say they’ll work to fix in future versions.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How to create the best possible eating guide specifically designed for people living in Saudi Arabia
  • Who participated: Saudi health experts, nutrition scientists, and government officials worked together to design and test the eating guide
  • Key finding: The new eating guide provides most nutrients people need and costs a reasonable amount, but needs more vitamin E and choline
  • What it means for you: If you live in Saudi Arabia, this guide can help you eat healthier using familiar, affordable foods, though you might need extra vitamin E

The Research Details

Researchers used advanced computer modeling to design the perfect eating plan for Saudi people. They looked at what foods are available, how much they cost, what nutrients people need, and what foods are part of Saudi culture. Then they ran 10,000 computer simulations to test if the eating plans would work for people who need different amounts of food each day, from 1,600 to 3,200 calories. The team included nutrition experts, government health officials, and used official Saudi government data about food costs and availability. They made sure the recommendations followed both international nutrition science and Saudi regulations.

This computer modeling approach is important because it ensures the eating guide actually works in real life, not just on paper. By testing thousands of scenarios, researchers could make sure the recommendations work for different people and budgets.

This research used official government data, involved multiple nutrition experts, and tested the recommendations extensively through computer simulations, making the results reliable for Saudi residents.

What the Results Show

The Saudi Healthy Plate 2024 successfully provides most of the nutrients people need to stay healthy. The eating plans work well for people who need anywhere from 1,600 to 3,200 calories per day, covering different ages, sizes, and activity levels. The guide includes foods that are familiar to Saudi people and fits within reasonable budgets. Most importantly, it provides enough protein, most vitamins, and important minerals that help prevent diseases like diabetes and heart problems. The monthly food costs range from about 380 to 763 Saudi Riyals (roughly $100-200 USD), making it affordable for most families.

Two important nutrients fell short of ideal levels. Vitamin E, which helps protect cells from damage, only reached about 61% of what people need. Choline, important for brain function, reached about 73% of requirements. These shortfalls were consistent across all the different calorie levels tested.

This is the first comprehensive, scientifically-designed eating guide specifically created for Saudi Arabia using advanced computer modeling. Previous dietary recommendations were often adapted from other countries and didn’t account for local food preferences, availability, or costs.

The study focused specifically on Saudi Arabia, so the recommendations may not apply to people in other countries. The research also didn’t test the eating plan with real people over time to see if they could stick to it or if it actually prevents diseases.

The Bottom Line

If you live in Saudi Arabia, following the Saudi Healthy Plate 2024 guidelines will likely improve your nutrition and may help prevent chronic diseases. Consider taking a vitamin E supplement or eating more vitamin E-rich foods like nuts and seeds to fill that gap.

Saudi residents of all ages should consider these guidelines. People with existing health conditions should talk to their doctor before making major dietary changes. The recommendations may not be suitable for people living in other countries with different food systems.

Following these eating guidelines consistently for several months to years may help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, though individual results will vary.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily intake of vitamin E-rich foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and vegetable oils, aiming for at least one serving per day
  • Use the app to plan meals that follow the Saudi Healthy Plate proportions while incorporating more nuts, seeds, and eggs to boost vitamin E and choline intake
  • Log your meals weekly to ensure you’re following the plate guidelines and meeting nutrient targets, with special attention to vitamin E and choline-rich foods

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.