Nutrient supply and adequacy of macro- and micronutrients from Swedish agricultural production in 2024.

INTRODUCTION

Ensuring adequate nutrient availability from domestic food production is an important component of national food system resilience, particularly under scenarios of trade disruption or reduced imports. This study estimated the theoretical per capita nutrient availability from domestic Swedish food production under current peacetime conditions and compared it with population nutrient reference values.

METHODS

Calculations were based on official agricultural statistics, conversion factors for edible yields, assumptions on food losses, and food composition data. The analysis assumed current production volumes and an undisturbed food system to estimate the theoretical nutrient supply available from domestic production.

RESULTS

Sweden's peacetime food production has substantial capacity to meet or exceed population requirements for several essential nutrients. In particular, the estimated supplies of protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber comfortably exceeded recommended levels. Potential insufficiencies were identified for total fat, vitamin C, vitamin D, iodine, potassium, sodium, and selenium when considering domestic production alone and excluding imported or fortified products.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that Sweden's domestic food production could support population nutrient needs for many essential nutrients but may not fully cover some vitamins, minerals, and fats. Maintaining nutritional security during trade disruptions may require additional food sources, including edible animal by-products and wild foods, or reliance on imports and fortification strategies.