Analysis of the Mediterranean and ketogenic diet CO₂ footprint

Different foods require varying amounts of resources and contribute differently to environmental degradation and sustainability. Dietary patterns can have distinct environmental impacts based on their composition. This study compares two popular dietary models the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and ketogenic diet (KETO) in terms of both nutritional quality and environmental impact, specifically focusing on their CO₂ footprints. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and current consumption data, we estimated the average daily CO₂ emissions associated with each diet. The analysis revealed significant differences in macronutrient composition: KETO contained substantially higher proportions of fat (66% vs. 33%) and protein (24% vs. 19%) compared to the MD. In terms of environmental impact, KETO menus were associated with significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions 12 kg CO₂/day versus 6 kg CO₂/day for MD menus. When adjusted per 1000 kcal, KETO still demonstrated nearly double the emissions. These findings indicate that, while the KETO may serve specific metabolic or weight-management purposes, it imposes a considerably greater environmental burden. In contrast, the MD not only aligns more closely with established nutritional guidelines but also demonstrates a significantly lower CO₂ footprint approximately 50% less making it a more sustainable dietary option for both individual health and planetary well-being.