**11. A Comparison of Inclusion of Fermented Products in Different Guides**

‐ Evaluating dietary guidelines from various countries can help identify their strengths and limitations, yet such assessments are lacking due to the complexity involved. Trying to compare qualitatively current population-level dietary recommendations and pictorial food guides issued by government or nutrition agencies across nutrition transition stages (early, ongoing, and transitioned) is almost an impossible task.

The recommendations for consumption of foods or dietary practices within main categories of food groups, nutrients, or beverages, including lifestyle, nutritional, cooking, or eating habits is an intricate process. Some 55 major nutrients are reasonably well characterized and their required levels of intake calculated; however, the subject becomes quite complex if taking into account the amount of phytonutrients involved in plants (over 100,000)—one of the reasons nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day are recommended. Milk or fermented milk products may block the absorption of phytonutrients, some of which are considered essential.

Below (Table 3) we attempt to provide a short comparison summary among few countries.



+, existent; - non existent.
