The secret of longevity: Changes in aquatic food product consumption amid dietary transition—A comparative analysis based on China, Japan, and Republic of Korea

Abstract The acceleration of global aging and the growing burden of chronic diseases have made dietary optimization a critical public health priority. Aquatic food product is widely recognized for conferring significant benefits on cardiovascular health, blood glucose regulation, and cognitive function. However, consumption patterns of aquatic food product vary substantially across countries, and their associated health effects exhibit notable heterogeneity. This study systematically compares the evolution of dietary guidelines, aquatic food consumption trends, and health outcomes in Japan, Republic of Korea, and China, exploring the role of aquatic food product in dietary transitions and their preventive effects on chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. The findings reveal a significant inverse correlation between aquatic food product consumption and the incidence of chronic diseases, as well as a positive association with longer health-adjusted life expectancy. Specifically, in Japan, sustained high-level consumption of aquatic food product has contributed significantly to its elevated life expectancy and favorable health status among the elderly. In Korea, consumption levels remain stable through modern aquatic food product processing on the basis of traditional diets, although health benefits are partially offset by high-salt and deep-frying preparation methods. In China, despite rapid growth in aquatic food consumption in recent years, significant disparities persist between urban and rural areas and across regions, particularly in inland areas where consumption remains low, limiting the full realization of health benefits. This research highlights the critical role of aquatic food product in reducing chronic disease risk and promoting healthy longevity. It provides empirical evidence to inform global public health policies and dietary interventions and proposes actionable recommendations to advance dietary optimization, including promoting aquatic food product consumption, optimizing processing and cooking methods, strengthening nutrition education, and improving cold-chain logistics and consumer support policies.