Abstract
To estimate energy and nutrient intake and prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake among Brazilian adults. Data from the National Dietary Survey, from the 2008-2009 Household Budget Survey, were used. Food consumption was evaluated through food record on two non-consecutive days. A total of 21,003 individuals (52.5% women), between 20-59 years old, participated in the survey. Usual nutrient intake was estimated according to the National Cancer Institute method. The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-off points were used to determine the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake. For manganese and potassium, the Adequate Intake (AI) was used as cut-off. Sodium intake was compared with the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). The probability approach was used to determine the prevalence of inadequate iron intake. The data were analyzed according to the location of the household (urban or rural) and macro regions of Brazil. The mean energy intake was 2,083 kcal among men and 1,698 kcal among women. Prevalence of inadequacy equal to or greater than 70% were observed for calcium among men and magnesium, vitamin A, and sodium among both men and women. Prevalence equal to or greater than 90% were found for calcium in women and vitamins D and E in both genders. Prevalence lower than 5% were found for iron in men and for niacin in men and women. In general, prevalence of inadequate intake was higher in the rural area and in the Northeast region. Energy intake was higher among individuals who live in urban areas and in the North region. The greatest risk groups of inadequate micronutrient intake were women and those living in rural areas and in the Northeast region.
Highlights
Assessing dietary intake is essential for guiding public policies in preventing both diseases resulting from deficiencies and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD)
Prevalence of inadequacy equal to or greater than 70% were observed for calcium among men and magnesium, vitamin A, and sodium among both men and women
Excessive sodium intake was found in 89.3% of men and 70% of women, and the highest levels of inadequate calcium intake were among women aged 51 to 59 (96.4%)
Summary
Assessing dietary intake is essential for guiding public policies in preventing both diseases resulting from deficiencies and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD). Brazil did not have a regular nationwide survey evaluating individual food intake,[24] the only example being the National Study on Household Expenditure (Endef), carried out in 1970, which used the direct weighing of food to estimate dietary intake of Brazilian families.a. Combining the findings of national studies on nutritional deficienciesb with those on excess weight,c it can be stated that Brazil faces a double burden of diseases originating in diet. The anti-oxidant action of some vitamins can reduce the occurrence of NCD,[3] excessive sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure and the consequent increased risk of cardiovascular and renal disease[13] and vitamin D and calcium are essential for healthy bones and reducing the risk of osteoperosis.[14].
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