Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods, its associated factors, and its influence on nutrient intake in young adults.METHODS In 2004-2005, the individuals belonging to the Pelotas birth cohort of 1982 were identified for a home interview. A total of 4,297 individuals were interviewed and 4,202 individuals were included in the study (follow-up rate of 77.4%). Diet was assessed using a questionnaire on dietary intake and the percentage of daily caloric intake attributed to ultra-processed foods as well as the intake of macro- and micronutrients were estimated. The association between cohort characteristics and the consumption of ultra-processed foods was assessed using linear regression. Analysis of variance and Pearson’s Chi-square test were used to evaluate the association between the quintiles of the consumption of ultra-processed food, nutrient intake and adequacy of nutrient intake, respectively.RESULTS The consumption of ultra-processed foods corresponded to 51.2% of the total caloric intake. The consumption of ultra-processed foods was higher among women, individuals with higher education, and individuals who were never poor and eutrophic. The increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was positively correlated with the consumption of fat, cholesterol, sodium, iron, calcium, and calories (p < 0.001) and was negatively correlated with the consumption of carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS The high consumption of ultra-processed foods and its positive correlation with the intake of sodium, cholesterol, and fats underscores the need to perform interventions aimed at decreasing the intake of this food group.
Highlights
In Brazil, according to a report issued by the 2008-2009 Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF – Family Budget Survey), the prevalence of obesity has doubled in the last 30 years, reaching 50.0% in men and 48.0% in women.a Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity were found to be the main risk factors for obesity.[11]
The Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, created by the World Health Organization, emphasizes the need to reduce the consumption of foods containing high amounts of energy, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and those that are low in nutrients.b The new version of the Guia Alimentar Para a População Brasileira (Food Guide for the Brazilian Population)c gives guidance on meals and aspects related to eating behavior, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors
Ninety-five individuals were excluded from the study: 52 because of implausible answers to the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), including the reporting of high daily intake of all foods or the excessive daily intake of foods from the same food group; and 43 because they reported a daily caloric intake above three standard deviations of the mean
Summary
In Brazil, according to a report issued by the 2008-2009 Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF – Family Budget Survey), the prevalence of obesity has doubled in the last 30 years, reaching 50.0% in men and 48.0% in women.a Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity were found to be the main risk factors for obesity.[11] With respect to diet, the current recommendations and guidelines while providing guidance on the consumption of foods tend to focus on nutrient intake, with a certain disregard for the factors that favor food choice.[14] The Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, created by the World Health Organization, emphasizes the need to reduce the consumption of foods containing high amounts of energy, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and those that are low in nutrients.b The new version of the Guia Alimentar Para a População Brasileira (Food Guide for the Brazilian Population)c gives guidance on meals and aspects related to eating behavior, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors.
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