Estado nutricional, adecuación nutricional y su asociación con parámetros bioquímicos en adolescentes indígenas: un estudio transversal

BackgroundThe processing of food can cause changes that turn them into risk factors for chronic diseases. A higher degree of food processing is associated with the development of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and the prevalence of MetS and its risk factors, focusing on a population group especially subjected to precarious living conditions and food insecurity.MethodCross-sectional population-based study with women (19 to 59 years) from Quilombola communities of Alagoas. The socioeconomic, demographic, anthropometric, health status, lifestyle, and food intake (24-h recall) variables were analyzed. The dependent variable was the MetS, defined using the harmonization criteria of the Joint Interim Statement, and its components. The foods consumed were categorized according to the Nova Classification, assuming the highest UPF consumption as risk exposure. The measure of association was the prevalence ratio (PR) and respective 95%CI, calculated by Poisson regression with robust variance. We also analyzed the association with the Nova score of UPF consumption.ResultsWe investigated 895 women (38.9 ± 11.0 years), of whom 48.3% had MetS. On average, 15.9% of the total energy intake came from UPF. Lower Nova scores were associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes and low HDL. Higher UPF consumption was associated with a 30% higher prevalence of hypertension (PR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.06–1.61).ConclusionThe highest UPF consumption was positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension, while a lower Nova score was a protective factor against diabetes and low HDL. UPF consumption in Quilombola communities is important but lower than that observed in the Brazilian population in general. It is suggested that public health programs be implemented to promote healthy eating while valuing the existing eating habits and traditions among the remaining Brazilian Quilombola people.

The Third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study: Summary and Implications

This cross-sectional study investigated ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and its association with overweight among Brazilian vegetarian adults (n = 925). Data were collected using a self-administered structured online questionnaire. The prevalence of overweight was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3–29.1). The median UPF consumption was 1.8 times/day (1.0–3.1 interquartile range [IQR]). The multivariable generalised linear model identified an increase in overweight probability as the UPF intake – categorised into quintiles – increases (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.08 [95%CI 1.01–1.17]). Additionally, age (PR 1.03 [95%CI 1.02–1.04]), eating more than three meals/day away from home (PR 1.56 [95%CI 1.08–2.23]), duration of vegetarianism (PR 0.98 [95%CI 0.97–0.99]) and living in the wealthiest regions in the country (PR 1.35 [95%CI 1.06–1.71]) were associated with overweight. Although vegetarians have a lower average UPF intake and overweight prevalence than the general population, UPF exposure can still lead to excessive weight gain or maintenance. This study endorses generalising the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines for the vegetarian population.

Background: The global increase in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has raised significant public health concerns due to its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD). UPFs are typically high in sodium, saturated fats, added sugars, and artificial additives, which contribute to metabolic disturbances and increase CVD risk. This scoping review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the relationship between UPF consumption and CVD risk in adults. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between 2019 and 2024. Eligible studies included observational research assessing UPF consumption and its impact on cardiovascular health. A total of 172 articles were initially identified, and after applying inclusion criteria, nine relevant studies were selected for review. Results: The findings consistently indicate that high UPF consumption is linked to an increased risk of hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and elevated triglyceride levels—key contributors to CVD. Several studies also highlight a significant association between frequent UPF intake and higher rates of cardiovascular mortality, particularly among high-risk populations. Conversely, diets rich in minimally processed foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, demonstrate protective effects against CVD. Conclusions: There is a strong positive correlation between UPF consumption and heightened CVD risk. Public health interventions should focus on reducing UPF intake while promoting healthier dietary patterns to mitigate cardiovascular disease burden. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of UPF consumption on cardiovascular health

Legumes are protein-rich foods with health benefits and low environmental impact. This study investigated associations between legume consumption, in isolation or as part of plant-based dietary patterns, and cardiometabolic risk factors. This cross-sectional study used a subsample of the NutriNet-Santé cohort who completed three 24-hour dietary recalls at baseline (2009-2011) and underwent clinical and biochemical examinations (2011-2014, N = 16,358). Multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression analyses estimated prevalence ratios (PR) for associations between legume consumption and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, elevated waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Associations with healthy and unhealthy plant-based diet indices were also assessed, stratified by ultra-processed food consumption or sex. High compared to low legume consumption was not significantly associated with lower prevalence of low HDL (PR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.90; 1.53), elevated waist circumference (PR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.90; 1.14), blood pressure (PR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.93; 1.11), blood glucose (PR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.92; 1.40), serum triglycerides (PR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.76; 1.30), total cholesterol (PR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.81; 1.15), or LDL cholesterol (PR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.79; 1.08). However, adherence to the healthy plant-based diet index was associated with lower prevalences of all risk factors, and the opposite for the unhealthy plant-based diet index. Associations were not modified by ultra-processed food consumption or sex. Dietary patterns rich in legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts were associated with lower prevalences of cardiometabolic risk factors, while legumes in isolation were not.

Modern Western diets, characterised by a substantial proportion of kilocalories derived from ultra-processed foods (UPF), have been associated with systemic inflammation. This study examines the association between UPF consumption and inflammation, assessed through alterations in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, among Brazilian adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study involving a sub-sample of 6316 adolescents aged 12-17 years, participants in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (ERICA), from seven capitals in Brazil. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall, and foods were categorised based on their degree of processing according to the NOVA classification. UPF consumption was then divided into quartiles. For CRP evaluation, blood samples were collected after a 12-hour fasting period and categorised as > 3 mg/l, indicating low-grade inflammation. Poisson regression models with robust variance were employed to assess the association between UPF consumption and high CRP concentrations. High UPF consumption (highest quartile, ≥ 44·9 % kcal/d) was slightly associated with a higher prevalence of CRP after adjusting for potential confounders (prevalence ratio = 1·039; 95 % CI: 1·006, 1·073), compared with those in the lowest quartile of UPF consumption. However, when evaluating different groups of UPF separately (such as sugary beverages, processed meats and sweets), the previous association was no longer observed. These findings suggest a modest association between overall UPF consumption and early indicators of unhealthy low-grade inflammation in adolescents. Further experimental and cohort studies are necessary to clarify the role of UPF in inflammatory processes.

This population-based cross-sectional study investigated the complex interplay of factors influencing high ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption among Brazilian adolescents using a hierarchical socio-ecological model. Data from 100028 adolescents (13-17 years) enrolled in public and private schools nationwide were collected via self-administered questionnaires from the 2019 National School Health Survey. High UPF consumption was defined as ≥ 7 subgroups consumed on the previous day based on the NOVA classification. Poisson regression adjusted for complex sampling and hierarchical structure identified prevalence ratios (PR) for associated factors. High UPF consumption was significantly associated with younger age (PR = 1·22; 95 % CI 1·11, 1·34), regular breakfast consumption (PR = 1·32; 95 % CI 1·23, 1·42), regular screen time during meals (PR = 1·36; 95 % CI 1·27, 1·45), frequent UPF purchases at and around school (PR for canteen: 1·57; 95 % CI 1·43, 1·72; street vendors: 1·71; 95 % CI 1·55, 1·89), higher maternal education (PR 1·23, 95 % CI 1·12, 1·36) and lower parental supervision (PR 1·34, 95 % CI 1·11, 1·62). Living in the South (PR 1·50, 95 % CI 1·34, 1·69), Southeast (PR 1·30, 95 % CI 1·17, 1·44) and Midwest regions (PR 1·21, 95 % CI 1·09, 1·34) also correlated with higher consumption. Conversely, high body satisfaction and attending private school showed an inverse association. These findings underscore the intricate, multilevel influences on UPF consumption among Brazilian adolescents. Integrated interventions, spanning schools, family environments and public policies are crucial for promoting healthier eating habits and preventing obesity in this vulnerable population.

Previous studies demonstrated that ultra-processed foods (UPF) affect overall diet quality. However, none have yet examined this relation across different age groups in Brazil. This study assessed the relationship between diet quality and the consumption of UPF in a Brazilian population according to age groups. This was a cross-sectional study that analysed food consumption data from 46 164 Brazilians aged ≥10 years who participated in the 2017–2018 National Dietary Survey. Food and beverages consumed were recorded by two 24-h recalls. All food items were classified as UPF or non-UPF according to the Nova system. Diet quality was evaluated using nutritional density and the prevalence of inadequate nutrient consumption, according to the quintiles of energy contribution of UPF. The association between diet quality and UPF consumption was evaluated by linear and Poisson regressions, with adjustment for sociodemographic variables, stratified by age groups (adolescents, adults and older adults). The consumption of UPF increased the densities of carbohydrates, free sugar, saturated fat and Na and decreased the densities of proteins, fibres and potassium in three age groups. Higher prevalence ratios (PR) of inadequate consumption of free sugar and fibre among the lower and higher quintiles of energy contribution of UPF among adolescents (PR = 2·02, 95 % CI = 1·82, 2·25; PR = 1·88, 95 % CI = 1·68, 2·10), adults (PR = 1·86, 95 % CI = 1·75, 1·98; PR = 1·70, 95 % CI = 1·60, 1·80) and older adults (PR = 1·48, 95 % CI = 1·30, 1·69; PR = 1·24, 95 % CI = 1·09, 1·40). UPF consumption was negatively associated with diet quality across different age groups. Thus, interventions targeting UPF consumption should be implemented across life stages to improve overall diet quality.

Nutrition and Kidney Health: Processing Emerging Evidence About Foods

ABSTRACTObjective:To estimate the prevalence of smartphone addiction and identify associated factors among high school adolescents.Methods:A cross-sectional study, part of the first phase of the project “Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Behavior in Physical Activity and Health,” was conducted with 1,616 adolescents of both sexes from public schools in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle habits, health aspects, and future expectations were collected. Smartphone addiction was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI) with a cutoff score of ≥9. Additionally, levels ofphysical activity, eating habits, daytime sleepiness, depressive and anxious symptoms, presence of pain, weight satisfaction, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and future perspectives were evaluated. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance in both crude and adjusted analyses (p<0.05).Results:The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 54.9%. Associated factors included female sex (PR 1.15; 95%CI 1.00–1.20), not practicing of physical activity (PR 1.10; 95%CI 1.00–1.22), consumption of salty industrialized/ultra-processed foods (PR 1.16; 95%CI 1.05–1.28) and fast foods (PR 1.16; 95%CI 1.04–1.28), presence of daytime sleepiness (PR 1.65; 95%CI 1.39–1.95), symptoms of depression (PR 1.42; 95%CI 1.22–1.65), and stress (PR 1.27; 95%CI 1.11–1.45).Conclusions:More than half of the adolescents demonstrated smartphone addiction, which was associated with female sex, unhealthy eating habits, and unfavorable emotional indicators. The findings highlight the importance of interventions that promote healthy behaviors and provide psychological support for this population.

Objective: To assess the association between cariogenic ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and maternal reports of dental caries and dental pain among preschool children. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 505 mothers of children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled in the Municipal Public School System in a large southern Brazilian city (Curitiba, Paraná). Socioeconomic data, maternal reports on dental caries and dental pain among children, and frequency of consumption of cariogenic UPFs among those children were collected. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses with robust variance were used for the data analysis (α=0.05) and presented in prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: The presence of dental caries and dental pain among children in the upper tercile of consumption of cariogenic UPFs was, respectively, 11.6% (95%CI:1.028-1.213) and 8% (95%CI:1.001-1.165) higher than that in the lower tercile. Dental caries and dental pain increased, respectively, by 12% (95%CI:1.074-1.169) and 10.3% (95%CI:1.060-1.149) for each year of the child. Moreover, a higher household income was a protective factor for dental caries (PRa:0.978; 95%CI:0.959-0.997) and for dental pain as well (PRa:0.977; 95%CI:0.958-0.997) among the children. Conclusion: A higher consumption of cariogenic ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was found to be associated with maternal reports of dental caries and dental pain among preschool children.

BackgroundDiet quality during infancy can influence nutrient intake and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption throughout later childhood. ObjectivesThis study investigated the predictive validity of Infant Diet Quality Index (IDQI) scores from 0 to 1 y of age and consumption of select nutrients and UPFs at different time points in low-income children aged 2–5 y. MethodsDietary surveys and 24-h dietary recalls collected between ages 0 and 12 months from 2613 Special Supplemental Women, Infants, and Children Infant Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 participants were used to assess infant diet quality by final IDQI score ranging from 0 (nonadherence to dietary guidelines) to 1 (complete adherence to guidelines). Single 24-h recalls collected across multiple time points per child aged between 2 and 5 y were used to determine nutrient intakes: vitamin B12 (μg), vitamin D (μg), calcium (mg), iron (mg), zinc (mg), potassium (mg), saturated fat (g), dietary fiber (g), and added sugars (g). Likewise, Nova was used to classify foods (to estimate the percentage of energy from foods) by level of industrial processing at each point in time across ages 2–5 y. Survey-weighted regression analyses estimated associations between total IDQI score and nutrient intake and percentage of energy consumption from each Nova food group at each age between 2–5 y. ResultsIDQI scores based on diet quality from 0–1 y of age were positively associated with children’s dietary fiber and potassium intake at ages 2–5 y. Additionally, IDQI was negatively associated with added sugar intake. No associations were observed between IDQI and saturated fat consumption. IDQI scores at age 1 were positively associated with the percentage of energy attributed to unprocessed/minimally processed foods (20%–23%) and negatively associated with UPF consumption at ages 2–5 y (−24% to −29%). ConclusionsIDQI predicts intake of select nutrients and UPF consumption among low-income US children aged 2–5 y.This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02031978 as “Feeding My Baby – A National WIC Study,” NCT02031978.

This article aims to assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) during the first year of life and associated factors. We analyzed data from the one-year follow-up of the MINA-Brazil birth cohort. Socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric data were collected in the baseline study and at one-year follow-up (n = 774). Dietary intake during the previous day was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire to determine UPF consumption. Multiple Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and confidence intervals (95%CI) for factors associated with the consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs. Prevalence of UPF consumption and consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs was 87.5% and 40.5%, respectively. Consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs was associated with lower maternal education (≤ 9 years of schooling [PR: 2.02 95%CI 1.42; 2.87] and between 10-12 years of schooling [PR: 1.55, 95%CI 1, 11; 2.14]), below-average wealth index (PR: 1.26, 95%CI 1.04; 1.53), and having a teenage mother (PR:1.19, 95%CI 1.00; 1.49). Lack of dietary diversity was inversely associated with the outcome (RP: 0,65, IC95% 0,51; 0,81). The consumption of ≥ 3 UPFs was associated with lower wealth index, education and maternal age. Dietary diversity was associated with higher levels of UPF consumption.

Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Leucocyte Telomere Length: A cross-sectional study of UK Biobank

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased globally. This study examined the geographic variation in overweight and obesity trends among Icelandic adolescents in urban and rural areas. Data from two cross-sectional population-based samples of 14- and 15-year-old students attending the compulsory 9th and 10th grades of the Icelandic secondary school system in 2000 and 2009 were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Overweight and obesity rates were represented for 17 zones on maps created with the ArcGis geographic information and imaging software. Results were that males had higher rates of overweight and obesity than females in both 2000 and 2009, with a significant difference for both genders between years. Mean BMI was higher for rural areas than urban areas in both study years. Out of 17 geographic zones, the prevalence of obesity increased between 2000 and 2009 for males in 16; however, the one remaining zone had the highest increase in overweight. Obesity increased in 13 zones for girls and decreased in four from 2000 to 2009. Mean BMI rose between the study years but fewer zones differentiated from each other in 2009 than 2000. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased among Icelandic adolescents in both urban and rural areas; however, rural areas have higher rates of obesity, overweight, and mean BMI than urban areas. Because of diminishing differences between areas from 2000 to 2009 the increase in mean BMI, increases in overweight, and obesity appear to be more rapid in urban areas than rural areas.