Intake of Ultra-processed Foods Among Adolescents From Low- and Middle-Income Families in Delhi

Abstract

To assess the contribution of ultra-processed foods to the macronutrient intake of adolescents from low- and middle-income families in Delhi. Adolescents (n=1030) aged 12-16 years from four private and four government schools of Delhi were interviewed using 24-hour recall (repeated on three days), and a food frequency questionnaire. The mean energy intake from ultra-processed foods was 371 kcal (16.2%) of the total energy intake. The mean intake of macronutrients from ultra-processed foods was 7.1 g (16.3%) fat, 78.9 g (18.6%) carbohydrate and 4.8 g (10.9%) protein. Children from middle-income families consumed significantly higher (P<0.05) amounts of macronutrients coming from ultra-processed foods, as compared to those from low-income families. Adolescents reported regular consumption of variety of ultra-processed foods, and measures to reduce this consumption and encouraging healthy food choices are urgently needed.