Abstract
To evaluate the association between the consumption of NOVA food groups (classification based on the nature, extent and purpose of food processing) and the intake of energy, macro and micronutrients among school children. Cross-sectional study. Food consumption was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls on non-consecutive days. Energy from each NOVA food groups - ultra-processed foods, unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients and processed foods - was estimated. For analysis, the percentage of energy from ultra-processed foods and unprocessed or minimally processed foods were categorised into tertiles and associated with intake of energy, macro and micronutrients using analysis of covariance and linear regression. Public schools in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. School children aged 8-12 years (n 797; 406 girls; 391 boys). Mean energy intake was 2050·18 ± 966·83 kcal/d, 25·8 % was from ultra-processed foods, 56·7 % from unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 8·9 % from processed culinary ingredients and 8·6 % from processed foods. A higher energy contribution from ultra-processed foods was negatively associated with the intake of protein, fibre, vitamin A, Fe and Zn (P < 0·001) and positively associated with total energy, lipid and Na intake (P < 0·001). Concurrently, a higher energy contribution from unprocessed or minimally processed foods was positively associated with the consumption of protein, fibre, Fe and Zn (P < 0·001) and negatively associated with total energy (P = 0·002), lipid and Na intake (P < 0·001). In conclusion, higher ultra-processed food consumption presented a negative association with the nutrient intake profile of school children.
Highlights
The importance of food processing has increased due its potential role in diet-related non-communicable diseases [1]
Few studies have focussed on children and adolescents are still incipient, which highlights the need to investigate the factors associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods in this population. Considering this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate the association between NOVA food groups consumption and the intake of energy, macro and micronutrients among school children
Our results found an association between ultra-processed foods consumption and an unfavorable nutrient intake profile, with higher intake of energy, lipids and sodium, and a lower intake of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin A
Summary
The importance of food processing has increased due its potential role in diet-related non-communicable diseases [1]. Monteiro et al[2] proposed a new food classification according to the extent and purpose of food processing called NOVA. This classification is recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pan American Health Organization as a valid tool for nutrition and public health research[1,2]. The Brazilian Dietary Guidelines follow this new classification by strongly recommending a diet based on unprocessed or minimally processed foods, moderate consumption of processed culinary ingredients and processed foods, and avoidance of ultra-processed foods[3] These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence and changes in the dietary pattern in Brazil and worldwide[1,2,3]
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