Nutritional profile of sugar-sweetened beverages destined to the youngsters marketed in Brazil and Portugal

Nathalia Nunes Lopes Scrafide,Aline De Piano Ganen

doi:10.1590/1678-9865202033e190116

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze and compare the sugar content in sugar sweetened beverages in Brazil and Portugal, according to the Pan American Health Organization nutritional profile model. Methods One hundred six equivalent sugary beverages were selected in the markets of São Paulo, Brazil and Porto, Portugal. Nutritional information reported on the labels was reviewed, according to the Pan American Health Organization nutritional profile model, regarding the critical content of free sugars, salt, total saturated fats and trans fatty acids. Results The Brazilian nectars presented higher amounts of sugar and vitamin C compared to Portuguese nectars that contained more protein. The juices in Portugal contained a higher content of vitamin C and Portuguese dairy beverages had higher levels of protein and sodium, while the Brazilian ones had more total fats. According to the critical nutrients proposed by the Pan American Health Organization, Brazil had excess sodium in dairy beverages and soft drinks, while in Portugal excess sodium was found in nectars and dairy beverages. In both countries, excess free sugars were present in all beverages. Conclusion The amount of sugar in the beverages represents an important contribution of added sugar, especially in the Brazilian nectars. The identification of this component in sugary beverages is fundamental for the adoption of strategies of food education to control obesity.

Highlights

Childhood obesity includes complex interactions of multiple non-modifiable and modifiable factors
In order to assess the amount of sugar in soft drinks, we considered the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommendation which classifies the drink with an excess of free sugars, if in a certain amount of the product, the amount of energy from free sugars x 4 kcal) is equal to 10% or more of the total energy value [11]
It was observed that sugary drinks sold in Brazil contained a higher amount of sugar and vitamin C, while in Portugal they had higher protein content (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Childhood obesity includes complex interactions of multiple non-modifiable and modifiable factors. A modifiable factor is food choice, which may include high consumption of sugary drinks that is considered one of the main factors that led to the obesity epidemic [1]. The latest National Health Survey showed that 32.3% of children under two years of age consume soda frequently [2]. The Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) revealed that 44.97% of Brazilian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years regularly consume soda, and this is the sixth most consumed food [3]. In 2017, the Agência Nacional de Saúde (National Health Agency), in Rio de Janeiro, during the Regional Meeting to Control Childhood Obesity, established goals to reduce the growth of overweight and obesity rates in the country, among them, to reduce the regular consumption of soft drinks and artificial juice in at least 30% in the adult population, by 2019 [4]. The Food Guide for the Brazilian Population warns about the risks of excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugary drinks [5]

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Discussion

Conclusion