Nutritional Quality of Breakfast Consumed by the Low-Income Population in Brazil: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

Janice Ramos De Sousa,Raquel B A Botelho,Renata Puppin Zandonadi,Rita De Cássia C A Akutsu

doi:10.3390/nu11061418

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the nutritional quality of breakfast consumed by the low-income Brazilian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1547 low-income individuals attending 36 Community Restaurants (CRs) in Brazil. Food consumption was analyzed by the frequency of food groups presented in the 24 h recall for three days. The nutritional consumption consisted of the analysis of the total energetic value (TEV) and the macronutrients, fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, calcium, and sodium. The nutrients were evaluated considering the percentage of contribution concerning the daily recommendation of consumption. Results: Among the 4641 breakfasts expected to be consumed and reported, 17.2% (n = 797) of the consumers did not consume breakfast. Therefore, we analyzed the 3844 breakfasts. The analysis of food groups showed a high consumption of dairy and cereals, and low consumption of fruits, roots/tubers, and meat/eggs. The percentages of energy contribution of the macronutrients in the TEV were adequate for a balanced diet. The mean intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was low, and the contribution percentages of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids were within the recommendations. The mean fiber intake of the breakfast was low, agreeing with the result of low fruit consumption. Calcium intake covered 73.49% of that expected for this meal, and sodium intake was adequate in breakfast. Conclusion: The individuals studied consumed a nutritionally balanced breakfast. Although dairy was one of the most consumed groups, calcium consumption was low, indicating the need to consume higher portions of food sources of this nutrient.

Highlights

Non-communicable chronic diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, and unhealthy eating represents one of the main risk factors for such diseases [1]
In Brazil, among the three main large meals, breakfast presently tends to be the most impaired meal from the standpoint of consumption [5,6,7]. This feeding behavior is inadequate for human health since there is evidence that breakfast consumption leads to higher nutrient intake and a healthier diet [3,8]
The present study aims to fill this gap, providing a picture of the Brazilian breakfast consumed by low-income adults

Summary

Introduction

Non-communicable chronic diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, and unhealthy eating represents one of the main risk factors for such diseases [1]. In Western culture, daily food intake is divided into three main meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner [2]. In Brazil, among the three main large meals, breakfast presently tends to be the most impaired meal from the standpoint of consumption [5,6,7]. This feeding behavior is inadequate for human health since there is evidence that breakfast consumption leads to higher nutrient intake and a healthier diet [3,8]. Breakfast is defined as the first meal consumed in the morning [7]. Some studies in Brazil [9,10]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion