Abstract
Cross-sectional nutritional survey data collected in eight countries were used to estimate saturated fatty acid intakes. Our objective was to estimate the proportion of excessive saturated fatty acid intakes (>10 % of total energy intake) that could be avoided if ultra-processed food consumption was reduced to levels observed in the first quintile of each country. Secondary analysis was performed of 24 h dietary recall or food diary/record data collected by the most recently available nationally representative cross-sectional surveys carried out in Brazil (2008-9), Chile (2010), Colombia (2005), Mexico (2012), Australia (2011-12), the UK (2008-16), Canada (2015) and the US (2015-16). Population attributable fractions estimated the impact of reducing ultra-processed food consumption on excessive saturated fatty acid intakes (above 10 % of total energy intake) in each country. Significant relative reductions in the percentage of excessive saturated fatty acid intakes would be observed in all countries if ultra-processed food consumption was reduced to levels observed in the first quintile's consumption. The reductions in excessive intakes ranged from 10⋅0 % (95 % CI 6⋅2-13⋅6 %) in Canada to 35⋅0 % (95 % CI 28⋅7-48⋅0 %) in Mexico. In all eight studied countries, all presenting more than 30 % of intakes with excessive saturated fatty acids, lowering the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods to attainable, context-specific levels was shown to be a potentially effective way to reduce the percentage of intakes with excessive saturated fatty acids, which may play an important role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
Highlights
The present paper describes for the first time, the proportion of excessive saturated fatty acid intake (>10 % of total energy intake) that could be potentially avoided, if ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption was reduced to levels observed among the lowest consumers across eight countries
In the present study across eight middle- and high-income countries, we observed that the rise in UPF consumption was systematically associated with an increase in both the mean saturated fatty acid intakes and in the percentage of excessive intakes
The percentage of excessive saturated fatty acid intakes would be significantly reduced in all countries, if UPF consumption was decreased to context-specific attainable levels such as those estimated for the lowest quintile of UPF consumption in each country
Summary
Large cohort studies carried out in different countries have shown that increased dietary share of UPFs results in a higher risk of overweight/obesity, hypertension, coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, overall and breast cancer, and all-cause mortality[2,3,4]. Multiple mechanisms for the association between UPF intake and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been envisaged[1] including the lower satiety potential and higher glycemic index of these foods[1] and the presence of additives such as artificial sweeteners and emulsifiers[2], and of compounds that are neoformed during processing or released from packaging[2], the most obvious mechanism is their effect on the nutrient profile of the overall diet. Nationally representative studies conducted in Brazil[6], Chile[7], Colombia[8], Mexico[9], Australia[10], the UK[11], Canada[12] and the US[13] have shown that increased UPF intake was associated with non-recommended intakes of most nutrients critical to NCDs, including saturated fatty acids[14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
