Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the consumption of unhealthy foods in children under one year and the education level of the mothers, data obtained from participants of the II Survey on the prevalence of breastfeeding in the Brazilian capitals and the Federal District in 2008 was analyzed.MethodsDuring the second stage of the campaign for multi-vaccination, a questionnaire on food consumption in the last 24 hours was given to mothers or guardians of children under one year old. We analyzed the consumption of unhealthy foods according to age group, maternal education, region of residence and breastfeeding status. The state capitals and the Federal District were grouped according to the five macro-regions of the country (North, Northeast, Southeast, South and West). Processed juice, soda, coffee, cookies/salted snacks and sugar and/or honey were defined as unhealthy foods. Prevalence ratios (RP) for the association between the consumption of unhealthy foods and maternal education were estimated using Poisson regression models. Results: The study included 34,366 children. The consumption of sweet foods started early and was predominant until the age of six months; after this age, the consumption of biscuits and/or snacks became more prevalent. The consumption of these foods also differs in relation to the macro-region of residence. Consumption of unhealthy foods was higher among mothers with lower education levels.ConclusionsThe consumption of unhealthy foods by Brazilian children under one year old was high, indicating a need for developing effective strategies to combat the consumption of unhealthy foods in Brazilian children as a way of preventing obesity and other future disorders.
Highlights
In recent decades, a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity has occurred worldwide mainly in developing countries [1]
Data from the study of African-American infants and young children participating in the US Infant Care and Risk of Obesity Study show that the rates of inappropriate feeding age are high and are associated with a higher daily energy intake and an increased odd of high infant weight-for-length [11]
A systematic review examining the types of foods introduced during complementary feeding and the risk of childhood obesity showed that higher energy intake during complementary feeding was associated with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in childhood [12]
Summary
A significant increase in the prevalence of obesity has occurred worldwide mainly in developing countries [1]. Data from the Household Budget Survey (POF/2009) [4] showed that one in three In this context, it is essential to promote healthy eating habits early in life, which includes exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first six months of life and, after this age, the introduction of appropriate complementary feeding (WHO,2003) [10]. EBF is relatively uncommon worldwide; only 36% of infants from 46 developing countries are exclusively breastfed, less than one-third of children between the ages of 6 and 23 months meet the minimum dietary diversity, and only 50% of children receive the minimum number of meals [10]. Data from the study of African-American infants and young children participating in the US Infant Care and Risk of Obesity Study show that the rates of inappropriate feeding age are high and are associated with a higher daily energy intake and an increased odd of high infant weight-for-length [11]. A systematic review examining the types of foods introduced during complementary feeding and the risk of childhood obesity showed that higher energy intake during complementary feeding was associated with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in childhood [12]
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