Ultra-processed foods and the nutritional dietary profile in Brazil

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of consuming ultra-processed foods on the nutritional dietary profile in Brazil.METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted with data from the module on individual food consumption from the 2008-2009 Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF – Brazilian Family Budgets Survey). The sample, which represented the section of the Brazilian population aged 10 years or over, involved 32,898 individuals. Food consumption was evaluated by two 24-hour food records. The consumed food items were classified into three groups: natural or minimally processed, including culinary preparations with these foods used as a base; processed; and ultra-processed.RESULTS The average daily energy consumption per capita was 1,866 kcal, with 69.5% being provided by natural or minimally processed foods, 9.0% by processed foods and 21.5% by ultra-processed food. The nutritional profile of the fraction of ultra-processed food consumption showed higher energy density, higher overall fat content, higher saturated and trans fat, higher levels of free sugar and less fiber, protein, sodium and potassium, when compared to the fraction of consumption related to natural or minimally processed foods. Ultra-processed foods presented generally unfavorable characteristics when compared to processed foods. Greater inclusion of ultra-processed foods in the diet resulted in a general deterioration in the dietary nutritional profile. The indicators of the nutritional dietary profile of Brazilians who consumed less ultra-processed foods, with the exception of sodium, are the stratum of the population closer to international recommendations for a healthy diet.CONCLUSIONS The results from this study highlight the damage to health that is arising based on the observed trend in Brazil of replacing traditional meals, based on natural or minimally processed foods, with ultra-processed foods. These results also support the recommendation of avoiding the consumption of these kinds of foods.

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Changes of Physical Activity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adolescents from Different Countries during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12082289 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2289 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

María Belén Ruíz-Roso ◽

Patricia de Carvalho Padilha ◽

Diana C. Matilla-Escalante ◽

Paola Brun ◽

Natalia Ulloa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Latin America ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Consumption Data ◽

Food Consumption Data

Aim: to describe physical activity and ultra-processed foods consumption, their changes and sociodemographic predictors among adolescents from countries in Europe (Italy and Spain) and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, and Colombia) during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic period. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and weekly ultra-processed food consumption data were used. To compare the frequencies of physical activity status with sociodemographic variables, a multinomial logistic and a multiple logistic regression for habitual ultra-processed foods was performed. In final models, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sample of 726 adolescents, mostly females (59.6%) aged 16–19 years old (54.3%). Adolescents from Latin America presented odds ratio (OR) 2.98 (CI 95% 1.80–4.94) of being inactive and those whose mothers had higher level of education were less active during lockdown [OR 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20–0.84)]. The habitual ultra-processed consumption was also high during this period in all countries, and more prevalent in Latin America. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of inactivity was observed in this population, but reductions of physical activity and habitual ultra-processed consumption during the pandemic were more pronounced in Latin America. Our findings reinforce the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, i.e., exercise and diet, during periods of social isolation.

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Consumption of ultra-processed foods and associated sociodemographic factors in the USA between 2007 and 2012: evidence from a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020574 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e020574 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽

Euridice Martinez Steele ◽

Daniela Silva Canella ◽

Carlos Augusto Monteiro

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

The Usa ◽

Nationally Representative

ObjectivesTo compare ultra-processed food consumption across sociodemographic groups and over time (2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012) in the USA.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012.ParticipantsAll individuals aged ≥2 years with at least one 24-hour dietary recall were included (n=23 847).Main outcome measuresAverage dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods (expressed as a percentage of the total caloric value of the diet), obtained after classifying all food items according to extent and purpose of industrial food processing using NOVA classification.Data analysisLinear regression was used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics or NHANES cycles and dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods.ResultsAlmost 60% of calories consumed in the period 2007–2012 came from ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods decreased with age and income level, was higher for non-Hispanic whites or non-Hispanic blacks than for other race/ethnicity groups and lower for people with college than for lower levels of education, all differences being statistically significant. Overall contribution of ultra-processed foods increased significantly between NHANES cycles (nearly 1% point per cycle), the same being observed among males, adolescents and high school education-level individuals.ConclusionsUltra-processed food consumption in the USA in the period 2007–2012 was overall high, greater among non-Hispanic whites or non-Hispanic blacks, less educated, younger, lower-income strata and increased across time.

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Ultra-processed foods and excessive free sugar intake in the UK: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027546 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. e027546 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Fernanda Rauber ◽

Maria Laura da Costa Louzada ◽

Euridice Martinez Steele ◽

Leandro F M de Rezende ◽

Christopher Millett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Energy ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Age Groups ◽

Free Sugar ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Free Sugars ◽

Sugar Intake ◽

The Uk

ObjectivesTo describe dietary sources of free sugars in different age groups of the UK population considering food groups classified according to the NOVA system and to estimate the proportion of excessive free sugars that could potentially be avoided by reducing consumption of their main sources.Design and settingCross-sectional data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2014) were analysed. Food items collected using a 4-day food diary were classified according to the NOVA system.Participants9364 individuals aged 1.5 years and above.Main outcome measuresAverage dietary content of free sugars and proportion of individuals consuming more than 10% of total energy from free sugars.Data analysisPoisson regression was used to estimate the associations between each of the NOVA food group and intake of free sugars. We estimated the per cent reduction in prevalence of excessive free sugar intake from eliminating ultra-processed foods and table sugar. Analyses were stratified by age group and adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, survey year, region and equivalised household income (sterling pounds).ResultsUltra-processed foods account for 56.8% of total energy intake and 64.7% of total free sugars in the UK diet. Free sugars represent 12.4% of total energy intake, and 61.3% of the sample exceeded the recommended limit of 10% energy from free sugars. This percentage was higher among children (74.9%) and adolescents (82.9%). Prevalence of excessive free sugar intake increased linearly across quintiles of ultra-processed food consumption for all age groups, except among the elderly. Eliminating ultra-processed foods could potentially reduce the prevalence of excessive free sugar intake by 47%.ConclusionOur findings suggest that actions to reduce the ultra-processed food consumption generally rich in free sugars could lead to substantial public health benefits.

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Impact of ultra-processed foods on micronutrient content in the Brazilian diet

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0034-8910.2015049006211 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 49 (0) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Maria Laura da Costa Louzada ◽

Ana Paula Bortoletto Martins ◽

Daniela Silva Canella ◽

Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽

Renata Bertazzi Levy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Family Income ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Brazilian Population ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Minimally Processed ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Per Capita ◽

The Impact

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of consuming ultra-processed foods on the micronutrient content of the Brazilian population’s diet. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed using data on individual food consumption from a module of the 2008-2009 Brazilian Household Budget Survey. A representative sample of the Brazilian population aged 10 years or over was assessed (n = 32,898). Food consumption data were collected through two 24-hour food records. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between the nutrient content of the diet and the quintiles of ultra-processed food consumption – crude and adjusted for family income per capita. RESULTS Mean daily energy intake per capita was 1,866 kcal, with 69.5% coming from natural or minimally processed foods, 9.0% from processed foods and 21.5% from ultra-processed foods. For sixteen out of the seventeen evaluated micronutrients, their content was lower in the fraction of the diet composed of ultra-processed foods compared with the fraction of the diet composed of natural or minimally processed foods. The content of 10 micronutrients in ultra-processed foods did not reach half the content level observed in the natural or minimally processed foods. The higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was inversely and significantly associated with the content of vitamins B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, niacin, pyridoxine, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium and zinc. The reverse situation was only observed for calcium, thiamin and riboflavin. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study highlight that reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods is a natural way to promote healthy eating in Brazil and, therefore, is in line with the recommendations made by the Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira (Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population) to avoid these foods.

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Quantifying associations of the dietary share of ultra-processed foods with overall diet quality in First Nations peoples in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017001677 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 103-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Malek Batal ◽

Louise Johnson-Down ◽

Jean-Claude Moubarac ◽

Amy Ing ◽

Karen Fediuk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

First Nations ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Wild Plants ◽

Free Sugar ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Canadian Provinces ◽

The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify associations of the dietary share of ultra-processed foods (UPF) with the overall diet quality of First Nations peoples.DesignA cross-sectional analysis of data from the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study, designed to contribute to knowledge gaps regarding the diet of First Nations peoples living on-reserve, south of the 60th parallel. A multistage sampling of communities was conducted. All foods from 24 h dietary recalls were categorized into NOVA categories and analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of UPF on diet quality.SettingWestern and Central Canada.SubjectsFirst Nations participants aged 19 years or older.ResultsThe sample consisted of 3700 participants. UPF contributed 53·9 % of energy. Compared with the non-UPF fraction of the diet, the UPF fraction had 3·5 times less vitamin A, 2·4 times less K, 2·2 times less protein, 2·3 times more free sugars and 1·8 times more Na. As the contribution of UPF to energy increased so did the overall intakes of energy, carbohydrate, free sugar, saturated fat, Na, Ca and vitamin C, and Na:K; while protein, fibre, K, Fe and vitamin A decreased. Diets of individuals who ate traditional First Nations food (e.g. wild plants and game animals) on the day of the recall were lower in UPF.ConclusionsUPF were prevalent in First Nations diets. Efforts to curb UPF consumption and increase intake of traditional First Nations foods and other fresh or minimally processed foods would improve diet quality and health in First Nations peoples.

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Association between Food Intake and Overweight in Children Assisted by Primary Care

The Open Nursing Journal ◽

10.2174/1874434602115010305 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 305-312

Author(s):

Erivelton Sousa Lima ◽

Amanda de Castro Amorim Serpa Brandão ◽

Antonio Luiz Gomes Junior ◽

Luana kelle Batista Moura ◽

Gerardo Vasconcelos Mesquita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Food Intake ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Food Groups ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exact Test ◽

Chi Square Test

Background: The child feed in the first two years of life is of fundamental importance for a healthy growth and development. Aims: To verify the association between food consumption indicators and overweight in children under the age of two, followed up by primary care health professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 232 children assisted by primary care. A structured questionnaire was used with questions on sociodemographic data of mothers or guardians and food intake and anthropometric data of children. The analysis of the association between excess weight and food intake indicators was performed using the Pearson’s chi-square test (χ2) and Fisher’s exact test (f ˂ 5). Results: Regarding food intake in children under 6 months of age, 35.1% of the children were exclusively breastfed. Among children at the age of 6 to 23 months: 66.3% were on continued breastfeeding; 16.7% consumed adequate foods at the age of 6 to 8 months; 90.4% consumed foods that belonged to the six food groups; 76.3% consumed food at the minimum frequency and with adequate consistency; 88.9% consumed iron-rich and vitamin A-rich foods, and 59.3% consumed ultra-processed foods. Regarding nutritional status, 24.5% of the children were overweight. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant association between overweight and food consumption indicators among the surveyed children. However, exclusive breastfeeding was below the recommended level, a low percentage of the introduction of complementary foods at the appropriate age and high consumption of ultra-processed foods reveal the need to improve the assistance provided by primary care to this group.

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Energy contribution of NOVA food groups and socio-demographic determinants of ultra-processed groups among adults in Terengganu, Malaysia

Food Research ◽

10.26656/fr.2017.3(6).150 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 640-648

Author(s):

Asma' A. ◽

Wan Syakirah Alia W.M.S ◽

Aziz Y. ◽

Hayati M.Y.

Keyword(s):

Fast Food ◽

Occupational Status ◽

Research Priorities ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Food Groups ◽

Energy Contribution ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutrition Research

The Malaysian Nutrition Research Priorities for Malaysia’s 11th Plan noted the necessity to investigate in depth the consumption of ultra-processed food among the Malaysian population. No empirical research has focused on exploring the energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and the socio-demographic determinants of ultra-processed foods. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods with socio-demographic factors particularly in Terengganu, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study provides a novel approach to quantifying energy contribution of 200 adults (living in Terengganu; aged 18 to 59 years) based on the ultra-processed food classification named as NOVA, via semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, and to determine the association between energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and socio-demographic characteristics. The selfadministered questionnaire consists of three sections: socio-demographic profile, frequency of ultra-processed food consumption and energy contribution of NOVA food groups. All data were analysed using SPSS version 21. The findings show that the contribution of ultra-processed foods among respondents was lower (40.38%) compared to unprocessed and minimally processed foods (55.73%). The most frequent consumed ultraprocessed foods were noodles and fried chicken (fast food). Meanwhile, the least frequently consumed foods included frozen chicken pie and garlic spread. There were significant associations between the energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and marital status, educational level, monthly household income and occupational status meanwhile there was no significant association between age and gender at p<0.05. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of ultra-processed foods consumption using NOVA classification via semi-quantitative FFQ in Malaysia.

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Unhealthy Food and Psychological Stress: The Association between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Perceived Stress in Working-Class Young Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18083863 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 3863

Author(s):

Matheus Lopes Cortes ◽

José Andrade Louzado ◽

Marcio Galvão Oliveira ◽

Vanessa Moraes Bezerra ◽

Sóstenes Mistro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Ordinal Regression ◽

Processed Meat ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sugary Drinks ◽

Stress Levels

Background: Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made from food extracts or constituents with little or no intact food and often containing additives that confer hyper-palatability. The consumption of these products increases the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Stressed people may engage in unhealthy eating as a way to cope. This study aimed to verify whether ultra-processed food consumption was associated with perceived stress levels in industrial and retail workers from Vitoria da Conquista, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out between July 2017 and August 2018. During the study period, 1270 participants completed a survey administered by an interviewer. Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Information regarding weekly ultra-processed food consumption was collected. Ultra-processed foods were classified into four groups: sugary drinks; sugary foods; fast foods; and canned foods, frozen foods, or processed meat. The Student’s t-test or one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the differences in stress levels and ultra-processed food consumption. Ordinal regression was used to determine the association between the degrees of stress and ultra-processed food consumption levels. Results: Factors such as a young age, being unmarried, smoking, high-risk alcohol consumption, negative health perception, and high perceived stress level indicated higher rates of ultra-processed food consumption. Ordinal regression analysis showed that high stress levels were associated with increased odds of higher ultra-processed food consumption (odds ratio: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.54–2.45). Conclusions: These findings could help identify appropriate target areas for interventions aimed at mental health promotion and healthier food consumption.

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Sodium content on processed foods for snacks

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980015001718 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 19 (6) ◽

pp. 967-975 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Mariana Vieira dos Santos Kraemer ◽

Renata Carvalho de Oliveira ◽

David Alejandro Gonzalez-Chica ◽

Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sodium Content ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Food Labels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutrition Labelling ◽

Serving Sizes ◽

Serving Size

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the Na content reported on the labels of processed foods sold in Brazil that are usually consumed as snacks by children and adolescents.DesignCross-sectional study that assessed Na content and serving size reporting on processed food labels.SettingA supermarket that is part of a large chain in Brazil.SubjectsAll foods available for sale at the study’s location and reported in the literature as snacks present in the diets of Brazilian children and adolescents.ResultsOf the 2945 processed foods, 87 % complied with the reference serving sizes, although variability in reporting was observed in most of the food subgroups. In addition, 21 % of the processed foods had high Na levels (>600 mg/100 g) and 35 % had medium Na levels (>120 and ≤600 mg/100 g). The meats, oils, fats and seeds groups as well as the prepared dishes had higher percentages of foods classified as high Na (81 %, 58 % and 53 %, respectively).ConclusionsMost of the processed foods had high or medium Na content. We emphasize the importance of revising Brazilian nutrition labelling legislation to standardize reference serving sizes to avoid variation. Besides, we point out the potential for reducing Na levels in most processed foods, as evidenced by the variability in Na content within subgroups. Finally, we have identified the need to develop a method to classify Na levels in processed foods with specific parameters for children and adolescents.

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