CONSUMO ENERGÉTICO PROVENIENTE DE ALIMENTOS ULTRAPROCESSADOS POR ADOLESCENTES

Ultra-processed food intake is associated with a displacement of the traditional diet of Costa Rican adolescents

Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is high among adolescent populations worldwide. This study aimed to characterize the UPF intake and assess its contribution to the traditional diet of Costa Rican adolescents. Using cross-sectional data from 3-day food records obtained from 818 adolescents (13-18 years) from San José, Costa Rica, we calculated the daily % of total energy intake (TEI) from Nova-defined UPF, the Traditional Costa Rica Adolescents Diet Score (TCRAD; higher score reflecting higher traditional adherence), other nutrients, and fiber. The multivariable-adjusted mean UPF intakes were compared across participants' characteristics, mealtime, and days of the week, and assessed for association with TCRAD (continuous score and by adherence categories) and dietary components. UPF intake represented 35.9% of the TEI and was higher on weekdays (vs. weekends), among female adolescents (vs males), urban areas (vs. rural), and higher socioeconomic status. UPF were consumed mostly as snacks (43.5%), in the morning: (58.5%) and afternoon (41.5%). Each 10-percentage-point increase in the total UPF energy contribution was associated with -0.44 (SE = 0.04; P < .0001) lower TCRAD score. UPF was inversely associated with fiber and beneficial micronutrients, and directly associated with added sugars and trans fats. The multivariable-adjusted UPF intake was lower at moderate (38.5%, P < .0001) and high (29.9%, P < .0001) adherence to the TCRAD, compared with low adherence (43.9%). Our results support widespread trends of UPF displacing healthy diets. Strategies to reduce UPF consumption, especially during school hours, and encourage healthy traditional diets, are needed for Costa Rican adolescents.

Food environment around schools and adolescent consumption of unhealthy foods in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Adolescent diets may be influenced by the retail food environment around schools. However, international research to examine associations between the proximity of retail food outlets to schools and diet provides equivocal support for an association. This study aims to understand the school food environment and drivers for adolescents' consumption of unhealthy foods in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mixed-methods research was conducted, 1200 adolescents (10-14 years) from randomly selected government schools were surveyed, along with vendors within 5-min' walk of the schools and focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescent groups. Mixed-effect logistic regression investigated the relationship between the number of vendors around the schools and the consumption of selected unhealthy foods. Thematic analysis was used to summarize findings from the FGDs. Consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages (S-SSB) and deep-fried foods (DFF) at least once a week was reported by 78.6% and 54.3% of the adolescents, respectively. Although all schools were surrounded by food vendors selling DFF and S-SSB, consumption was not associated with the number of vendors available around the school. However, adolescents' awareness and perception of healthy food, and their concerns about the safety of foods in the market, influenced their dietary choices and behaviours. Lack of financial resources to purchase food as desired also played a role in their selection of food and eating habits. Reported unhealthy food consumption is high among adolescents in Addis Ababa. Thus, further research is warranted to come up with school-based interventions that promote access and healthy food choices among adolescents.

Degree of food processing and association with overweight and abdominal obesity in adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between the degree of food processing, overweight, and abdominal obesity in adolescents.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study, with 576 adolescents aged 10 to 17 years, of both sexes. Food consumption was collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and foods classified as in natura or minimally processed, processed foods associated with culinary ingredients, and ultraprocessed foods. Sociodemographic data, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio were collected. The analysis was evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test and prevalence ratio with 95% confidence interval, considering p<0.05.

RESULTS

An intake above the third quartile of processed foods associated with culinary ingredients (prevalence ratio of 1.64; 95%CI: 1.12-2.42) and ultraprocessed (prevalence ratio of 1.58; 95%CI: 1.07-2.34) was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight. Consumption above the third quartile of ultraprocessed foods was associated with a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, assessed by waist circumference (prevalence ratio of 2.48; 95%CI: 1.41-4.36), and waist-height ratio (prevalence ratio of 2.09; 95%CI: 1.11-3.92).

CONCLUSION

A higher consumption of processed foods associated with culinary ingredients was related to being overweight, and ultraprocessed foods with overweight and abdominal obesity.

Intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with inflammatory markers in Brazilian adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of the consumption of foods of the ultra-processed group (UPF) with inflammatory markers in the adolescent population in Northeastern Brazil.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional population-based study. Food consumption was evaluated using two 24-h dietary recalls using the NOVA classification for food processing levels. The following inflammatory markers were evaluated: adiponectin, IL-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-α. Multivariate linear regression was used to investigate the association between the percentage of UPF energy contribution and inflammatory markers.

SETTING

São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample consisted of 391 male and female adolescents, aged from 17 to 18 years.

RESULTS

The average daily energy consumption by adolescents was 8032·9 kJ/d, of which 26·1 % originated from UPF. The upper tertile (T3) of UPF consumption presented higher intake of simple carbohydrates, lipids, saturated fat, and Na and lower protein intake. Individuals in T3 presented higher serum leptin and CRP levels (P < 0·05). Adolescents with UPF energy consumption ≥30·0 % (tertile 3 of UPF) had a 79 % (exp (0·58) = 1·79) increase in IL-8 levels when compared with adolescents in tertile 1 of UPF (P = 0·013).

CONCLUSIONS

The association between the consumption of UPF, poor quality diet and pro-inflammatory markers have important harmful effects that can be observed as early as in adolescence.

Associação entre padrões alimentares com fatores socioeconômicos e ambiente alimentar em uma cidade do Sul do Brasil

Resumo Objetivou-se estudar a associação entre padrão alimentar, fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e o ambiente alimentar em uma população de adultos e idosos de uma cidade do Sul do Brasil. Estudo transversal com pessoas de ambos os sexos e idade entre 20 e 70 anos. Os padrões alimentares foram identificados por meio da análise de componentes principais. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para estimar as razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas e os intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC 95%). Quatro padrões alimentares foram identificados: saudável, tradicional, carboidratos e açúcares refinados e fast food. Encontraram-se associações positivas entre: sexo feminino e maior renda com o padrão alimentar saudável; cor da pele preta ou parda e domicílios com seis ou mais moradores com padrões alimentares tradicional e carboidratos e açúcares refinados; maior escolaridade com o padrão fast food. Realizar as principais refeições em casa associou-se ao padrão tradicional, e almoço ou jantar fora do domicílio com os padrões carboidratos e açúcares refinados e fast food. Posição socioeconômica mais baixa leva ao maior consumo do padrão alimentar tradicional e/ou rico em carboidratos e açúcares, e uma posição socioeconômica mais elevada parece permitir uma escolha entre padrão saudável ou fast food.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Brazilian adolescents over time: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the burden of excess weight in Brazilian adolescents.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

SETTING

We searched the literature in four databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SciELO and LILACS). Studies were included if they had cross-sectional or cohort design and enrolled Brazilian adolescents. Studies based on self-reported measures were excluded. Random effect models were used to calculate prevalence estimates and their 95 % CI.

PARTICIPANTS

Brazilian adolescents (10 to 19 years old).

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-one studies were included. Trend analyses showed a significant increase in the prevalence of excess weight in the last decades: 8·2 % (95 % CI 7·7, 8·7) until year 2000, 18·9 (95 % CI 14·7, 23·2) from 2000 to 2009, and 25·1 % (95 % CI 23·4, 26·8) in 2010 and after. A similar temporal pattern was observed in the prevalence of overweight and obesity separately. In sensitivity analyses, lower prevalence of excess weight was found in older adolescents and those defined using International Obesity Task Force cut-off points. The Southeast and South regions had the highest prevalence of excess weight, overweight and obesity. No significant difference in prevalence by sex was found, except for studies before the year 2000.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazilian adolescents is high and continues to rise. Public policies on an individual level and targeting modifications in the obesogenic environment are necessary.

Determinants of ultra-processed food consumption in Brazilian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the determinants of UPP consumption among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study at a reference hospital for the treatment of diabetes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary, and clinical factors associated with the percentage of total energy intake (TEI) consumed in the form of UPP were investigated. Food consumption was assessed by 24 h recall and the foods were classified according to the degree of processing as described in the NOVA classification, after which the TEI of each food group was calculated. Multiple linear regression was adopted in the analysis, and associations with p<0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

The study included 120 children and adolescents with a mean age of 11.74 ± 2.88 years, 53.3% female. Body mass index z-score was 0.65 (± 0.89) and 31.7% (n=38) were overweight. The average total energy consumption was 1,756.38 kcal (± 518.38). The mean percentage of TEI from UPP was 24.2% ± 17.9, meaning that 425.59 kcal (± 380.15) of all calories ingested came from such foods. The independent variables associated with the percentage of ultra-processed foods (UPP) in TEI were: per capita household income up to one the minimum wage (β: -22.03; CI 95% -35.24 to -8.82); and parents/guardians schooling of the up to nine years in formal education (β: 19.86; CI 95% 8.27-31.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower household income and fewer years in formal education seem to determine a preference for UPP over fresh and minimally processed foods.

Factors associated with the consumption of ultra-processed food by Brazilian adolescents: National Survey of School Health, 2015

Objective:

To identify the prevalence and factors associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods by Brazilian adolescents.

Methods:

The sample was representative of adolescents and participants in the cross-sectional population-based study National Survey of School Health, 2015 edition (PeNSE-2015). A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The variable weekly consumption of ultra-processed foods was considered, and consumption more than seven times a week was considered excessive. Descriptive and inferential analyses of demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and environmental characteristics potentially associated with the outcome were performed. Poisson's multiple regression model was adjusted to control for confounding factors.

Results:

The prevalence of excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods among 16,324 adolescents in Brazil was 75.4%. Nine factors independently associated with this outcome were identified: age under 15 years (RR 1.08; p<0.001), daily sitting time greater than four hours (RR 1.13; p<0.001), eating while watching TV or studying more than four days a week (RR 1.09; p<0.001), daily TV time greater than three hours (RR 1.08; p<0.001), breakfast frequency less than four days a week (RR 1,03; p=0.001), having a cell phone (RR 1.12; p<0.001), absent maternal education (RR 0.88; p<0.001), being enrolled in a private school (RR 1.05; p=0.002) located in the urban area (RR 1.13; p=0.002).

Conclusions:

The results express the multifactorial characteristic of excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and suggest the need for the development and implementation of health policies to guide the consumption of these foods and the importance of adopting healthy behaviors for this population group in both school and home environments.

A Systematic Review of Worldwide Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Findings and Criticisms

A debate is ongoing on the significance and appropriateness of the NOVA classification as a tool for categorizing foods based on their degree of processing. As such, the role of ultra-processed food (UPF) on human health is still not completely understood. With this review, we aimed to investigate the actual level of consumption of UPF across countries and target populations to determine the impact in real contexts. Suitable articles published up to March 2021 were sourced through the PubMed and SCOPUS databases. Overall, 99 studies providing data on the level of UPF consumption expressed as the percentage of total energy intake were identified, for a total of 1,378,454 participants. Most of them were published in Brazil (n = 38) and the United States (n = 15), and the 24 h recall was the most-used tool (n = 63). Analysis of the results revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom were the countries with the highest percent energy intake from UPF (generally >50%), whereas Italy had the lowest levels (about 10%); the latter was inversely associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. High variability was also observed based on sex, age, and body mass index, with men, young people, and overweight/obese subjects generally having higher levels of consumption compared to older subjects. Overall, our findings underline the large differences in UPF intake. Since most of the observations derived from studies conducted with food questionnaires are not specifically validated for UPF, further efforts are essential to confirm the results previously obtained and to investigate further the association between UPF consumption and health status, also considering the actual contribution within different dietary patterns, which has been less investigated to date.

[Food consumption according to the level of processing among adolescents from the rural area of a municipality in the south of Brazil]

The scope of the study was to assess food consumption according to the level of processing and the ingestion of nutrients among adolescents in the rural areas of Pelotas-RS. It involved a cross-sectional census-type study with 462 students in grades 6 through 9 of elementary school from 21 municipal schools in the rural area. Food consumption was evaluated by 24-hour dietary recall (24HR), with food products being classified into four groups according to the level of processing in line with the NOVA classification. The average daily energy intake was 1,921 calories, namely 48.2% from in natura or minimally processed food and 31.9% from ultra-processed food. The products that contributed most to the total daily calory intake were rice, meat, legumes, sugar, homemade bread, cookies, candies, soda, and artificial juices. A higher proportion of macro and micronutrients was observed from ingestion of in natura or minimally processed food, although carbohydrates, fat and iron contents derived from ultra-processed food was also high. The results of the study indicate that adolescents in rural areas have a higher energy intake from fresh or minimally processed food, however, it is observed that ultra-processed food is also part of their diet, thereby revealing the nutritional transition.

Ultraprocessed food and chronic noncommunicable diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 observational studies

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between consumption of ultraprocessed food and noncommunicable disease risk, morbidity and mortality. Forty-three observational studies were included (N = 891,723): 21 cross-sectional, 19 prospective, two case-control and one conducted both a prospective and cross-sectional analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated consumption of ultraprocessed food was associated with increased risk of overweight (odds ratio: 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.51; P < 0.001), obesity (odds ratio: 1.51; 95% CI, 1.34-1.70; P < 0.001), abdominal obesity (odds ratio: 1.49; 95% CI, 1.34-1.66; P < 0.0001), all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.48; P = 0.001), metabolic syndrome (odds ratio: 1.81; 95% CI, 1.12-2.93; P = 0.015) and depression in adults (hazard ratio: 1.22; 95% CI, 1.16-1.28, P < 0.001) as well as wheezing (odds ratio: 1.40; 95% CI, 1.27-1.55; P < 0.001) but not asthma in adolescents (odds ratio: 1.20; 95% CI, 0.99-1.46; P = 0.065). In addition, consumption of ultraprocessed food was associated with cardiometabolic diseases, frailty, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia and cancer (breast and overall) in adults while also being associated with metabolic syndrome in adolescents and dyslipidaemia in children. Although links between ultraprocessed food consumption and some intermediate risk factors in adults were also highlighted, further studies are required to more clearly define associations in children and adolescents. STUDY REGISTRATION: Prospero ID: CRD42020176752.

Impact of Bean Consumption on Nutritional Outcomes amongst Adolescents

Brazilian adolescents have undergone a noteworthy nutritional epidemiological transition. There is an increase in the prevalence of overweight and high consumption of ultra-processed foods in parallel with patterns of traditional meals that include beans. This study analyzed associations between bean consumption in the diet of adolescents and nutrition outcomes. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) values among those with bean consumption equal to or greater than five times a week. Adolescents who had lunch outside the home and those who did not have the habit of having lunch showed a significantly higher BMI. There was an increase in the %BF among married adolescents and those who did not have lunch. There was a reduction of LDL-c among those with intermediate per capita income and those who consumed processed juice less than 5 times a week, and an increase among those who did not have breakfast. There were significant interactions between sexual maturation, energy consumption, physical activity and energy consumption. Thus, in the context of this study, the presence of beans in the diet, at frequencies equal to or greater than five times a week, can be considered a proxy for healthy eating.

Brazilian Children's Dietary Intake in Relation to Brazil's New Nutrition Guidelines: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This systematic review reports the latest scientific evidence, from cross-sectional and cohort studies, describing the dietary intake of children and adolescents from Brazil. The goal of the review was to describe intakes according to Brazil's new food classification system (NOVA) which classifies foods according to the degree of processing, i.e., unprocessed/minimally processed, processed culinary ingredients, processed food, and ultra-processed food. Due to a paucity of data using the NOVA classification system, studies with other intake descriptors were included.

RECENT FINDINGS

Results using the NOVA system showed a somewhat high intake of (ultra-)processed items, than of minimally processed items. Studies using other methods of dietary assessment showed not only high intake of sources rich in fat, sugar, and sodium, most of them processed items (e.g., savory snacks and sweets) but also intake of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Overall, the literature was marred by inconsistencies and variation in study definitions and methods making it hard to make firm conclusions regarding the dietary intake of Brazilian children. The development of tools to evaluate the complexities of dietary intake is much needed. Such a tool needs to be accepted and adopted by numerous study groups, to describe dietary status among Brazilian children and devise the most effective, and to evaluate the success of nutrition education programs.

Processed and ultra-processed foods are associated with high prevalence of inadequate selenium intake and low prevalence of vitamin B1 and zinc inadequacy in adolescents from public schools in an urban area of northeastern Brazil

Changes in eating behavior of adolescents are associated with high consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods. This study evaluated the association between these foods and the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake in adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 444 adolescents from public schools in the city of Natal, northeastern Brazil. The adolescents' habitual food consumption was evaluated using two 24-hour dietary recalls. Foods were categorized according to the degree of processing (processed and ultra-processed) and distributed into energy quartiles, using the NOVA classification system. Inadequacies in micronutrient intake were assessed using the estimated average requirement (EAR) as the cutoff point. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between energy percentage from processed and ultra-processed foods and prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake. The mean (Standard Deviation (SD)) consumption of total energy from processed foods ranged from 5.8% (1.7%) in Q1 to 20.6% (2.9%) in Q4, while the mean consumption of total energy from ultra-processed foods ranged from 21.4% (4.9%) in Q1 to 61.5% (11.7%) in Q4. The rates of inadequate intake of vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, calcium, and selenium were above 80% for both sexes across all age groups. Energy consumption from processed foods was associated with higher prevalence of inadequate selenium intake (p < 0.01) and lower prevalence of inadequate vitamin B1 intake (p = 0.04). Energy consumption from ultra-processed foods was associated with lower prevalence of inadequate zinc and vitamin B1 intake (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). An increase in the proportion of energy obtained from processed and ultra-processed foods may reflect higher prevalence of inadequate selenium intake and lower prevalence of vitamin B1 and zinc inadequacy.

Predictor factors of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated at a referral service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

AIM

To evaluate the predictive factors of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study at a referral service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and dietary factors were evaluated. Food consumption was evaluated by 24 h dietary recall and the NOVA system was adopted for classifying the foods according to the extent and purpose of industrial processing. The predictive factors were evaluated by multivariate linear regression, adopting p < 0.05.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty children and adolescents participated, with a mean age of 11.74 years (±2.88) and HbA1c of 8.13% (±1.26). The mean diabetes duration was 6.68 years (±3.33) and the insulin used was 1.05 units per kilogram of ideal weight (IU/kg of ideal weight; ±0.46) About 80% (n = 96) used carbohydrate counting and it was verified that 24.27% (±17.89) of the participants' total calories came from ultraprocessed foods. For each year of diagnosis with T1DM and for each IU/kg of weight used, HbA1c increased by 0.087% (β = 0.087, p = 0.007) and 0.651%, respectively (β = 0.651; p = <0.001). Use of carbohydrate counting was associated with a 1.058% reduction in HbA1c (β = -1.058; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Disease duration and insulin dose were directly reflected in HbA1c concentrations, while carbohydrate counting showed an inverse association.

Ultra-processed food consumption and obesity in adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and obesity indicators in adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 200 10- to 18-year-old adolescents from Campinas, São Paulo (SP). Usual dietary intake was determined through a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Daily intake of each food was obtained from the intake frequency. Subsequently, foods were classified as raw and minimally processed, cooking ingredients or ultra-processed foods, and their caloric contribution to the total energy value was calculated. Sociodemographic and anthropometric variables were also investigated. Overweight was defined as Z-score>+1 and obesity was defined as Z-score>+2 according to the Body Mass Index per age group. The associations were tested by chi-square test and linear trend. Results The frequency of obesity was 47.0%, and 21.5% presented increased waist circumference. The average energy intake was 4,176kcal/day, of which 50.6% was derived from ultra-processed foods. The categories with the highest caloric contributions among ultra-processed foods were industrial loaves/cakes (16.2%), sweets and candy (6.2%), pastas (6.0%) and sweetened drinks (5.1%). No association was found between ultra-processed food consumption and anthropometric indicators. Conclusion The significant contribution of ultra-processed foods to daily calories is evidence of a poor diet of this population of young people, although this has not been shown as a factor associated with excess weight. Therefore, there is an urgent need for public policies that discourage the consumption of these products and encourage the return to a traditional diet.

Comercialização de alimentos em cantinas no âmbito escolar

Resumo O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a comercialização de alimentos em cantinas comerciais localizadas no âmbito escolar de diferentes redes de ensino, tipos de administração e presença ou não de profissional técnico (nutricionista). O estudo do tipo observacional foi realizado em 111 cantinas, sendo 35 estabelecimentos de ensino privado e 76 de ensino público de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Para realizar estas avaliações, foi elaborada uma lista de verificação contendo um conjunto de condutas baseada nas legislações estaduais do Paraná. De acordo com as legislações vigentes, constatou-se que 97,37% das cantinas das instituições públicas e 94,29% das privadas comercializavam alimentos considerados proibidos por apresentarem baixo valor nutricional. Os principais alimentos proibidos comercializados nas cantinas foram os salgadinhos industrializados, os chocolates, as balas e os sucos artificiais. Esses também foram os alimentos e bebidas mais vendidos, segundo os responsáveis. Além disso, 73,87% das cantinas não possuíam supervisão técnica, 89,19% não disponibilizavam dois tipos de frutas e apenas 1,80% tinha mural educativo, conforme exigido pelas legislações vigentes. Conclui-se que as cantinas, independentemente da rede ensino e do tipo de administração, estão em desacordo com as legislações vigentes, tanto na comercialização de alimentos proibidos como na ausência de dois tipos de frutas e na ausência de mural educativo. Os resultados mostraram que a supervisão frequente do responsável técnico se faz necessária para contribuir nas escolhas dos alimentos comercializados e, consequentemente, melhorar a qualidade nutricional dos produtos expostos para venda.