Assessing Dietary Intakes from Household Budget Survey in Armenia, 2008-2019.

Household budget surveys are used regularly to estimate dietary intakes. The study aims to assess the trends in food consumption and nutrient intake, according to 14 dietary indicators from household budget surveys in Armenia. Data on food consumption was obtained from Armenian Integrated Living Conditions Surveys, 2008-2019. The results indicate that the consumption of all types of foods, including plant-origin has decreased, whereas the consumption of foods of animal origin has mostly stayed stable. Over time, the energy and macronutrient intakes of Armenians have decreased, while the contribution of each food group to total energy and nutrient intake has not changed. More than 50% of total energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake is attributable to cereals and bakery products. The population is characterized by macronutrient variations; the amounts of energy and carbohydrate intake are below the recommended values set by WHO/FAO, total fat intake is at the highest recommended level, while the amount of protein exceeds the threshold. Based on the findings there is an urgent need to increase awareness of nutritional requirements and a need to change widespread dietary practices, such as irregular meal intake and omission of breakfast.

Determinants of Turkish households' out-of-pocket expenditures on three categories of health care services: A multivariate probit approach.

This study identifies the driving forces that contribute to the probabilities of incidence of out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures by households in Turkey. Factors affecting the probability of OOP expenditures on medical products/devices/supplies (MP), outpatient services (OTS), and inpatient services (ITS) are examined using the Household Budget Survey data gathered by the Turkish Statistical Institute in 2018. The study applies the multivariate probit model. The incidence of OOP spending varied with 48.9% of the households reporting OOP expenditure on MP, 22.4% on OTS, and 25.4% on ITS. The largest probability changes were associated with household disposable annual income, household type and size, age category, and having private health insurance. Gender and marital status also influenced expenditures in some categories. Lifestyle choices had small and mixed effects, with smoking and alcohol consumption lowering the probability of OOP spending. From a policy standpoint, households with the lowest incomes, large households, and those where the household head was 'others' (retiree, student, housewife, not actively working, etc.) or had a condition preventing employment seemed to report OOP expenditures less frequently and may have chosen not to receive healthcare services, leading to the need for more healthcare services later.

The Economic Perspective of Food Poverty and (In)security: An Analytical Approach to Measuring and Estimation in Italy.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals have set clear targets on global poverty, hunger and malnutrition to be achieved by 2030, which have prompted academics and policymakers to identify useful strategies and drivers. Moreover, the COVID19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities at national and sub-national levels thus hampering the achievement of these goals. On considering the multifaceted nature of poverty, a recent research strand focuses on food poverty and insecurity issues in terms of economic access to food and healthy diet consumption, with moderate and extreme food insecurity affecting almost 9% of the population in Europe and North America. This paper aims to analyse food poverty and insecurity at regional level in Italy. Using micro-data from the Italian Household Budget Survey carried out by ISTAT, an analytical approach was proposed to define and measure the different degree of food poverty and insecurity. Moreover, to obtain insights into whether food poverty and insecurity can afford population healthy nutrition, inequality of the distributions of food expenditure categories are estimated. The results provided us with information on other important aspects of the poverty. Indeed, in Italy individuals who are at-risk-of-food-poverty or food insecure amount to 22.3% of the entire population. Furthermore, the at-risk-of-food-poverty-rate varies at regional level from 14.6% (Umbria) to 29.6% (Abruzzo), with high levels of food consumption inequalities observed above all for vegetables, meat and fish. All these issues could help policy makers to define economic intervention policies aimed at reducing social exclusion and achieving more equitable and sustainable living conditions for the entire population.

Dietary patterns of Polish seniors in retirees' households.

BACKGROUND: About 7 million people in Poland receive pensions. The amount of benefits paid to pensioners is reflected in the income at their households and expenses, including food expenses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dietary patterns of Polish seniors in the retirees` households on the basis of an analysis of food consumption and energy and nutrient intake. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Food consumption evaluation was based on household budget survey conducted by Statistics Poland in 2019 throughout the whole country. Energy and nutrient intake were calculated using the conversion factors. RESULTS: The consumption of unprocessed red meat in retirees' households was 1.83 kg/person/month, meat products - 2.90 kg and kitchen salt - 0.24 kg. 6.52 kg of vegetables and 5.99 kg of fruit were consumed per person per month. The mean energy intake in members of these households was 2387 kcal/day. The proportion of energy from fat was high - 36.6%. 14.2% of energy was derived from protein and 49.6% from digestible carbohydrates. The share of animal fat (55.0 g) was higher than vegetable fat (43.7 g). It was associated with a high percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids - 13.4%. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was less than half of the saturated fatty acids. Calcium and vitamin D intake was low (658 mg and 3.8 µg respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Red meat, processed meat and salt consumption by seniors was too high in relation to the nutritional recommendations. Vegetables and fruit were consumed in amounts that are recommended. Seniors diet was improperly balanced, e.g. due to the high percentage of energy from fat, including saturated fatty acids. However, the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was low. Calcium and vitamin D intake was lower than Reference Intakes.

Discrepancies between two long-term dietary datasets in the United Kingdom (UK).

Background: Studying dietary trends can help monitor progress towards healthier and more sustainable diets but longitudinal data are often confounded by lack of standardized methods. Two main data sources are used for longitudinal analysis of diets: food balance sheets on food supply (FBS) and household budget surveys on food purchased (HBS). Methods: We used UK longitudinal dietary data on food supply, provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (FAO-FBS, 1961-2018), and food purchases, provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (Defra-HBS, 1942-2018). We assessed how trends in dietary change per capita compared between FAO-FBS and Defra-HBS for calories, meat and fish, nuts and pulses, and dairy, and how disparities have changed over time. Results: Estimates made by FAO-FBS were significantly higher (p<0.001) than Defra-HBS for calorie intake and all food types, except nuts and pulses which were significantly lower (p<0.001). These differences are partly due to inclusion of retail waste in FAO-FBS data and under-reporting in Defra- HBS data. The disparities between the two datasets increased over time for calories, meat and dairy; did not change for fish; and decreased for nuts and pulses. Between 1961 and 2018, both FAO-FBS and Defra-FBS showed an increase in meat intake (+23.4% and +1.4%, respectively) and a decrease in fish (-7.1% and -3.2%, respectively). Temporal trends did not agree between the two datasets for dairy, calories, and nuts and pulses. Conclusions: Our finding raises questions over the robustness of both data sources for monitoring UK dietary change, especially when used for evidence-based decision making around health, climate change and sustainability.

Households Health Expenditure in Interannual Correlation With Public Health Expenditure in Greece.

The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between the public and the private health expenditure (macroeconomic and microeconomic approach) over time and within the recession and austerity period in Greece, in order to find out whether the strict Memorandum health policies pass, influence, or go along with the health expenditure to the final consumer, i.e., the health services user. In this context, by using econometric tools, such as multiple regression and cointegration analysis on the raw microdata of Household Budget Surveys from 1987/88 up to 2018, as well as by using data of public expenditure of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development-Health Statistics 2019 in the Stata version 13, the study compares the variation of household and public health expenditures before and after the financial crisis in Greece and also examines the correlation between the two variables. The analysis demonstrated that the Greek household health expenditure (HHE) was rapidly increasing during the period 1988-2008, and afterward, it started decreasing. Moreover, the total private and the total public health expenditures seem to have a bidirectional long-run relationship and significant cointegration. The same was observed regarding the public expenditure and household medical services expenditure, as well as pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the results indicate that over the years of recession, the monthly HHE decreases, due to the confiscation of middle-class income, which led to consumerism restrictions. However, as households are now spending a bigger portion of their shrunken income for health (as health is an inelastic commodity), HHE, as a proportion of total private expenditure, has eventually risen.

Association between the price of ultra-processed foods and obesity in Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To estimate the relationship between the price of ultra-processed foods and prevalence of obesity in Brazil and examine whether the relationship differed according to socioeconomic status. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from the national Household Budget Survey from 2008/09 (n = 55 570 households, divided in 550 strata) were used. Weight and height of all individuals were used. Weight was measured by using portable electronic scales (maximum capacity of 150 kg). Height (or length) was measured using portable stadiometers (maximum capacity: 200 cm long) or infant anthropometers (maximum capacity: 105 cm long). Multivariate regression models (log-log) were used to estimate price elasticity. An inverse association was found between the price of ultra-processed foods (per kg) and the prevalence of overweight (Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) in Brazil. The price elasticity for ultra-processed foods was -0.33 (95% CI: -0.46; -0.20) for overweight and -0.59 (95% CI: -0.83; -0.36) for obesity. This indicated that a 1.00% increase in the price of ultra-processed foods would lead to a decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity of 0.33% and 0.59%, respectively. For the lower income group, the price elasticity for price of ultra-processed foods was -0.34 (95% CI: -0.50; -0.18) for overweight and -0.63 (95% CI: -0.91; -0.36) for obesity. CONCLUSION: The price of ultra-processed foods was inversely associated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazil, mainly in the lowest socioeconomic status population. Therefore, the taxation of ultra-processed foods emerges as a prominent tool in the control of obesity.

Condições de vida de famílias brasileiras: estimativa da insegurança alimentar / Living conditions of Brazilian families: an estimation of food insecurity / Condiciones de vida de las familias brasileñas: estimación de inseguridad alimentaria

O artigo objetiva estudar a associação entre condições de vida das famílias brasileiras e a estimativa da insegurança alimentar (IA). Para tanto, foi realizado estudo transversal conduzido com dados da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar (2008-2009), do IBGE, nas áreas rurais e urbanas. A estimativa da IA foi obtida a partir da pergunta: "das afirmativas a seguir, qual aquela que melhor descreve a quantidade de alimento consumido por sua família?", quando a resposta foi "normalmente não é suficiente" ou "às vezes não é suficiente". As condições de vida foram analisadas por variáveis econômicas, do domicílio e seu entorno. Modelos de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, ajustados, foram construídos. Os resultados mostram que, dos 55.406 domicílios investigados, 39,4% foram classificados em IA, sendo que, na maioria deles, foi identificada dificuldade (93,9%) para levar a vida até o fim do mês com a renda disponível. Os valores de razão de prevalência, ajustados por renda mensal per capita, região e área, indicam que todos os aspectos econômicos e condições de vida insatisfatórias, bem como os problemas no domicílio e do entorno foram significativamente associados à IA. Conclui-se que é elevada a prevalência da estimativa da IA, sendo associada às condições de vida insatisfatórias das famílias. Portanto, revela-se a necessidade de implementar políticas públicas intersetoriais efetivas visando reduzir as desigualdades.

To research the association between the living conditions of Brazilian families and the Food Insecurity (FI) estimations. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with data from the Household Budget Survey (2008-2009) in rural and urban areas. The estimation of FI rating was obtained by the question: "Which of the following statements best describes the amount of food consumed by your family?",classified as FI for answers "usually not enough" or "sometimes not enough". Living conditions were analyzed by economic variables, the household and its surroundings. Poisson regression models with robust variance, adjusted, were used. Results: 39.4% out of 55.406 households evaluated, were classified as FI. In most (93.9%) difficulty to make ends meet was identified. Prevalence ratio values, adjusted for monthly income per capita, region and area, showed that all economic and unsatisfactory living conditions, as well as home and surrounding problems were significantly associated with FI. Conclusions: The prevalence of FI estimates was high, associated with families' unsatisfactory living conditions. Therefore, there is a need to implement effective intersectorial public policies aimed at reducing inequality.

Estudiar la asociación entre las condiciones de vida de las familias brasileñas y la estimación de la inseguridad alimentaria (IA). Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con datos de la Encuesta de Presupuesto Familiar (2008-2009) en áreas rurales y urbanas. La estimación de la calificación de IA se obtuvo de: "De las siguientes declaraciones, ¿cuál describe mejor la cantidad de alimentos consumidos por su familia?", cuando la respuesta era "normalmente no es suficiente" o "a veces no es suficiente". Las condiciones de vida fueron analizadas por variables económicas, el hogar y su entorno. Se construyeron modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta y ajustada. Resultados: De los 55.406 hogares investigados, 39,4 % fueron clasificados en IA, y en la mayoría de ellos se identificó como difícil (93,9 %) llegar a fin de mes con los ingresos disponibles. Los valores de la razón de prevalencia, ajustados por el ingreso mensual per cápita, la región y el área, mostraron que todos los aspectos económicos y las condiciones de vida insatisfactorias, así como los problemas del hogar y su entorno estaban significativamente asociados con la IA. Conclusión: La prevalencia de estimación de la IA fue alta, asociada con las condiciones de vida insatisfactorias de las familias. Por lo tanto, es necesaria la implementación de políticas públicas intersectoriales efectivas destinadas a reducir las desigualdades.

Preço dos alimentos, consumo de bebidas adoçadas e obesidade no Brasil / Food prices, consumption of sweetened beverages and obesity in Brazil

Introdução: Sabe-se que o cenário global de preço dos alimentos contribui para a epidemia de obesidade por meio do incentivo ao consumo de alimentos não saudáveis. No entanto, a real magnitude da influência do preço de alimentos sobre o estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar no Brasil permanece incerta. Objetivos: Analisar a associação entre o preço dos alimentos, o consumo de bebidas adoçadas e o estado nutricional da população brasileira. Métodos (Manuscrito 1): Estudo em painel envolvendo dados ecológicos de 10 capitais brasileiras e do Distrito Federal para o período entre 2007 e 2018. Dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2008/9 foram usados para calcular o preço dos grupos de alimentos que, acrescidos de dados do Sistema Nacional de Índices de Preços ao Consumidor, resultaram em uma série de preços por cidade para cada um dos anos. A prevalência de indicadores de consumo de bebidas adoçadas em cada cidade, por ano, foi obtida no VIGITEL. A relação entre preço e consumo foi estudada a partir de modelos de regressão de efeito fixo para dados em painel. (Manuscrito 2): Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2008/9. Foram utilizadas informações aferidas de peso e altura de todos os indivíduos, assim como de preço dos alimentos adquiridos para consumo domiciliar. Modelos de regressão multivariada (log-log) foram utilizados para estimar a elasticidade-preço da prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade para toda a população e para dois estratos de renda do país. (Manuscrito 3): A base de dados desenvolvida para o primeiro artigo foi utilizada, assumindo-se como desfecho o IMC médio nas localidades estudadas (com base nas informações autorreferidas de peso e altura disponíveis no VIGITEL). O preço relativo dos alimentos saudáveis (em relação aos ultraprocessados) foi estimado para cada localidade em cada ano. Modelos de regressão de efeito fixo para dados em painel foram estimados para analisar a relação entre o preço dos alimentos e o IMC médio da população. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa envolvendo Seres Humanos da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (COEP/UFMG) (CAAE nº 88465018.1.0000.5149). Resultados: O preço das bebidas adoçadas esteve inversamente associado ao seu consumo. Estimamos que um aumento de 1,00% no preço das bebidas adoçadas diminuiria 1,25% a prevalência do seu consumo regular entre as mulheres e 1,57% entre os homens. Encontrou-se também uma associação inversa entre preço de alimentos ultraprocessados e prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade no Brasil. Observamos que o aumento de 1,00% no preço dos alimentos ultraprocessados levaria a uma diminuição na prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade de 0,33% e 0,59%, respectivamente. Para o grupo de menor renda, o efeito do preço dos alimentos ultraprocessados foi maior. Por fim, o preço relativo dos alimentos saudáveis associou-se positivamente ao IMC da população. Observamos que um aumento de 10,0% no preço relativo de alimentos saudáveis (não ultraprocessados) levaria a um aumento de 0,3% no IMC médio (0,4% para mulheres e 0,2% para homens). Conclusões: Concluímos que existe uma relação entre o preço dos alimentos, o consumo de bebidas adoçadas e a obesidade no Brasil. A adoção de medidas fiscais, como a tributação de alimentos ultraprocessados, desponta como ferramenta proeminente no controle de obesidade e outros resultados negativos para a saúde.

Introduction: It is known that the global food prices scenario contributes to the obesity epidemic by encouraging the consumption of unhealthy foods. However, the real magnitude of the influence of food prices on nutritional status and food consumption in Brazil remains uncertain. Objective: To analyze the association between food prices, consumption of sweetened beverages and nutritional status of the Brazilian population. Methods (Manuscript 1): Panel study involving ecological data from 10 Brazilian capitals and the Federal District for the period between 2007 and 2018. Data from the Household Budget Survey (HBS 2008/9) were used to calculate the price of food groups that, added data from the National Consumer Price Index System resulted in a series of prices per city for each year. The prevalence indicators of sweetened beverages consumption in each city per year were obtained from VIGITEL. The relationship between price and consumption was studied using fixed-effect regression models for panel data. (Manuscript 2): Cross-sectional study with data from the Household Budget Survey (HBS 2008/9). Information on the weight and height of all individuals was used, as well as the price of food purchased for household consumption. Multivariate regression models (log-log) were used to estimate the price elasticity of the prevalence of overweight and obesity for the entire population and for two income strata in the country. (Manuscript 3): The database developed for the first article was used, assuming the mean BMI in the studied locations as an outcome (based on self-reported weight and height information available at VIGITEL). The relative price of healthy foods (in relation to ultra-processed foods) was estimated for each location in each year. Fixed-effect regression models for panel data were estimated to analyze the relationship between the food prices and the mean BMI of the population. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee involving Human Beings at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (COEP / UFMG) (CAAE nº 88465018.1.0000.5149). Results: The sweetened beverages price was inversely associated with their consumption. We estimate that a 1.00% increase in the sweetened beverages price would decrease 1.25% the prevalence of sweetened beverages regular consumption among women and 1.57% among men. An inverse association was also found between the price of ultra-processed foods and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazil. We observed that the 1.00% increase in the price of ultra-processed foods would lead to a decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity of 0.33% and 0.59%, respectively. For the lower income group, the effect of the price of ultra-processed foods was greater. Finally, the relative price of healthy foods (non-ultra-processed foods) was positively associated with the population's BMI. We observed that a 10.0% increase in the relative price of non-ultra-processed foods would lead to a 0.3% increase in the average BMI (0.4% for women and 0.2% for men). Conclusions: We conclude that there is an association between the food prices, sweetened beverages consumption and nutritional status in Brazil. The adoption of fiscal measures, such as the taxation of ultra-processed foods, emerges as a prominent tool in the control of obesity and other negative health outcomes

How Important are Cereals and Cereal Products in the Average Polish Diet?

The main aim of this study was to identify the food sources of energy and 28 nutrients from cereals and cereal products in the average Polish diet based on data from a nationally representative sample of the Polish population attending in 2016 Household Budget Survey (i.e., 36,886 households). The contribution of energy and nutrients from cereals and cereal products were compared with reference values. The detailded analysis included five main groups and nine sub-groups of cereal food category. Our findings indicated that cereals and cereal products contributed 30.4% of total dietary energy supply, providing a significant percentage of six nutrients to the average Polish diet (i.e., 64.1% of manganese, 51% of carbohydrates, 48.5% of dietary fibre, 34.1% of iron, 33.6% of folate, and 31.3% of copper). Supply at the level of 20⁻30% was observed for protein, thiamin, phosphorus and zinc, and at 10⁻20% for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), sodium, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. For other nutrients i.e., total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), cholesterol, iodine, vitamins: A, D, B12, and C, the share of cereals and cereal products contribution was below 10%. Cereals and cereal products were the major food category in meeting the reference values for the Polish population in case of manganese, carbohydrates (approximately100%), and sodium (50%). The reference values was reached at the level of 30⁻40% for dietary fibre, protein, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus and thiamin, and 20⁻30% for energy, magnesium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and E. For such nutrients as total fat, SFA, and potassium, the fulfillment of the reference values amounted to 10⁻20%. Our results document the importance of cereals and cereal products in the Polish diet, which should be emphasized from a nutritional and health point of view.

Is food store type associated with the consumption of ultra-processed food and drink products in Brazil?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the association between food store type and the consumption of ultra-processed products in Brazil. DESIGN: Data from the 2008-2009 Household Budget Survey involving a probabilistic sample of 55 970 Brazilian households. Food stores were grouped into nine categories. Foods and drinks were grouped according to characteristics of food processing. The contribution of each food store type to the total energy acquired from each food processing group, and according to quintiles of consumption of ultra-processed products, was estimated. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify a pattern of food store usage. Linear regression models were performed to estimate the relationship between the purchase pattern and the consumption of ultra-processed products. RESULTS: In line with their larger market share, supermarkets accounted for 59 % of total energy and participated most in acquisition for three food groups, with emphasis on ultra-processed products (60·4 % of energy). The participation of supermarkets in total purchase tended to increase in populations with higher consumption of ultra-processed products, while the participation of small markets and small producers tended to decrease. The purchase pattern characterized by use of traditional retail (street fairs and vendors, small markets, small farmers, butcheries) was associated with a smaller consumption of ultra-processed products. CONCLUSIONS: Food policies and interventions aiming to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed products should consider the influence of supermarkets on the consumption of these products. A purchase pattern based on traditional retail constitutes an important tool for promoting healthy eating in Brazil.

Price and convenience: The influence of supermarkets on consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of convenience and price of ultra-processed foods and beverages on purchases at supermarkets. METHODS: The study used data on food and beverage acquisition for household consumption from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey, performed in a random sample of 55,970 households between 2008 and 2009. Foods and beverages were categorized into four groups, according to characteristics of food processing. Retail stores were grouped into supermarkets and other food stores. Proportion of calories from foods and beverages purchased at supermarkets and other food stores, and respective mean prices (R$/1000 kcal), were calculated according to households' geographical and socioeconomic characteristics. Effect of convenience in household purchases at retail stores was expressed by the acquisition of several food items at the same store. The influence of convenience and prices of ultra-processed products on purchases at supermarkets was analyzed using log-log regression model with estimation of elasticity coefficients. RESULTS: The mean prices of foods and beverages purchased at supermarkets were 37% lower in comparison to other food stores. The share of ultra-processed foods and beverages in purchases made at supermarkets was 25% higher than at other food stores. An increase of 1% in prices of ultra-processed food items led to a 0.59% reduction in calorie acquisition at supermarkets (R2 = 0.75; p < 0.001). On the other hand, an increase of 1% in the number of food items purchased at supermarkets resulted in 1.83% increase in calorie acquisition of ultra-processed foods and beverages (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Convenience and lower relative prices of food items purchased at supermarkets, in comparison to other food stores, are relevant to explain higher share of purchases of ultra-processed foods and beverages at supermarkets.

Excessive red and processed meat intake: relations with health and environment in Brazil.

The aims of the present study were to verify the proportion of population that consumed more red and processed meat than the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) dietary recommendation, to estimate the environmental impact of beef intake and the possible reduction of greenhouse gas emissions if the dietary recommendation was followed. We used the largest, cross-sectional, population-based survey entitled the National Dietary Survey (34 003 participants aged 10-104 years). The usual meat intake was obtained by two food records completed on 2 non-consecutive days. The usual intake was estimated by the multiple source method. The environmental impact was analysed according to estimates of CO2 equivalent emissions from beef intake as a proxy for beef production in Brazil. The red and processed meat intake mean was 88 g/d. More than 80 % of the population consumed more red and processed meat than the WCRF recommendation. Beef was the type of meat most consumed, accounting to almost 50 %. Each person contributed 1005 kg of CO2 equivalents from beef intake in 2008, the same quantity of CO2 produced if a car travelled a distance between the extreme north and south of Brazil (5370 km). The entire Brazilian population contributed more than 191 million tons of CO2 equivalents, which could have been reduced to more than 131 million tons if the dietary recommendation was followed. The present study shows that the magnitude of the excessive red and processed meat intake in Brazil can impact on health and the environment, pointing to the urgency of promoting a sustainable diet.

Dietary availability in elderly Portuguese households.

OBJECTIVE: To identify dietary availability and its time trends in elderly Portuguese households. DESIGN: A set of four cross-sectional studies based on the Household Budget Surveys was used. The dietary data were described using the daily per capita availability of food and beverages, energy and selected nutrients (macronutrients, different lipid fractions and simple sugars). Differences between elderly household types and time trends were studied. SETTING: Portuguese Household Budget Survey data from 1989/1990, 1994/1995, 2000/2001 and 2005/2006. SUBJECTS: Households with members aged ≥65 years were selected and categorized as solitary elderly female, solitary elderly male or couple (composed of one elderly female and one elderly male). RESULTS: While cereals, fats/oils, potatoes and sugar/sugar products decreased, an increase occurred in milk/milk products, fruits, bottled water, fruit/vegetable juices and soft drinks (P<0·05). The highest values for foods and beverages were mostly found in couples, while the lowest ones were from solitary males. Exceptions were observed for cereals, eggs, milk/milk products, vegetables, fruits and non-alcoholic beverages, higher in solitary females; and for sugar/sugar products and alcoholic beverages, higher in solitary males. Over time, total energy and carbohydrates decreased while proteins and saturated fatty acids increased (P<0·001). Lipids increased in solitary males and couples (P<0·05). Simple sugars increased in solitary males but decreased in solitary females and couples (P<0·05). CONCLUSIONS: The increases in fruits and vegetables in solitary females accord with a healthier food pattern, but overall imbalances in the macronutrient profile for all elderly households may imply a decreasing diet quality.

Dietary sources of fiber intake in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to estimate the household availability of fibers in Brazil and to identify the dietary sources of this nutrient. Data from the 2008-2009 Household Budget Survey were used to estimate national household availability and density of fibers and also according to stratifications defined by income level, five regions and area (rural or urban). The contribution of the different food groups, classified by the nature, extent and purpose of processing, to total fibers available in Brazilian households was also determined. The mean density of per capita fibers was 7.6 g/1000 kcal. Higher availability and density of fibers was observed in households situated in rural areas and among low-income families. The main dietary sources of fiber were beans, bread, rice, fruit, vegetables and manioc flour. Fiber intake was found to be insufficient. Therefore, actions promoting a healthy diet are needed to improve the dietary quality of the Brazilian population.

Disponibilidade de "açúcares de adição" no Brasil: distribuição, fontes alimentares e tendência temporal / Availability of added sugars in Brazil: distribution, food sources and time trends

OBJETIVOS: Estimar o consumo de "açúcar de adição" pela população brasileira, nos estratos regionais e socioeconômicos, destacando suas principais fontes alimentares e verificar a tendência do seu consumo nas últimas décadas. MÉTODOS: Contou-se com informações das Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares a partir da década de 80 sobre o tipo e a quantidade de alimentos e bebidas adquiridos pelas famílias brasileiras. Os indicadores analisados foram: por cento das calorias de açúcar no total calórico da dieta e por cento calórico das frações de açúcar de mesa e de açúcar adicionado aos alimentos pela indústria/kcal açúcar da dieta. RESULTADOS: Em 2002/03, 16,7 por cento das calorias totais eram provenientes de "açúcar de adição" e sua participação mostrou-se elevada em todos os estratos regionais e de renda. A razão açúcar de mesa/açúcar adicionado pela indústria se inverte com o aumento da renda. A participação do açúcar de mesa nos últimos 15 anos foi reduzida, enquanto a contribuição do açúcar adicionado aos alimentos dobrou, especialmente por meio do consumo de refrigerantes e biscoitos. CONCLUSÕES: O consumo de açúcar no Brasil excede largamente a recomendação da OMS e verificou-se importante alteração nas fontes de consumo.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the regional and socio-economic distribution of consumption of added sugar in Brazil in 2002/03, particularly products, sources of sugar and trends in the past 15 years. METHODS: The study used data from Household Budget Surveys since the 1980s about the type and quantity of food and beverages bought by Brazilian families. Different indicators were analyzed: percent of sugar calories over the total diet energy and caloric percent of table sugar fractions and sugar added to processed food/ sugar calories of diet. RESULTS: In 2002/03, of the total energy available for consumption, 16.7 percent came from added sugar in all regional and socio-economic strata. The table sugar/ sugar added to processed food ratio was inversely proportional to increase in income. Although this proportion fell in the past 15 years, sugar added to processed food doubled, especially in terms of consumption of soft drinks and cookies. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilians consume more sugar than the recommended levels determined by the WHO and the sources of consumption of sugar have changed significantly.