Clustering Health Behaviors in Mexican Adolescents: The HELENA-MEX Study.

Purpose: The prevalence of excess weight within the adolescent population is rapidly increasing in Mexico, especially in areas with lower socioeconomic status. The present study aimed to identify lifestyle clustered patterns in adolescents and analyze the associations among these clusters and body composition. Method: A final sample of n=259 participants (13 to 17 years old, 58.7% girls), residents in rural and urban areas, were included. Hierarchical and k-means clusters analyses included moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), handgrip strength, screen time, sleep time, and diet. The associations between cluster membership and body composition were analyzed through general linear models (ANCOVA), including sex, age, place of residence, and socioeconomic status as covariates. Results: Three different clusters were identified: Cluster 1, [Unhealthy] (low values in all lifestyle patterns), Cluster 2, [Low Physical Fitness] (low values in CRF and handgrip strength) and Cluster 3, [High Physical Activity and CRF] (highest values in CRF, handgrip strength and MVPA). Clusters 2 and 3 showed high values in screen time and industrialized food consumption. There were no differences in sleep between the 3 Clusters. ANCOVA analysis revealed that participants belonging to Cluster 3 showed significantly lower adiposity and a higher Fat Free Mass compared with the other two clusters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a lifestyle characterized by high levels of physical activity and physical fitness and low consumption of industrialized food may be protective against the problem of obesity, which could be helpful to develop interventions to reduce excess weight in Mexican adolescents.

Using labelling information to evaluate the distribution of food additives in products marketed in Brazil.

Food additives are ingredients added to food and beverages in order to modify physical, chemical, biological or sensory characteristics, contributing to the development of products that are safer and more convenient and attractive. Although they are widely used by food industries, little is known about the distribution of the food additives currently employed in products marketed in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to use labelling information of commercial food and beverages in order to identify the substances currently used by the Brazilian industry. For this, 3300 labels of 426 food items described in the Personal Food Consumption module of the Household Budget Survey (POF 2017/2018) of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) were searched on websites of supermarket chains and food companies as well as by visits to commercial establishments. According to the ingredient lists of the evaluated samples, 186 distinct food additives were identified. The average number of declared substances per product was between 4 and 5, with most of the labels indicating the presence of 2 or 3 additives. Considering the identified substances, 93 had an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) not specified or not limited and 89 were additives with a numerical ADI. Citric acid and lecithin were the most frequent substances with ADI not specified or not limited while potassium sorbate and pentasodium triphosphate were the most frequent food additives with numerical ADI. The most frequent combinations found in the evaluated samples were of potassium sorbate and citric acid, and also sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, and sodium diphosphate. This study demonstrates the distribution of food additives in products marketed in Brazil, allowing the creation of a comprehensive and unprecedented database, which will contribute to the evaluation of usage trends and future exposure studies for health risk assessment.

Changes in Food Consumption in Postmenopausal Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study.

Studying the dietary habits and symptoms of postmenopausal women during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic is important to mitigate long-term post-pandemic health problems. We compared the menopausal symptoms and food consumption in postmenopausal women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal survey was conducted on postmenopausal Brazilian women between 2018 and 2021. The Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index, Women's Health Questionnaire, and 24 h food recall were used. Of 274 women, 78 (28.5%) participated in the study during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intensity of the symptoms was lower during the pandemic than during the previous period (p < 0.05). Energy and processed food consumption were lower during the pandemic than before (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). Milk and plain yogurt consumption were also lower (p = 0.043), while the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweet foods was higher (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively) during the pandemic. There was also a decrease in the consumption of proteins and lipids (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, we found that postmenopausal women consumed sweet foods and sugar-sweetened beverages in higher quantities and had a lower consumption of milk and plain yogurt and processed foods during the pandemic than during the pre-pandemic period. Furthermore, decreases in energy and macronutrient consumption were observed.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and risk for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review.

Objective: To investigate the association of the consumption of ultra-processed foods with the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in adults and the elderly. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022375944). Methods: This is a systematic review reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies were included without language or publication year restrictions. Studies assessing only other types of dementia as outcomes, not considering Alzheimer's disease, were excluded. The research was carried out in the Medline, Embase, Lilacs databases, and a survey of the gray literature between April and November 2023, in addition to citation search in the included studies. Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for cohort studies. Results: A total of 5 studies involving 617,502 adults and elderly people were included. All studies had a cohort design and were considered of high methodological quality. Of the included studies, 4 demonstrated a risk association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the development of Alzheimer's disease, while 1 study showed a risk association only with the development of cognitive decline. Discussion: The association between ultra-processed foods consumption and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is a recent topic in scientific studies, given that the oldest study identified by our review dates back to 2017. Of the four included studies, three showed a significant association between ultra-processed foods consumption and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The association among the consumption of ultra-processed food and body image, nutritional status and physical activity of pregnant women at the primary health care / Associação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e imagem corporal, estado nutricional e atividade física de gestantes na Atenção Primária à Saúde

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the consumption of ultra-processed food and its association with body image, physical activity, nutritional status and self-assessment on food of pregnant women enrolled in the Primary Health Care. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study carried out with pregnant women enrolled in the Family Health Strategy in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Data were collected through a questionnaire. The dependent variable was the consumption of ultra-processed food, and the independent ones addressed body appearance, physical activity, nutritional status, self-assessment on food and food consumption. Descriptive analysis was carried out and for association of analysis, the linear regression model was used with crude and adjusted associations. Results: 1,185 pregnant women participated in the study. Caloric intake from ultra-processed food represented 32.0% of these women's daily diet. There was an association between consumption of ultra-processed food and physical activity (β=-0.08; p<0.01), pre-gestional nutritional status (β=-0,12; p<0.01) and body image (β =0.08; p=0.01). Conclusion: the pregnant women presented high consumption of ultra-processed food. Having a negative body image, the lowest level of physical activity, and high pre-gestational nutritional status are conditions that influenced the consumption of these food.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e sua associação com imagem corporal, atividade física, estado nutricional e autoavaliação alimentar de gestantes cadastradas na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com gestantes cadastradas na Estratégia Saúde da Família do município de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário. A variável dependente foi consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, e as independentes abordaram aspecto corporal, atividade física, estado nutricional, autoavaliação alimentar e consumo alimentar. Realizou-se análise descritiva e para análise de associação, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear com associações brutas e ajustadas. Resultados: participaram do estudo 1.185 gestantes. O consumo calórico proveniente dos ultraprocessados representou 32,0% da dieta diária dessas mulheres. Verificou-se associação entre consumo de ultraprocessados com atividade física (β=-0,08; p<0,01), estado nutricional pré-gestacional (β=-0,12; p<0,01) e imagem corporal (β=0,08; p=0,01). Conclusão: as gestantes apresentaram alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Ter imagem corporal negativa, menor nível de atividade física, estado nutricional pré-gestacional elevado são condições que influenciaram o consumo desses alimentos.

On how people deal with industrialized and non-industrialized food: A theoretical analysis.

"Canned, frozen, processed, ultra-processed, functional" etc. Two hundred years after the beginning of the food industry, industrialized food has evolved with many labels. Every person in the world eats and has different experiences with food that are connected to culture and social relationships which permeate our daily lives in many kinds of situations. Food evokes feelings, beliefs, desires, and moral values. For many people, food not only satisfies hunger and sustains life, but it also brings a delicious pleasure that is with their history, culture, and ancestry. Today's food industry pushes products through its marketing, which promotes a plethora of claims that have now trended proportionally with neophobic dimensions. In reality, the general public lacks objective knowledge about the complex science of modern food technology because of its low transparency, and this has resulted in the appearance of misleading ideas that can prejudice the correct analysis of food values. Given this, education about food is an urgent need. Notably, food scientists, technologists, and engineers must look at eaters through the prism of consumers who are human beings in all their rich social/anthropological diversity. The objective of this article is to explore the elemental anthropologic aspects of foods and how they can affect consumer's trust in the food industry's role.

Lifestyle improvement reduces the consumption of ultra-processed foods in adults with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The high consumption of ultra-processed products is a concern because it is positively associated with the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases, as metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim is to evaluate the effects of three different interventions to modify lifestyle on the consumption of ultra-processed foods in adults with MetS. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a randomized clinical trial, in which the participants were divided into three groups: Standard Intervention (SI), Group Intervention (GI) and Individual Intervention (II). The interventions were carried out over a three-month period and the data was collected in a 24-h food record, taken at the beginning and end of the intervention. The food they ate was classified into four groups according to the degree of processing (unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods) in accordance with the NOVA food classification. Seventy adults took part in the study with a mean age of 51.2 ± 6.6 years old; most of whom were female (55.7%). The amount of ultra-processed food consumed by the three groups (SI, GI and II) was significantly reduced (46%, 34%, and 33%, respectively). The amount of processed food consumed only reduced in the II group. The Total Energy Value (TEV) consumed by the SI and II groups decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The interventions that were intended to alter lifestyles were able to reduce the amount of ultra-processed food consumed, which can have an impact on the prevention and treatment of MetS. REGISTRATION: registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, ReBEC, under number: RBR-9wz5fc.

Estudio exploratorio sobre conocimientos y frecuencia de consumo de productos procesados y ultraprocesados en estudiantes universitarios de Perú / Exploratory study on knowledge and frequency of consumption of processed and ultraprocessed products in university students of Peru

Fundamentos: La promoción de una alimentación saludable debe orientarse a toda la población incluyendo a lacomunidad universitaria. El objetivo principal fue explorar los conocimientos y frecuencia de consumo de productosprocesados y ultraprocesados en estudiantes de una universidad privada en Lima-Perú.Métodos: Estudio transversal, exploratorio, donde se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado que recopiló informaciónen 398 estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos, residentes en Lima Metropolitana durante el periodo de abril ajunio de 2019.Resultados: Del total de encuestados, el 50,8% cursaban una carrera de Ciencias de la Salud. La mayoría de losparticipantes afirmaron reconocer un producto procesado (75,9%), sin embargo, solo el 43,4% dio ejemplos válidos.Con respecto al término ultraprocesados, solo el 18,1% afirmó haberlo escuchado y la mayoría confirmó conejemplos. En cuanto a la frecuencia de consumo, se evidenció que los productos de panificación (77,6%), quesos(64,4%), galletas (56%), yogures y bebidas lácteas azucaradas (54,3%) y snacks (52,5%) fueron los más consumidosen la semana previa al estudio. Con respecto al etiquetado frontal el 40,7% de los participantes afirmaronconocerlos. El principal factor que influyó en la difusión de la existencia de los octógonos (50,0%) fue la industriaalimentaria, quien ya viene implementando el etiquetado frontal en sus productos para consumo.Conclusiones: Los estudiantes universitarios evidencian insuficiente conocimiento sobre las diferencias entre losproductos procesados y ultraprocesados, así como una elevada frecuencia del consumo de estos productos, en especial los ultraprocesados.

Background: The promotion of a healthy diet should take place at all levels, including the university community. Themain objective was to explore the knowledge and frequency of consumption of processed and ultra-processedproducts in students of a private university in Lima-Peru.Methods: Cross-sectional, exploratory study, where a structured questionnaire was applied that collectedinformation on 398 university students of both sexes, residents in Metropolitan Lima during the period from April toJune 2019.Results: Of the total number of respondents, 50.8% study a career in Health Sciences. Most of the participantsclaimed to recognize a processed product (75.9%), however, only 43.4% of them gave valid examples. Regarding theterm ultra-processed, only 18.1% claimed to have heard them and most of them confirmed with examples.Regarding the frequency of consumption, it was evidenced that bakery products (77.6%), cheeses (64.4%), cookies(56%), yogurts and sugary milk drinks (54.3%) and snacks (52.5%) were the most consumed in the week prior to thestudy. Regarding the frontal labeling, it was evidenced that 40.7% of the participants affirmed that they knew them.It was found that the main factor that influenced the dissemination of the existence of octagons (50%) was throughthe food industry who has already been implementing front labeling on their products that are sold forconsumption.Conclusions: University students show insufficient knowledge about the differences between processed and ultraprocessed products, as well as a high frequency of consumption of these products, especially ultra-processed ones. (AU)

Score of ultra-processed food consumption and its association with sociodemographic factors in the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2019 / Escore de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e sua associação com fatores sociodemográficos na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2019 / Puntuación para el consumo de comida ultraprocesada y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud, 2019

This is a cross-sectional population-based study that describes the score of ultra-processed food consumption, applied in the Brazilian National Health Survey performed in 2019, and its association with sociodemographic factors in Brazilian adults (18 years or older). The score of ultra-processed food consumption was calculated by adding up the positive answers about the consumption on the previous day of 10 subgroups of ultra-processed foods frequently consumed in Brazil. The distribution of the score in the population was presented as a count. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the crude and adjusted associations of scores equal to or higher than five subgroups of ultra-processed foods with urban/rural area, geographic region, sex, age group, schooling level, and wealth index. About 15% of the Brazilian adults reached scores equal to or higher than five. After adjustment for confounders, the prevalence of consuming five or more subgroups of ultra-processed foods decreased linearly with age, increased linearly with wealth quintiles and it was higher in urban areas, in the Southeast and South regions (compared to the others) and in men. Public policies that reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods with emphasis on strata of the population at the greatest risk are essential and monitoring the score of ultra-processed food consumption across studies and populations will be important to assess the success of these policies.

Estudo transversal de base populacional com objetivo de descrever o escore de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, avaliado na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde em 2019, e sua associação com fatores sociodemográficos em adultos brasileiros (com 18 anos ou mais). O escore de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi calculado, somando as respostas positivas a perguntas sobre o consumo no dia anterior de dez subgrupos de alimentos ultraprocessados, consumidos frequentemente no Brasil. A distribuição da pontuação na população foi apresentada na forma de contagem. Foram utilizados modelos de regressão de Poisson para avaliar as associações brutas e ajustadas para pontuações iguais ou maiores de subgrupos de ultraprocessados, de acordo com situação (urbana/rural), macrorregião, sexo, grupo etário, escolaridade e índice de riqueza. Cerca de 15% dos adultos brasileiros obtiveram pontuações iguais ou superiores a cinco. Após ajustar para fatores de confusão, a prevalência do consumo de cinco ou mais subgrupos de ultraprocessados diminuiu de maneira linear com a idade, aumentou de maneira linear com os quintis de renda e foi mais alta nas áreas urbanas, nas regiões Sul e Sudeste e em homens. São necessárias políticas públicas que reduzam o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, com ênfase nos segmentos da população com maior risco. Para avaliar o sucesso dessas políticas, será importante monitorar os níveis de consumo de ultraprocessados entre os diversos estudos e populações.

El objetivo de este estudio transversal, de base poblacional, es describir la puntuación para el consumo de comida ultraprocesada y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos en adultos brasileños (con 18 años de edad o más). Los datos proceden de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud llevada a cabo en 2019. La puntuación para el consumo de comida ultraprocesada se calculó sumando las respuestas positivas a preguntas sobre el consumo el día previo de 10 subgrupos de comidas ultraprocesadas frecuentemente consumidas en Brasil. La distribución de la puntuación en la población se presentó como un dato de conteo. Fueron utilizados modelos de regressioón de Poison para evaluar las asociaciones crudas y ajustadas de puntuaciones iguales a o superiores a cinco subgrupos de comidas ultraprocesadas con áreas urbanas/rurales, región geográfica, sexo, grupo de edad, nivel de escolaridad, e índice de riqueza. Alrededor de un 15% de los adultos brasileños alcanzaron puntuaciones iguales o mayores que cinco. Tras el ajuste para los factores de confusión, la prevalencia del consumo de cinco o más subgrupos de comidas ultraprocesadas decrecío, aumentando linealmente con los quintiles de riqueza y era superior en las áreas urbanas, en las regiones Sur y Sudeste (comparadas con las otras) y en hombres. Son necesarias políticas públicas para reducir el consumo de comidas ultraprocesadas con enfásis en los estratos poblacionales en mayor riesgo. Monitorear la puntuación del consumo de comida ultraprocesada a través de estudios y poblaciones será importante para evaluar el éxito de estas políticas.

Duración de lactancia materna y consumo de productos ultraprocesados y bebidas azucaradas en niños uruguayos menores de 4 años

RESUMEN Se ha descrito que una mayor duración de lactancia materna, parece estar asociada a hábitos alimentarios saludables en la primera infancia. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la asociación entre duración de lactancia materna y consumo de productos ultra-procesados (PUP) y bebidas azucaradas (BA) en menores de 4 años, considerando seguridad alimentaria y contexto educativo. Adicionalmente se analizó ingesta de otros alimentos. Se analizaron transversalmente 3.077 niños de la Primera Encuesta Nacional de Salud, Nutrición y Desarrollo Infantil de Uruguay. Se aplicaron cuestionarios a la madre u otro adulto responsable. Se realizaron modelos de regresión logística crudos y ajustados por: edad materna, índice de masa corporal materna al momento de la entrevista, seguridad alimentaria y asistencia a centro educativo. Se consideraron significativos valores de p<0.05. En modelos ajustados no se encontró asociación entre duración de lactancia materna y PUP, ni BA (p≥0.31) en ningún grupo etario. En el total de niños ≥6 meses se encontró asociación significativa directa entre inseguridad alimentaria y consumo de PUP y BA (p<0.046). En niños ≥24 meses, se observó asociación inversa entre asistencia a centro educativo y BA (p= 0.002). Los ≥24 meses en la categoría menos saludable (BA SI+0-4 alimentos saludables), nunca recibieron lactancia (p= 0.001); y en la más saludable (BA NO+4-8 alimentos saludables) el 72.4% había tenido lactancia ≥6 meses (p= 0.001). En conclusión, queda en evidencia que la inseguridad alimentaria explica en gran medida el consumo tanto de alimentos ultra-procesados como de bebidas azucaradas.

ABSTRACT Longer duration of breastfeeding seems to be associated with healthier eating habits in children. The aim of this study was to determine the association between breastfeeding duration and the consumption of ultra-processed products and sweetened beverages (SB) among Uruguayan children under 4, considering food security and educational context. Additionally, the intake of other foods was analyzed. Data used in this cross-sectional study were obtained in the First National Survey of Child Health, Nutrition and Development of Uruguay (n=3,077). Adult participants answered a qualitative survey. Crude regression models were tested, and adjusted for maternal age, maternal body mass index, food security and school attendance; p-value 0.046). In children ≥24 months, an inverse association was observed between school attendance and SB (p= 0.002). Those ≥24 months in the less healthy category (SB yes +0-4 healthy foods), never received breastfeeding (p= 0.001); and in the healthiest one (SB no + 4-8 healthy foods), 72.4% had been breastfeeding for 6 months or more (p= 0.001). In conclusion, food insecurity could explain ultra-processed foods and sweetened beverages consumption.

Consumption of healthy food and ultra-processed products: comparison between pregnant and non-pregnant women, Vigitel 2018 / Consumo de alimentos saudáveis e produtos ultraprocessados: comparação entre gestantes e não gestantes, Vigitel 2018

Abstract Objectives: to characterize pregnant women's eating habits and compare them to women of reproductive age, and to analyze the association between pregnancy and eating habits. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 13,108 women aged 18 to 50 years (179 pregnant women), included in the Vigitel 2018 telephone survey. Eating habits were assessed by the frequency of food consumption considered as food quality markers and by food eaten in previous day. NOVA classification was used to categorize food into: natural/minimally processed, and ultra-processed food products. The differences were verified by Pearson's Chi-square test and Poisson multiple regression. Results: in pregnant women, we observed lower percentages of natural juice intake (27.5%) and fruit (10.1%) 0-2 times/week, and higher percentages of juice (36.4%) 3-4 times and fruit (74.2%) ≥ 5 times/week compared to non-pregnant women. No differences were detected in the daily frequencies of food intake among the women. The day before the interview, almost 95% of the pregnant women consumed ultra-processed products. Pregnant women reported a lower frequency of soft drink consumption (12.3%) and sauces (7.4%) than non-pregnant women. Conclusion: pregnant women and non-pregnant women had high consumption of ultraprocessed products, highlighting the necessity of interventions, aiming to promote healthy eating.

Resumo Objetivos: caracterizar o hábito alimentar de gestantes e compará-lo ao de mulheres em idade fértil, e analisar a associação entre gestação e hábito alimentar. Métodos: estudo transversal com 13.108 mulheres de 18 a 50 anos (179 gestantes), incluídas no inquérito telefônico Vigitel 2018. O hábito alimentar foi avaliado pela frequência de consumo de alimentos considerados marcadores de qualidade alimentar e por alimentos ingeridos no dia anterior. Utilizou-se a classificação NOVA para categorizar os alimentos em: in natura/minimamente processados e ultraprocessados. As diferenças foram verificadas pelo teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e regressão múltipla de Poisson. Resultados: nas gestantes, observaram-se menores percentuais de ingestão de suco natural (27,5%) e frutas (10,1%) de 0-2 vezes/semana, e maiores percentuais de suco (36,4%) de 3-4 vezes e frutas (74,2%) ≥5 vezes/semana, comparadas às mulheres não gestantes. Não foram detectadas diferenças nas frequências diárias de ingestão de alimentos entre as mulheres. No dia anterior à entrevista, quase 95% das gestantes consumiram produtos ultraprocessados. As gestantes referiram menor frequência de consumo de refrigerante (12,3%) e molhos (7,4%) do que as não gestantes. Conclusão: as gestantes e as não gestantes apresentaram elevado consumo de produtos ultraprocessados, destacando a necessidade de intervenções voltadas à promoção da alimentação saudável.

Disponibilidade domiciliar de alimentos a partir da nova classificação de alimentos e (in)segurança alimentar / Household availability of food based on the new classification of food and nutritional (in)security

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a disponibilidade domiciliar de alimentos a partir da classificação dos alimentos adotada no novo guia alimentar brasileiro e analisar sua relação com a (in)segurança alimentar. Trata-se de um estudo de base populacional, transversal, realizado em 95 domicílios do Estado do Tocantins. Avaliou-se a (in)segurança alimentar, por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. A disponibilidade domiciliar de alimentos nos últimos 30 dias foi registrada e, posteriormente, classificou-se os alimentos em in natura e/ou minimamente processados, processados e ultraprocessados, conforme o novo guia alimentar brasileiro. A prevalência de insegurança alimentar foi de 55,79%. Verificou-se que os alimentos dos grupos in natura e ultraprocessados foram os que mais contribuíram para a disponibilidade domiciliar de alimentos. Verificou-se relação positiva e significante do grau de segurança alimentar com a disponibilidade dos alimentos: leite, gordura animal, enlatados e pão de queijo. A prevalência de insegurança alimentar foi elevada nessa população. Nos domicílios com maior grau de segurança alimentar, a disponibilidade de leite, gordura animal, enlatados e pão de queijo foi significantemente maior.

Abstract The scope of this research was to characterize the household availability of food based on the classification adopted in the new Brazilian food guide and to analyze its relationship with food (in)security. It involved a population-based, cross-sectional study conducted in 95 households in the State of Tocantins. Food (in)security was evaluated by means of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. The household availability of food in the last 30 days was recorded and, subsequently, food was classified as in natura and/or minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed according to the new Brazilian food guide. The prevalence of food insecurity was 55.79%. It was found that the foods of the in natura and ultra-processed groups contributed the most to the household availability of food. There was a positive and significant relationship between the food security and food availability rates: milk, animal fat, canned food and cheese bread. The prevalence of food insecurity was high in this population group. In households with a higher level of food security, the availability of milk, animal fat, canned goods and cheese bread was significantly higher.

Impact of the mHealth strategy in sodium consumption markers: AvaliaSal study / Impacto da estratégia mHealth em marcadores do consumo de sódio: estudo AvaliaSal

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth strategy on sodium consumption markers. Methods Intervention study carried out with 175 adults (20-59 years), from an educational institution of Vitória, Espírito Santo State. Participants were made aware through posters, oral approach and electronic media. Anthropometric, hemodynamic, socioeconomic, health, and dietary practices data was collected in two stages. After the first assessment, participants were randomized into two groups: Intervention Group and Control Group. The Intervention Group included 21 electronic messages and 3 videos on healthy eating focusing on the goal to reduce sodium intake for 3 months. Behavioral changes were assessed using the Generalized Estimation Equation (p-value <0.05). Results At baseline, no significant differences in socioeconomic, anthropometric and health variables, and eating practices between groups were observed. The stock broth cube was the most used ready processed seasoning. After the intervention, a reduction in the use of stock broth was observed only in the intervention group (β=0.615; p=0.016). In addition, 73% of the intervention group participants reported that the messages were clear, 67% reported that they were useful, and 48% stated they followed the guidelines. Conclusion There was a reduction in the frequency of use of stock broth cubes, demonstrating the potential effect of the m-Health strategy on sodium consumption markers in individuals without a hypertension medical diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a efetividade da estratégia mHealth sobre marcadores do consumo de sódio. Métodos Estudo de intervenção realizado com 175 adultos (20-59 anos), vinculados a uma instituição de ensino de Vitória, no Estado do Espirito Santo. Os participantes foram contatados por através da exposição a de um pôster, de abordagem oral e mídia eletrônica. Dados antropométricos, hemodinâmicos, socioeconômicos, de saúde e práticas alimentares foram coletados em dois momentos. Os participantes foram randomizados em dois grupos: Grupo de Intervenção e Grupo de Controle. Durante a intervenção, que durou três meses, os participantes receberam 21 mensagens eletrônicas e assistiram a três vídeos sobre alimentação saudável, com foco na redução do consumo de sódio. Mudanças foram avaliadas por Equação de Estimativa Generalizada e adoção de valor de p<0,05. Resultados Na linha de base, não foram observadas diferenças significativas em relação às variáveis antropométricas, socioeconômicas, de saúde e práticas alimentares entre os grupos. Caldo pronto foi o condimento industrializado mais utilizado pelos participantes durante o estudo. Foi observada uma redução do uso de caldo pronto apenas no Grupo de Intervenção (β=0,615; p=0,016). Além disso, 73% do Gruo de Intervenção relataram que as mensagens foram claras; 67% afirmaram que as mensagens foram úteis e 48% disseram que seguiram as orientações. Conclusão Foi observada uma redução da frequência do uso de caldo pronto, demonstrando potencial da estratégia m-Health sobre marcadores do consumo de sódio em participantes sem diagnóstico de hipertensão.

Alimentação complementar, consumo de alimentos industrializados e estado nutricional de crianças menores de 3 anos em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2016: um estudo descritivo / Alimentación complementaria, consumo de alimentos industrializados y estado nutricional de niños menores de 3 años en Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2016: un estudio descriptivo / Complementary feeding, consumption of industrialized foods and nutritional status of children under 3 years old in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2016: a descriptive study

Objetivo: verificar como e quando a alimentação complementar (AC) se inicia, seu perfil, o consumo de industrializados e o estado nutricional de crianças de 1-3 anos. Métodos: foram avaliadas crianças matriculadas em escolas públicas de Pelotas, RS, Brasil; utilizaram-se os indicadores de estatura/idade, peso/idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC)/idade. Um questionário estruturado aplicado aos pais/cuidadores. A AC foi considerada precoce quando iniciada antes dos 6 meses. Os dados foram apresentados de forma descritiva. Resultados: 79 crianças foram avaliadas, 13 apresentaram sobrepeso e 6 obesidade; 11 acusaram peso elevado para a idade. A média para início da AC foi de 5,3 meses. Enquanto menores de 6 meses, 43% receberam gelatina e 12,7% suco de caixinha; quando na idade de 6-24 meses, 96,2% receberam biscoito recheado e 91,1% salgadinho. Conclusão: a AC e o consumo de alimentos industrializados iniciaram-se precocemente; obesidade e sobrepeso foram mais prevalentes que desnutrição.

Objetivo: evaluar como y cuando comienza la alimentación complementaria (AC), su perfil, consumo de alimentos procesados y estado nutricional de niños de 1-3 años. Métodos: se evaluaron niños matriculados en escuelas públicas de Pelotas, RS, Brasil; se utilizaron los índices de longitud/estatura/edad, peso/edad e índice de masa corporal (IMC)/edad, y un cuestionario estructurado aplicado a los padres/cuidadores; la AC fue considerada precoz cuando empezó antes de los seis meses; los datos se presentaron de modo descriptivo. Resultados: 79 niños fueron evaluados, 13 presentaron sobrepeso y 6 obesidad; 11 presentaron peso elevado para la edad; el promedio para el inicio de la AC fue de 5,3 meses; en cuanto a menores de 6 meses, 43% recibieron gelatina y 12,7% jugo de caja; a los 6-24 meses, 96,2% recibieron galletitas rellenas y 91,1% snacks salados. Conclusión: la AC y el consumo de alimentos industrializados comenzaron precozmente; obesidad y sobrepeso fueron más prevalentes que la desnutrición.

Objective: to verify how and when complementary feeding (CF) begins, its profile, consumption of processed foods and nutritional status of children aged 1-3 years. Methods: children enrolled at public schools in Pelotas, RS, Brazil, were evaluated; length/height-for-age and weight-for-age scores, and body mass index (BMI)/age were used, and a structured questionnaire was administered to parents/caregivers; CF was considered early when started before the age of six months; data were presented in a descriptive way. Results: 79 children were evaluated, of whom 13 were overweight and 6 obese; 11 had high weight-for-age; mean age for beginning CF was 5.3 months; when aged <6 months, 43% received gelatin, and 12.7% juice from cartons; when aged 6-24 months, 96.2% received filled biscuits and 91.1% salty snacks. Conclusion: CF and consumption of processed foods began early; obesity and overweight were more prevalent than malnutrition.

Food formulation and not processing level: Conceptual divergences between public health and food science and technology sectors.

Observed changes in eating and drinking behaviors in economically developing countries are associated with increase of obesity and related chronic diseases. Researchers from field of public health (PH) have attributed this problem to food processing and have created new food classification systems to support their thesis. These classifications conceptually differ from processing level concepts in food science, and state to people that food processing is directly related to nutritional impact of food. Our work aims to compare the concept of food processing from the standpoint of food science and technology (FST) and public health and to discuss differences related to formulation or level of processing of products and their impact on nutritional quality. There is a misconception between food processing/unit operation/food technology and formulation or recipes. For the public health approach, classification is based on food products selection and the use of ingredients that results in higher consumption of sugar, sodium, fat, and additives, whereas in FST, processing level is based on the intensity and amount of unit operations to enhance shelf life, food safety, food quality, and availability of edible parts of raw materials. Nutritional quality of a product or preparation is associated with formulation/recipe and not with the level of processing, with few exceptions. The impact of these recommendations on the actual comprehension of food processing and quality must be considered by the population.

Palmitos industrializados em conserva: produção, conservação e sustentabilidade / Preserved palm hearts: production, conservation and sustainability

As principais espécies utilizadas na alimentação e exploradas para a produção de palmitos, são as palmeiras de Açaí (Euterpe oleracea), na região Norte do país, especialmente na Bacia Amazônica; a Juçara (Euterpe edulis), na Mata Atlântica das regiões Sul e Sudeste; atualmente a espécie que predomina é a Pupunha (Bactris gasipaes), plantada comercialmente em quase todo o País e, em menor escala, o palmito da Palmeira Real (Archantophoenix alexandrae), predominantemente no Estado de Santa Catarina. As principais formas de comercialização do palmito em conserva são em embalagens metálicas (lata) ou de vidro. Foi objetivo deste estudo avaliar a qualidade de palmitos industrializados com foco nas informações de rotulagem sobre a origem, tipo, conservação e validade destes, compreendendo melhor os critérios de sustentabilidade aplicado a estes produtos. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido a partir da análise de rótulos de amostras de palmito em conserva industrializados e comercializados nas cidades do Rio de Janeiro, com o total de 45 amostras das diferentes espécies existentes desta palmeira, coletadas nos anos de 2013, 2014 e começo de 2015. Dentre as espécies de palmito mais encontradas, destacou-se o açaí com 42% das amostras, seguido da pupunha com 31% e Juçara com 20%; os estados com maior produção foram a Bahia com 27% das amostras e Santa Catarina com 21%. As amostras analisadas apresentavam prazo de validade de 1 ano (2,38%), 2 anos (47,62%) e de 3 anos (21,42%). Os prazos de validade após abertura da embalagem, indicavam máximo de cinco dias. Com os dados obtidos concluiu-se que as indústrias de palmitos em conserva vêm cumprindo as determinações das legislações sanitárias em vigor, com algumas exceções que podem comprometer escolhas e até a saúde do consumidor.(AU)

CONSUMO ENERGÉTICO PROVENIENTE DE ALIMENTOS ULTRAPROCESSADOS POR ADOLESCENTES / ENERGY INTAKE FROM ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS AMONG ADOLESCENTS

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo proveniente dos alimentos ultraprocessados e fatores relacionados em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 784 adolescentes (de ambos os sexos e entre 12 a 19 anos) de escolas públicas e privadas do município de Palmeira das Missões, Brasil. O consumo alimentar foi registrado pelo questionário semiquantitativo de frequência de consumo de alimentos e convertido em energia (Kcal/dia). Os alimentos foram classificados em: minimamente processados, grupo 1 (G1); alimentos processados, grupo 2 (G2); e alimentos ultraprocessados, grupo 3 (G3). As variáveis avaliadas foram: sexo, classe socioeconômica, cor, atividade física, índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e níveis pressóricos. Na comparação de variáveis quantitativas foi usado o teste de Mann-Whitney e o teste H de Kruskal-Wallis. Para ajustar as diferenças entre os grupos, considerando os efeitos de calorias totais, foi aplicado o teste de análise de covariância (ANCOVA). Resultados: A mediana do consumo energético total foi de 3.039,8 Kcal e a de ultraprocessados foi de 1.496,5 Kcal/dia (49,23%). O consumo calórico proveniente dos alimentos do G1, do G2 e do G3 não diferiu de acordo com a cor da pele dos adolescentes. Os adolescentes pertencentes às classes C e D são os maiores consumidores de calorias do G2 e do G3 (p<0,001). Os adolescentes insuficientemente ativos consomem menos calorias de alimentos minimamente processados. Os adolescentes eutróficos apresentam maior consumo do G3 (p<0,001), quando comparados aos que possuem excesso de peso. Conclusões: O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados associou-se ao nível social, ao nível de atividade física e ao estado nutricional.

ASTRACT Objective: To evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods and related factors in adolescents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 784 adolescents (both sexes and aged between 12 and 19 years) from public and private schools in the municipality of Palmeira das Missões, Brazil. Food consumption was recorded by the semiquantitative questionnaire of frequency of food consumption and converted to energy (kcal/day). Foods were classified as minimally processed, group 1 (G1); processed foods, group 2 (G2); and ultra-processed foods, group 3 (G3). The variables evaluated were sex, socioeconomic class, color, physical activity, body mass index, and blood pressure levels. In the comparison of quantitative variables, the Mann-Whitney test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used. To adjust the differences between the groups, considering the effects of total calories, the covariance analysis test (ANCOVA) was applied. Results: The median of the total energy consumption was 3,039.8 kcal, and that of ultra-processed foods was 1,496.5 kcal/day (49.23%). The caloric intake from foods in G1, G2, and G3 did not differ according to the skin color of the adolescents. Those belonging to socioeconomic classes C and D are the most frequent consumers of calories from G2 and G3 (p<0.001). Underactive teens consume fewer calories from minimally processed foods. Eutrophic adolescents present higher consumption of G3 foods (p<0.001) when compared to those who are overweight. Conclusions: The consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with socioeconomic level, physical activity level, and nutritional status.

Nutrição e saúde: o papel do ultraprocessamento de alimentos / Nutrition and health the role of the ultra-processed foods

Introdução: A prevalência de obesidade e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis tem aumentado em todo o mundo, enquanto as deficiências de micronutrientes continuam sendo um grave problema de saúde pública. Este cenário tem sido impulsionado, entre outros fatores, por transformações recentes no sistema alimentar global, caracterizadas principalmente pela substituição dos hábitos alimentares tradicionais pelo consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Objetivos: Os objetivos deste estudo são analisar o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados no Brasil e sua influência sobre a qualidade nutricional da alimentação e indicadores de obesidade e avaliar o uso de dados de aquisição domiciliar de alimentos para estimar o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. Métodos: Foram produzidos quatro manuscritos baseados em dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2008-2009. Os três primeiros utilizaram dados do módulo de consumo alimentar individual, que avaliou 34.003 adolescentes e adultos brasileiros. Todos os alimentos consumidos foram classificados de acordo com as características do processamento industrial. Alimentos ultraprocessados foram definidos como formulações industriais feitas predominantemente de substâncias extraídas diretamente de alimentos (óleos, gorduras, açúcar), derivadas de constituintes de alimentos (gorduras hidrogenadas, amido modificado) ou sintetizadas em laboratório a partir de matérias orgânicas (corantes, aromatizantes, realçadores de sabor).

Introduction: Rates of obesity and other chronic diseases have increased worldwide while micronutrient deficiencies remain a serious public health problem. This transition is paralleled with recent transformations in the globalizing food system, mainly characterized by the replacement of traditional food habits by the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods in Brazil and its influence on the nutritional dietary quality and on obesity indicators, and to evaluate the use of household food acquisition data to estimate actual consumption of ultra-processed foods. Methods: Four manuscripts were produced based on data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey 2008-2009. The first three manuscripts were based on the module of individual food consumption, which evaluated 34,003 Brazilian adolescents and adults. All food items were classified according to characteristics of food processing. Ultra-processed foods were defined as industrial formulations that are predominantly made from substances that are extracted from food (oils, fats, sugar), derived from food constituents (hydrogenated fats, modified starch) or synthesized in a laboratory from organic materials (colorants, flavorings, flavor enhancers).

Processed foods in infant feeding: analysis of the visual memory of schoolchildren in Taubaté city, São Paulo

OBJETIVO: descrever a memória visual de crianças em relação à embalagem de salgadinho e biscoito doce recheado e relacioná-las ao estado nutricional, série escolar e sexo. MÉTODO: foi realizada a técnica de desenho com 152 alunos de 6 a 10 anos, matriculados no ensino fundamental I de uma escola da cidade de Taubaté, São Paulo. Foram coletados dados antropométricos, calculado o IMC, a freqüência de cada componente do desenho e realizado o teste qui-quadrado para analisar a sua relação com as variáveis em estudo. RESULTADOS: para as embalagens de salgadinho, os componentes que apareceram com maior freqüência nos desenhos foram marca (54,6 por cento), imagem do produto (45,4 por cento) e personagem (27,0 por cento) e as cores mais utilizadas a vermelha (36,8 por cento), a azul (30,3 por cento) e a amarela (22,4 por cento). Para os biscoitos apareceram com maior freqüência marca (62,5 por cento) e personagem (30,9 por cento) e as cores mais utilizadas a azul (36,8 por cento) e marrom (26,3 por cento). As cores identificadas pelas crianças, tanto para salgadinho, como para biscoito condizem com os produtos comercializados. As meninas se lembraram mais da imagem do salgadinho (p = 0,016) e dos personagens na embalagem do biscoito (p = 0,04). Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas significativas entre a lembrança dos componentes da embalagem e o estado nutricional e entre a cor escolhida e sexo da criança. CONCLUSÕES: observa-se que as estratégias de marketing são instrumentos amplamente utilizados na indústria alimentícia com foco na criança e que seus produtos comerciais, salgadinhos e biscoitos recheados, são amplamente fixados nesta população.

Processed foods in infant feeding: analysis of the visual memory of schoolchildren in Taubaté city, São Paulo / Alimentos processados na alimentação infantil: análise da memória visual de escolares da cidade de Taubaté, São Paulo

OBJECTIVE: to describe the visual memory of children with regard to the packaging of savory snacks and sandwich cookies, and to correlate results with nutritional status, school grade and gender. METHODS: the drawing technique was applied to 152 students enrolled at an elementary school in the city of Taubaté, São Paulo. Anthropometric data were collected, BMI calculated and the frequency of each component of the drawings was determined. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship of each component with the variables studied. RESULTS: for savory snacks packaging, the components that appeared most frequently in drawings were brand (54.6 percent), the image of the product adorning the package (45.4 percent) and characters (27.0 percent). Colors used were predominantly red (36.8 percent), blue (30.3 percent) and yellow (22.4 percent). For the sandwich cookies, the elements that appeared most frequently were brand (62.5 percent) and characters (30.9 percent) whereas the colors used were predominantly blue (36 8 percent) and brown (26.3 percent). The colors identified by the children, both for savory snacks and sandwich cookies, were similar to those found on the packages available in the market. The girls remembered more imagery on savory snack packaging (p = 0.016) and depicted more characters in the drawing of the sandwich cookie packaging (p = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences between the memory of the components of the packaging and nutritional status, or between chosen color and gender. CONCLUSIONS: Marketing strategies employed in packaging were retained in children's memory. This finding points to the need for authorities to regulate advertising of food to this population, with special attention to the packaging of these products.(AU)

OBJETIVO: descrever a memória visual de crianças em relação à embalagem de salgadinho e biscoito doce recheado e relacioná-las ao estado nutricional, série escolar e sexo. MÉTODO: foi realizada a técnica de desenho com 152 alunos de 6 a 10 anos, matriculados no ensino fundamental I de uma escola da cidade de Taubaté, São Paulo. Foram coletados dados antropométricos, calculado o IMC, a freqüência de cada componente do desenho e realizado o teste qui-quadrado para analisar a sua relação com as variáveis em estudo. RESULTADOS: para as embalagens de salgadinho, os componentes que apareceram com maior freqüência nos desenhos foram marca (54,6 por cento), imagem do produto (45,4 por cento) e personagem (27,0 por cento) e as cores mais utilizadas a vermelha (36,8 por cento), a azul (30,3 por cento) e a amarela (22,4 por cento). Para os biscoitos apareceram com maior freqüência marca (62,5 por cento) e personagem (30,9 por cento) e as cores mais utilizadas a azul (36,8 por cento) e marrom (26,3 por cento). As cores identificadas pelas crianças, tanto para salgadinho, como para biscoito condizem com os produtos comercializados. As meninas se lembraram mais da imagem do salgadinho (p = 0,016) e dos personagens na embalagem do biscoito (p = 0,04). Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas significativas entre a lembrança dos componentes da embalagem e o estado nutricional e entre a cor escolhida e sexo da criança. CONCLUSÕES: observa-se que as estratégias de marketing são instrumentos amplamente utilizados na indústria alimentícia com foco na criança e que seus produtos comerciais, salgadinhos e biscoitos recheados, são amplamente fixados nesta população.(AU)