Ultra-processed foods, adiposity and risk of head and neck cancer and oesophageal adenocarcinoma in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study: a mediation analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of adiposity in the associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and head and neck cancer (HNC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. METHODS: Our study included 450,111 EPIC participants. We used Cox regressions to investigate the associations between the consumption of UPFs and HNC and OAC risk. A mediation analysis was performed to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in these associations. In sensitivity analyses, we investigated accidental death as a negative control outcome. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 14.13 ± 3.98 years, 910 and 215 participants developed HNC and OAC, respectively. A 10% g/d higher consumption of UPFs was associated with an increased risk of HNC (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.34) and OAC (HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.47). WHR mediated 5% (95% CI 3-10%) of the association between the consumption of UPFs and HNC risk, while BMI and WHR, respectively, mediated 13% (95% CI 6-53%) and 15% (95% CI 8-72%) of the association between the consumption of UPFs and OAC risk. UPF consumption was positively associated with accidental death in the negative control analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We reaffirmed that higher UPF consumption is associated with greater risk of HNC and OAC in EPIC. The proportion mediated via adiposity was small. Further research is required to investigate other mechanisms that may be at play (if there is indeed any causal effect of UPF consumption on these cancers).

Corrigendum: Characterization of the degree of food processing in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition: application of the Nova classification and validation using selected biomarkers of food processing.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1035580.].

Food processing and cancer risk in Europe: results from the prospective EPIC cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Food processing has been hypothesised to play a role in cancer development; however, data from large-scale epidemiological studies are scarce. This study investigated the association between dietary intake according to amount of food processing and risk of cancer at 25 anatomical sites using data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. METHODS: This study used data from the prospective EPIC cohort study, which recruited participants between March 18, 1991, and July 2, 2001, from 23 centres in ten European countries. Participant eligibility within each cohort was based on geographical or administrative boundaries. Participants were excluded if they had a cancer diagnosis before recruitment, had missing information for the NOVA food processing classification, or were within the top and bottom 1% for ratio of energy intake to energy requirement. Validated dietary questionnaires were used to obtain information on food and drink consumption. Participants with cancer were identified using cancer registries or during follow-up from a combination of sources, including cancer and pathology centres, health insurance records, and active follow-up of participants. We performed a substitution analysis to assess the effect of replacing 10% of processed foods and ultra-processed foods with 10% of minimally processed foods on cancer risk at 25 anatomical sites using Cox proportional hazard models. FINDINGS: 521 324 participants were recruited into EPIC, and 450 111 were included in this analysis (318 686 [70·8%] participants were female individuals and 131 425 [29·2%] were male individuals). In a multivariate model adjusted for sex, smoking, education, physical activity, height, and diabetes, a substitution of 10% of processed foods with an equal amount of minimally processed foods was associated with reduced risk of overall cancer (hazard ratio 0·96, 95% CI 0·95-0·97), head and neck cancers (0·80, 0·75-0·85), oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (0·57, 0·51-0·64), colon cancer (0·88, 0·85-0·92), rectal cancer (0·90, 0·85-0·94), hepatocellular carcinoma (0·77, 0·68-0·87), and postmenopausal breast cancer (0·93, 0·90-0·97). The substitution of 10% of ultra-processed foods with 10% of minimally processed foods was associated with a reduced risk of head and neck cancers (0·80, 0·74-0·88), colon cancer (0·93, 0·89-0·97), and hepatocellular carcinoma (0·73, 0·62-0·86). Most of these associations remained significant when models were additionally adjusted for BMI, alcohol and dietary intake, and quality. INTERPRETATION: This study suggests that the replacement of processed and ultra-processed foods and drinks with an equal amount of minimally processed foods might reduce the risk of various cancer types. FUNDING: Cancer Research UK, l'Institut National du Cancer, and World Cancer Research Fund International.

Ultra-processed food consumption, cancer risk and cancer mortality: a large-scale prospective analysis within the UK Biobank.

Background: Global dietary patterns are increasingly dominated by relatively cheap, highly palatable, and ready-to-eat ultra-processed foods (UPFs). However, prospective evidence is limited on cancer development and mortality in relation to UPF consumption. This study examines associations between UPF consumption and risk of cancer and associated mortality for 34 site-specific cancers in a large cohort of British adults. Methods: This study included a prospective cohort of UK Biobank participants (aged 40-69 years) who completed 24-h dietary recalls between 2009 and 2012 (N = 197426, 54.6% women) and were followed up until Jan 31, 2021. Food items consumed were categorised according to their degree of food processing using the NOVA food classification system. Individuals' UPF consumption was expressed as a percentage of total food intake (g/day). Prospective associations were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for baseline socio-demographic characteristics, smoking status, physical activity, body mass index, alcohol and total energy intake. Findings: The mean UPF consumption was 22.9% (SD 13.3%) in the total diet. During a median follow-up time of 9.8 years, 15,921 individuals developed cancer and 4009 cancer-related deaths occurred. Every 10 percentage points increment in UPF consumption was associated with an increased incidence of overall (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04) and specifically ovarian (1.19; 1.08-1.30) cancer. Furthermore, every 10 percentage points increment in UPF consumption was associated with an increased risk of overall (1.06; 1.03-1.09), ovarian (1.30; 1.13-1.50), and breast (1.16; 1.02-1.32) cancer-related mortality. Interpretation: Our UK-based cohort study suggests that higher UPF consumption may be linked to an increased burden and mortality for overall and certain site-specific cancers especially ovarian cancer in women. Funding: The Cancer Research UK and World Cancer Research Fund.

Food Processing and Risk of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A European Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Industrial foods have been associated with increased risks of several chronic conditions. We investigated the relationship between the degree of food processing and risks of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. METHODS: Analyses included 413,590 participants (68.6% women; mean baseline age, 51.7 y) from 8 European countries. Dietary data were collected at baseline from validated country-specific dietary questionnaires. Associations between proportions of unprocessed/minimally processed and ultraprocessed food intake and CD and UC risks were estimated using Cox models to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Models were stratified by center, age, and sex, and adjusted for smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, energy intake, educational level, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 13.2 years, 179 incident cases of CD and 431 incident cases of UC were identified. The risk of CD was lower in people consuming high proportions of unprocessed/minimally processed foods (adjusted HR for the highest vs lowest quartile: 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.93; P trend < .01), particularly fruits and vegetables (adjusted HRs, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.34-0.87 and 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34-0.91, respectively). There was no association between unprocessed/minimally processed food intake and the risk of UC. No association was detected between ultraprocessed food consumption and CD or UC risks. CONCLUSIONS: In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, consumption of unprocessed/minimally processed foods was associated with a lower risk of CD. No association between UC risk and food processing was found.

Food and Nutrition Surveillance System markers predict diet quality / Marcadores do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional predizem qualidade da dieta

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate the performance of food consumption markers of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (Sisvan) in assessing the overall dietary quality. METHODS The study was carried out based on the reproduction of responses to markers in 24-hour recall data from 46,164 individuals aged ≥ 10 years, from the 2017-2018 Household Budget Survey (POF). Seven Sisvan markers were evaluated, and two scores were calculated for each participant, based on the sum of the number of healthy food markers (beans, fruits, and vegetables, ranging from 0 to 3) and unhealthy (hamburgers/sausages, sweetened beverages, instant noodles/salt snacks/crackers, stuffed cookies/sweets/candies, ranging from 0 to 4) consumed. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between scores and diet quality indicators (ultra-processed foods, dietary diversity, and levels of saturated and trans fat, added sugar, sodium, potassium, and fiber in the diet). RESULTS The score of healthy eating markers increased significantly with increasing dietary diversity and potassium and fiber contents in the diet, while the opposite trend was observed for the densities of added sugar, sodium, saturated and trans fat (p < 0.001). The score of unhealthy eating markers increased significantly with the increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods and densities of added sugar, saturated and trans fat levels in the diet, while an inverse trend was observed for potassium and fiber (p < 0.001). The joint analysis of the combination of the two marker scores showed that individuals with better performance (3 in the healthy food score, and 0 in the unhealthy food score) have a lower number of inadequacies in nutrient consumption. CONCLUSION Sisvan food consumption markers, quickly and easily applied and already incorporated into the Brazilian public health system, have good potential to reflect the overall dietary quality.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar o desempenho dos marcadores do consumo alimentar do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (Sisvan) na avaliação da qualidade global da alimentação. MÉTODOS O estudo foi realizado a partir da reprodução de respostas aos marcadores em dados de recordatórios de 24 horas, de 46.164 indivíduos com idade menor ou igual a 10 anos, da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares 2017-2018. Foram avaliados sete marcadores do Sisvan e calculados dois escores para cada participante, a partir do somatório do número de marcadores de alimentação saudável (feijão, frutas, verduras/legumes, variando de 0 a 3) e não saudável (hambúrguer/embutidos, bebidas adoçadas, macarrão instantâneo/salgadinhos/biscoitos salgados, biscoito recheado/doces/guloseimas, variando de 0 a 4) consumidos. Análises de regressão linear foram usadas para avaliar a associação entre os escores e indicadores de qualidade da alimentação (participação de alimentos ultraprocessados, diversidade e teores de gordura saturada, trans, açúcar de adição, sódio, potássio e fibra da dieta). RESULTADOS o escore de marcadores de alimentação saudável aumentou de forma significativa com o aumento da diversidade e dos teores de potássio e fibra da dieta, enquanto tendência oposta foi observada para as densidades de açúcar de adição, sódio, gordura saturada e trans (p < 0,001). Observou-se que o escore de marcadores de alimentação não saudável aumentou de forma significativa com o aumento da participação de alimentos ultraprocessados e dos teores de açúcar de adição, gordura saturada e trans da dieta, enquanto tendência inversa é observada para potássio e fibra (p < 0,001). A análise conjunta da combinação dos dois escores de marcadores mostrou que indivíduos com melhor desempenho (3 no escore de alimentos saudáveis, e 0 no de alimentos não saudáveis) possuem menor número de inadequações no consumo de nutrientes. CONCLUSÃO Os marcadores do consumo alimentar do Sisvan, aplicados de forma rápida e prática e já incorporados no sistema público de saúde brasileiro, possuem bom potencial para refletir a qualidade global da alimentação.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods in Brazil: distribution and temporal evolution 2008-2018 / Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados no Brasil: distribuição e evolução temporal 2008-2018

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the temporal evolution of their consumption in Brazil between 2008 and 2018. METHODS The study used food consumption data of individuals aged ≥ 10 years from 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares (POF - Household Budget Surveys), grouping the foods according to the Nova classification. We used crude and adjusted linear regression models to assess the association between sociodemographic characteristics and consumption of ultra-processed foods in 2017-2018 and the temporal variation in their consumption between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS Ultra-processed foods accounted for 19.7% of calories in 2017-2018. The adjusted analysis showed that their consumption was higher in women (versus men) and the South and Southeast regions (versus North) and lower in blacks (versus whites) and rural areas (versus urban), in addition to decreasing with the increased age and increasing with higher education and income. Consumption of ultra-processed foods increased by 1.02 percentage points (pp) from 2008-2009 to 2017-2018. This increase was significantly higher among men (+1.59 pp), black people (+2.04 pp), indigenous (+5.96 pp), in the rural area (+2.43 pp), those with up to 4 years of schooling (+1.18 pp), in the lowest income quintile (+3.54 pp), and the North (+2.95 pp) and Northeast (+3.11 pp) regions. On the other hand, individuals in the highest level of schooling (-3.30 pp) and the highest income quintile (-1.65 pp) reduced their consumption. CONCLUSIONS The socioeconomic and demographic segments with the lowest relative consumption of ultra-processed foods in 2017-2018 are precisely those that showed the most significant increase in the temporal analysis, pointing to a trend towards national standardization at a higher level of consumption.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar fatores sociodemográficos associados ao consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e a evolução temporal do consumo no Brasil entre 2008 e 2018. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados do consumo alimentar de indivíduos com idade ≥ 10 anos das Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) 2008-2009 e 2017-2018. Os alimentos foram agrupados segundo a classificação Nova. Modelos de regressão linear brutos e ajustados foram utilizados para avaliar a associação entre características sociodemográficas e o consumo de ultraprocessados em 2017-2018 e a variação temporal de seu consumo entre 2008 e 2018. RESULTADOS Alimentos ultraprocessados representaram 19,7% das calorias em 2017-2018. A análise ajustada mostrou que seu consumo foi maior no sexo feminino ( versus masculino) e nas regiões Sul e Sudeste ( versus Norte), e menor em negros ( versus brancos) e na área rural ( versus urbana), além de diminuir com o aumento da idade e aumentar com escolaridade e renda. O consumo de ultraprocessados aumentou 1,02 pontos percentuais (pp) de 2008-2009 a 2017-2018, sendo este aumento mais expressivo em homens (+1,59 pp), negros (+2,04 pp), indígenas (+5,96 pp), na área rural (+2,43 pp), naqueles com até 4 anos de estudo (+1,18 pp), no quinto mais baixo de renda (+3,54 pp) e nas regiões Norte (+2,95 pp) e Nordeste (+3,11 pp). Por outro lado, seu consumo se reduziu na maior faixa de escolaridade (-3,30 pp) e no quinto mais alto de renda (-1,65 pp). CONCLUSÕES Os segmentos socioeconômicos e demográficos que tiveram menor consumo relativo de ultraprocessados em 2017-2018 são justamente os que apresentaram um aumento mais expressivo na análise temporal, apontando para uma tendência de padronização nacional em um patamar de consumo mais alto.

Changes in dietary markers during the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil / Mudanças nos marcadores da alimentação durante a pandemia de covid-19 no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Evaluate changes in the Brazilian population's diet and its determinants during the covid-19 pandemic. METHODS We used diet data collected by the Datafolha Institute in 2019 (n = 1,384), 2020 (n =1,214), and 2021 (n = 1,459) from independent and representative samples of the adult population (aged 18 to 55 years) from all socioeconomic classes and geographic regions of Brazil. Food consumption was measured by checking the consumption of 22 sets of food on the day before the survey. The third cycle also included questions about changes in eating habits during the pandemic. We estimated the prevalence of consumption of the food sets in each cycle of the survey and used statistical tests for comparisons of proportions between the three cycles. RESULTS Between 2019 and 2020, we observed a significant increase in the consumption of cereals, milk, packaged snacks or salty cookies, and industrialized sauces, as opposed to a decrease in the consumption of eggs. Between 2019 and 2021 and between 2020 and 2021, on the other hand, there was a significant decrease in the consumption of cereals, vegetables, fruits, and industrialized fruit juices and an increase in the consumption of soda, sweets, cookies, sausages, industrialized sauces, and ready meals. When asked about the main changes in the purchase and preparation of meals, 46.3% of the respondents reported consuming more food prepared at home during the pandemic. Regarding changes in eating habits, 48.6% of the respondents reported a change in their eating habits during the pandemic. The main reasons for such changes were greater concern with health (39.1%) and self-reported decreased family income (30.2%). CONCLUSIONS The covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the diet of the population, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was reported for that period.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar mudanças na alimentação da população brasileira e seus determinantes durante a pandemia de covid-19. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados de alimentação coletados pelo instituto Datafolha, em 2019 (n = 1.384), 2020 (n = 1.214) e 2021 (n = 1.459), de amostras independentes e representativas da população adulta (entre 18 e 55 anos) de todas as classes socioeconômicas e regiões geográficas do Brasil. O consumo alimentar foi aferido por meio da verificação do consumo de 22 conjuntos de alimentos no dia anterior à pesquisa. No terceiro ciclo, também foram incluídas questões sobre mudanças nos hábitos alimentares durante a pandemia. Estimou-se a prevalência de consumo dos conjuntos de alimentos em cada ciclo da pesquisa e foram utilizados testes estatísticos para comparações de proporções entre os três ciclos. RESULTADOS Observou-se, entre 2019 e 2020, aumento significativo no consumo de cereais, leite, salgadinhos de pacote ou biscoitos salgados e molhos industrializados, em contraponto à diminuição do consumo de ovos. Entre 2019 e 2021 e entre 2020 e 2021, por outro lado, houve diminuição significativa no consumo de cereais, hortaliças, frutas e sucos de fruta industrializados e aumento no consumo de refrigerante, biscoito doce, recheado ou bolinho de pacote, embutidos, molhos industrializados e refeições prontas. Quando questionados sobre as principais mudanças na compra e preparo das refeições, 46,3% dos entrevistados relataram consumir mais alimentos preparados em casa durante a pandemia. Em relação a mudanças nos hábitos alimentares, 48,6% dos entrevistados relataram alteração na alimentação durante a pandemia. Os principais motivos para tais mudanças foram maior preocupação com a saúde (39,1%) e autorrelato de diminuição da renda familiar (30,2%). CONCLUSÕES A pandemia de covid-19 teve impacto negativo na alimentação da população, e foi reportado aumento no consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados durante esse período.

Development and Validation of a Protocol for Pregnant Women Based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines / Desenvolvimento e validação de um protocolo para orientação de gestantes baseado no guia alimentar para a população brasileira

Abstract Objective To develop and validate a protocol for the use of the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population (DGBP) in the individual dietary advice for pregnant women assisted in primary healthcare (PHC). Methods Methodological study that involved the elaboration of a protocol in six steps: definition of the format, definition of the instrument to evaluate food consumption, systematization of evidence on food and nutrition needs of pregnant women, extraction of DGBP recommendations, development of messages of dietary guidelines and content, and face validity. The analyses of the validation steps were carried out by calculating the Content Validity Index (CVI) and thematic content analysis. Results As products of the steps, the protocol structure was defined and the dietary advice for pregnant women were elaborated, considering physiological changes, food consumption, nutritional and health needs, and socioeconomic conditions of this population. The protocol was well evaluated by experts and health professionals in terms of clarity, relevance (CVI > 0.8), and applicability. In addition, the participants made some suggestions to improve the clarity of the messages and to expand the applicability of the instrument with Brazilian pregnant women. Conclusion The instrument developed fills a gap in clinical protocols on dietary advice for pregnant women focused on promoting a healthy diet, contributing to a healthy pregnancy. In addition, it demonstrates potential to contribute to the qualification of PHC professionals and to the implementation of the DGBP recommendations.

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver e validar um protocolo para uso do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira (GAPB) na orientação alimentar individual de gestantes atendidas na atenção primária à saúde (APS). Métodos Estudo metodológico que envolveu a elaboração de um protocolo em seis etapas: definição do formato do documento, definição do instrumento de avaliação do consumo alimentar, sistematização de evidências sobre necessidades de alimentação e nutrição de gestantes, extração das recomendações do GAPB, desenvolvimento de mensagens de orientação alimentar e validação de conteúdo e validação aparente. As análises das etapas de validação foram realizadas através do cálculo do índice de validade de conteúdo e análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados Como produtos das etapas, a estrutura do protocolo foi definida e as orientações alimentares de gestantes foram elaboradas, considerando as alterações fisiológicas, consumo alimentar, necessidades nutricionais e de saúde e condições socioeconômicas desta população. O protocolo foi bem avaliado por especialistas e profissionais de saúde nos critérios de clareza, pertinência (índice de validade de conteúdo > 0,8) e aplicabilidade. Além disso, os participantes deram sugestões para melhoria da clareza das mensagens e para ampliar a aplicabilidade do instrumento em gestantes brasileiras. Conclusão O instrumento desenvolvido preenche uma lacuna sobre protocolos clínicos de orientação alimentar para gestantes focado na promoção da alimentação saudável, contribuindo para uma gestação saudável. Além disso, o instrumento demonstra potencial para contribuir na qualificação de profissionais da APS e implementação das recomendações do GAPB.

Degree of food processing and breast cancer risk in black urban women from Soweto, South African: the South African Breast Cancer study.

This study aimed to investigate the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods, whole foods and breast cancer risk in black women from Soweto, South Africa. A population-based case (n 396)-control (n 396) study matched on age and residence, using data from the South African Breast Cancer study. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated quantified FFQ. Food items were categorised using the NOVA system ((1) unprocessed/minimally processed foods, (2) culinary ingredients, (3) processed foods and (4) ultra-processed foods). Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate OR and 95 % CI of dietary contributions from each NOVA food group (as a percentage of total energy intake (EI)) and adjusting for potential confounders. Considering contributions to total EI per day, ultra-processed food consumption contributed to 44·8 % in cases and 47·9 % in controls, while unprocessed/minimally processed foods contributed to 38·8 % in cases and 35·2 % in controls. Unprocessed/minimally processed food consumption showed an inverse association with breast cancer risk overall (OR = 0·52, 95 % CI 0·35, 0·78), as well as in pre- and postmenopausal women separately (OR = 0·52, 95 % CI 0·27, 0·95 and OR = 0·55, 95 % CI 0·35, 0·89, respectively) and in women with progesterone positive breast cancer (OR = 0·23, 95 % CI 0·06, 0·86). There was no heterogeneity in association with breast cancer when analyses were stratified according to BMI. No significant associations were observed for the consumption of other NOVA food groups. Intake of unprocessed/minimally processed foods may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in black women from Soweto, South Africa.

Characterization of the degree of food processing in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition: Application of the Nova classification and validation using selected biomarkers of food processing.

Background: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between the degree of food processing in our diet and the risk of various chronic diseases. Much of this evidence is based on the international Nova classification system, which classifies food into four groups based on the type of processing: (1) Unprocessed and minimally processed foods, (2) Processed culinary ingredients, (3) Processed foods, and (4) "Ultra-processed" foods (UPF). The ability of the Nova classification to accurately characterise the degree of food processing across consumption patterns in various European populations has not been investigated so far. Therefore, we applied the Nova coding to data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) in order to characterize the degree of food processing in our diet across European populations with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and to validate this Nova classification through comparison with objective biomarker measurements. Methods: After grouping foods in the EPIC dataset according to the Nova classification, a total of 476,768 participants in the EPIC cohort (71.5% women; mean age 51 [standard deviation (SD) 9.93]; median age 52 [percentile (p)25-p75: 58-66] years) were included in the cross-sectional analysis that characterised consumption patterns based on the Nova classification. The consumption of food products classified as different Nova categories were compared to relevant circulating biomarkers denoting food processing, measured in various subsamples (N between 417 and 9,460) within the EPIC cohort via (partial) correlation analyses (unadjusted and adjusted by sex, age, BMI and country). These biomarkers included an industrial transfatty acid (ITFA) isomer (elaidic acid; exogenous fatty acid generated during oil hydrogenation and heating) and urinary 4-methyl syringol sulfate (an indicator for the consumption of smoked food and a component of liquid smoke used in UPF). Results: Contributions of UPF intake to the overall diet in % grams/day varied across countries from 7% (France) to 23% (Norway) and their contributions to overall % energy intake from 16% (Spain and Italy) to >45% (in the UK and Norway). Differences were also found between sociodemographic groups; participants in the highest fourth of UPF consumption tended to be younger, taller, less educated, current smokers, more physically active, have a higher reported intake of energy and lower reported intake of alcohol. The UPF pattern as defined based on the Nova classification (group 4;% kcal/day) was positively associated with blood levels of industrial elaidic acid (r = 0.54) and 4-methyl syringol sulfate (r = 0.43). Associations for the other 3 Nova groups with these food processing biomarkers were either inverse or non-significant (e.g., for unprocessed and minimally processed foods these correlations were -0.07 and -0.37 for elaidic acid and 4-methyl syringol sulfate, respectively). Conclusion: These results, based on a large pan-European cohort, demonstrate sociodemographic and geographical differences in the consumption of UPF. Furthermore, these results suggest that the Nova classification can accurately capture consumption of UPF, reflected by stronger correlations with circulating levels of industrial elaidic acid and a syringol metabolite compared to diets high in minimally processed foods.

Characteristics associated with dietary patterns in Brazilian children under two years of age / Características associadas a padrões alimentares em crianças brasileiras menores de dois anos

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the dietary patterns of Brazilian children under two years of age and assess their association with sociodemographic characteristics and health service use. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with data from the 2013 National Health Survey (PNS). Patterns were found for two age groups by principal component analysis and their correlation with characteristics of interest was tested by linear regression models. RESULTS We found two dietary patterns for our groups. The first consisted of the consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods and the second, of ultra-processed foods. The greater adherence of children between six and 11 months to the first pattern was associated with higher per capita family income and urban residences in the most developed regions of Brazil. At 12 months or more, adherence related to white race/color, higher per capita family incomes, residence in more developed regions, and visits to private childcare. Adherence to the second pattern among children under one year of age was inversely associated with Yellow or Indigenous race/color, residence in the Brazilian Northeast, and childcare in specialized public or private services. At 12 months or more, greater adherence was directly associated with Black or Brown children who resided in more developed regions, and inversely associated with those living in the Brazilian Northeast. CONCLUSION We found two opposite dietary patterns in Brazilian children under two years of age and that several social determinants modify their chance of adhering to these patterns.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar padrões alimentares de crianças brasileiras menores de dois anos e verificar a sua associação com características sociodemográficas e de utilização de serviços de saúde. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) de 2013. A identificação dos padrões foi realizada em dois grupos etários por meio da análise fatorial por componentes principais e a correlação às características de interesse, testada por meio de modelos de regressão linear. RESULTADOS Em ambos os grupos foram identificados dois padrões alimentares: o primeiro foi caracterizado pelo consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processado e o segundo marcado somente pelo consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. A maior adesão das crianças entre seis e 11 meses ao primeiro padrão foi associada à maior renda familiar per capita, residência em área urbana e nas regiões mais desenvolvidas do país. Com 12 meses ou mais, a adesão foi relacionada com a raça/cor branca, maior renda familiar per capita, residência nas regiões mais desenvolvidas e realizar consultas de puericultura em serviços privados. No segundo padrão, a aderência entre os menores de um ano foi inversamente associada com raça/cor amarela ou indígena, residência na região Nordeste e realização de puericultura nos serviços públicos especializados ou nos privados. A partir dos 12 meses, a adesão foi diretamente associada com raça/cor preta ou parda e residência nas regiões mais desenvolvidas, e inversamente associada com residência na região Nordeste. CONCLUSÃO O estudo identificou dois padrões alimentares opostos em crianças brasileiras menores de dois anos, sendo que diferentes determinantes sociais modificam a chance de adesão a esses padrões.

Three decades of household food availability according to NOVA - Brazil, 1987-2018 / Três décadas da disponibilidade domiciliar de alimentos segundo a NOVA - Brasil, 1987-2018

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the trend of household food acquisition according to the NOVA classification in Brazil between 1987-1988 and 2017-2018. METHODS We used household food acquisition data from five editions of the Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares (Household Budget Surveys), conducted by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), in the years 1987-1988, 1995-1996, 2002-2003, 2008-2009, and 2017-2018. All reported foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification. The household availability of food groups and subgroups was expressed through their share (%) in total calories, for all Brazilian families, by household situation (urban or rural), for each of the five geographic regions of the country, by fifths of the household income per capita distribution (2002-2003, 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 surveys), and for the 11 main urban regions of the country (1987-1988, 1995-1996, 2002-2003, 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 surveys). Linear regression models were used to assess the trend of increasing or decreasing food purchases. RESULTS The diet of the Brazilian population is still composed predominantly of foods in natura or minimally processed and processed culinary ingredients. However, our findings point to trends of increasing share of ultra-processed foods in the diet. This increase of 0.4 percentage points per year between 2002 and 2009 slowed down to 0.2 percentage points between 2008 and 2018. The consumption of ultra-processed food was higher among households with higher income, in the South and Southeast regions, in urban areas, and in metropolitan regions. CONCLUSION Our results indicate an increase in the share of ultra-processed foods in the diet of Brazilians. This is a worrisome scenario, since the consumption of such foods is associated with the development of diseases and the loss of nutritional quality of the diet.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a tendência da aquisição domiciliar de alimentos de acordo com a classificação NOVA no Brasil entre 1987-1988 e 2017-2018. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados de aquisição domiciliar de alimentos provenientes de cinco edições da Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares, realizada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, nos anos 1987-1988, 1995-1996, 2002-2003, 2008-2009 e 2017-2018. Todos os alimentos reportados foram categorizados segundo a classificação NOVA. A disponibilidade domiciliar dos grupos e subgrupos de alimentos foi expressa por meio de sua participação (%) nas calorias totais, para o conjunto das famílias brasileiras, por situação do domicílio (urbana ou rural), para cada uma das cinco regiões geográficas do país, por quintos da distribuição de renda domiciliar per capita (inquéritos de 2002-2003, 2008-2009 e 2017-2018); e para as 11 principais regiões urbanas do país (inquéritos de 1987-1988, 1995-1996, 2002-2003, 2008-2009 e 2017-2018). Modelos de regressão linear foram utilizados para avaliar a tendência de aumento ou diminuição na aquisição dos alimentos. RESULTADOS A dieta da população brasileira ainda é composta predominantemente por alimentos in natura e minimamente processados e ingredientes culinários processados. No entanto, nossos achados apontam tendências de aumento da participação de alimentos ultraprocessados na dieta. Esse aumento que foi de 0,4 pontos percentuais ao ano na primeira porção do período estudado, entre 2002 e 2009, e desacelerou para 0,2 pontos percentuais entre 2008 e 2018. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi maior entres os domicílios de maior renda, nas regiões Sul e Sudeste, na área urbana, e nas regiões metropolitanas. CONCLUSÃO Os resultados do presente estudo apontam um aumento na participação de alimentos ultraprocessados na dieta dos brasileiros. Cenário preocupante, uma vez que o consumo de tais alimentos está associado ao desenvolvimento de doenças e à perda da qualidade nutricional da dieta.

Associated factors to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and its relation with dietary sources in Portugal.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are common worldwide and associated with poorer health outcomes. This work aimed to explore the UPF consumption associated factors and its main dietary sources, by sex, in Portugal. Participants from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF) 2015-2016, aged 3-84 years, were included (n 5005). Dietary intake was assessed through two 1-day food diaries/24 h recalls. UPFs were identified using the NOVA classification. Associations were evaluated through linear regression models. Median UPF consumption was 257 g/d (10⋅6 % of total quantity; 23⋅8 % of total energy). Adolescents were those with higher consumption (490 g/d). Compared to adults, younger ages were positively associated with UPF consumption (e.g. adolescents (-females: 192, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 135, 249; -males: 327, 95 % CI: 277, 377)). A lower educational level was associated with lower UPF consumption (-females: -63; 95 % CI: -91, -34; -males: -68; 95 % CI: -124, -12). Also, a lower UPF consumption was observed in married males/couples compared to singles (: -48, 95 % CI: -96, -1). Furthermore, female current/former smokers were associated with a higher UPF consumption v. never smokers (: 79, 95 % CI: 41, 118; : 42, 95 % CI: 8, 75, respectively). Main UPF sources were yoghurts, soft drinks and cold meats/sausages differing strongly by sex, age and education level. Yoghurts containing additives were the main contributors to the UPF consumption in children and adult females from all education (~20 %). Soft drinks were leaders in adolescents (females: 26⋅0 %; males: 31⋅6 %) and young male adults (24⋅4 %). Cold meats/sausages stood out among low-educated males (20⋅5 %). Males, younger age groups, higher education, children with less-educated parents, married/couple males and smoking females were positively associated with UPF consumption.

Greenhouse gas emissions, water footprint, and ecological footprint of food purchases according to their degree of processing in Brazilian metropolitan areas: a time-series study from 1987 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased worldwide and has been related to the occurrence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases. However, little is known about the environmental effects of ultra-processed foods. We aimed to assess the temporal trends in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), water footprint, and ecological footprint of food purchases in Brazilian metropolitan areas, and how these are affected by the amount of food processing. METHODS: In this time-series study, we used data from five Brazilian Household Budget Surveys (1987-88, 1995-96, 2002-03, 2008-09, 2017-18) to calculate GHGE, water footprint, and ecological footprint per 1000 kcal of food and beverages purchased. Food items were classified into NOVA food groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods (G1); processed culinary ingredients (G2); processed foods (G3); and ultra-processed foods (G4). We calculated the proportion each NOVA food group contributes to daily kcal per person. Linear regression was performed to evaluate trends of the environmental impacts across the years. FINDINGS: Between 1987-88 and 2017-18, diet-related GHGE increased by 21% (from 1538·6 g CO2 equivalent [CO2e] per 1000 kcal [95% CI 1473·3-1604·0] to 1866·0 g CO2e per 1000 kcal [1788·0-1944·0]; ptrend<0·0001), diet-related water footprint increased by 22% (from 1447·2 L/1000 kcal [95% CI 1400·7-1493·8] to 1769·1 L/1000 kcal [1714·5-1823·7]; ptrend<0·0001), and diet-related ecological footprint increased by 17% (from 9·69 m2/1000 kcal [95% CI 9·33-10·05] to 11·36 m2/1000 kcal [10·91-11·81]; ptrend<0·0001). We found that the change in the environmental indicators over time varied between NOVA food groups. We did not find evidence of a change in the environmental indicators for G1 foods over time. GHGE from G2 foods decreased by 18% (ptrend<0·0001), whereas GHGE from G4 foods increased by 245% (ptrend<0·0001). The water footprint from G2 foods decreased by 17% (ptrend<0·0001) whereas the water footprint from G4 foods increased by 233% (ptrend<0·0001). The ecological footprint from G2 foods decreased by 13% (ptrend<0·0001), whereas the ecological footprint from G3 foods increased by 49% (ptrend<0·0001) and from G4 foods increased by 183% (ptrend<0·0001). We found no significant change in contribution by any other NOVA food groups to any of the three environmental indicators over the study period. INTERPRETATION: The environmental effects of the Brazilian diet have increased over the past three decades along with increased effects from ultra-processed foods. This means that dietary patterns in Brazil are becoming potentially more harmful to human and planetary health. Therefore, a shift in the current trend would be needed to enhance sustainable healthy food systems. FUNDING: Science and Technologies Facilities Council-Global Challenges Research Fund.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods associated with weight gain and obesity in adults: A multi-national cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is a worldwide shift towards increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) with concurrent rising prevalence of obesity. We examined the relationship between the consumption of UPF and weight gain and risk of obesity. METHODS: This prospective cohort included 348 748 men and women aged 25-70 years. Participants were recruited between 1992 and 2000 from 9 European countries in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Two body weight measures were available, at baseline and after a median follow-up time of 5 years. Foods and drinks were assessed at baseline by dietary questionnaires and classified according to their degree of processing using NOVA classification. Multilevel mixed linear regression was used to estimate the association between UPF consumption and body weight change (kg/5 years). To estimate the relative risk of becoming overweight or obese after 5 years we used Poisson regression stratified according to baseline body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment, higher UPF consumption (per 1 SD increment) was positively associated with weight gain (0·12 kg/5 years, 95% CI 0·09 to 0·15). Comparing highest vs. lowest quintile of UPF consumption was associated with a 15% greater risk (95% CI 1·11, 1·19) of becoming overweight or obese in normal weight participants, and with a 16% greater risk (95% CI 1·09, 1·23) of becoming obese in participants who were overweight at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: These results are supportive of public health campaigns to substitute UPF for less processed alternatives for obesity prevention and weight management.

Body weight changes in the NutriNet Brasil cohort during the covid-19 pandemic / Mudanças no peso corporal na coorte NutriNet Brasil durante a pandemia de covid-19

ABSTRACT This study describes body weight changes among participants of the NutriNet Brasil cohort (n = 14,259) during the covid-19 pandemic. We analyzed data reported before the pandemic onset (01/26/2020 to 03/18/2020) and about six months after (09/14/2020 to 10/19/2020). Our results show that 19.7% of the participants gained ≥ 2 kg. Weight gain was directly associated with male gender, lower education, and previous presence of overweight, and inversely associated with age. In turn, 15.2% lost ≥ 2kg, being directly associated with male gender and previous presence of overweight and inversely associated with age.

RESUMO Este estudo descreve modificações no peso corporal de participantes da coorte NutriNet Brasil (n = 14.259) ocorridas durante a pandemia de covid-19. Foram analisados dados informados em período anterior ao início da pandemia (26/01/2020 a 18/03/2020) e cerca de 6 meses após (14/09/2020 a 19/10/2020). O ganho de peso ≥ 2 kg alcançou 19,7% dos participantes, mostrando-se diretamente associado ao sexo masculino, à menor escolaridade e à presença prévia de excesso de peso, sendo inversamente associado à idade. A perda de peso ≥ 2kg alcançou 15,2% dos participantes, mostrando-se diretamente associada ao sexo masculino e à presença prévia de excesso de peso, sendo inversamente associada à idade.

Orientação alimentar da pessoa idosa na Atenção Primária à Saúde: desenvolvimento e validação de um protocolo baseado no Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira / Dietary guidelines for the elderly in Primary Health Care: development and validation of a protocol based on the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver e validar um protocolo de uso do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira na orientação alimentar da pessoa idosa durante as consultas clínicas individuais na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Métodos Esta construção seguiu seis etapas metodológicas, sendo elas: (1) definição do formato do protocolo; (2) definição do instrumento de avaliação do consumo alimentar dos indivíduos; (3) extração das recomendações do Guia Alimentar aplicáveis para orientação alimentar individual; (4) sistematização de evidências sobre necessidades de alimentação e nutrição da pessoa idosa; (5) desenvolvimento de mensagens de orientação alimentar para a pessoa idosa; (6) validação de conteúdo e aparente e análise dos dados. Resultados Como produtos das etapas, foi definida a estrutura do protocolo e construída as orientações alimentares baseadas nas necessidades nutricionais e de saúde da população idosa, considerando a capacidade funcional e alterações fisiológicas e sociais desse ciclo de vida. O protocolo foi bem avaliado por especialistas e profissionais de saúde nos critérios de clareza, pertinência (Índice de validade de conteúdo >0,8) e aplicabilidade. Além disso, os participantes deram sugestões para melhoria da clareza das mensagens e para ampliar a aplicabilidade do instrumento com pessoas idosas brasileiras. Conclusão O protocolo pode contribuir para qualificação da orientação alimentar na APS, disseminação das informações do Guia Alimentar e promoção do cuidado integral e envelhecimento saudável da população.

Abstract Objective Develop and validate a protocol for the use of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (FGBP) in the dietary guidelines for elderly people during individual clinic appointments in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methods The elaboration followed six methodological steps, namely: (1) protocol format definition; (2) definition of the instrument for assessing food consumption; (3) extracting applicable Food Guide recommendations for individual dietary guidelines; (4) evidence systematization on dietary and nutrition needs of the elderly; (5) development of nutritional guidelines messages for the elderly; (6) content and apparent validation and data analysis. Results As products of the steps, the protocol structure was defined and dietary guidelines were elaborated based on the nutritional and health needs of the elderly population, considering the functional capacity and physiological and social changes of this life cycle. The protocol was well assessed by experts and health professionals as to clarity, relevance (content validity index > 0.8) and applicability. In addition, the participants made some suggestions to improve the clarity of the messages and to expand the applicability of the instrument with elderly Brazilians. Conclusion The protocol can contribute to the qualification of dietary guidelines in PHC, dissemination of information from the Food Guide and promotion of comprehensive care and healthy aging of the population.

Dietary changes in the NutriNet Brasil cohort during the covid-19 pandemic / Mudanças alimentares na coorte NutriNet Brasil durante a pandemia de covid-19

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the dietary characteristics of participants in the NutriNet Brasil cohort immediately before and during the covid-19 pandemic. METHODS Our data stem from an adult cohort created to prospectively investigate the relationship between diet and morbidity and mortality from chronic non-communicable diseases in Brazil. For this study, we selected the first participants (n = 10,116) who answered twice to a simplified questionnaire on their diet the day before, the first time when entering the study, between January 26 and February 15, 2020, and the second between May 10 and 19, 2020. The questionnaire inquiries about the consumption of healthy (vegetables, fruits and legumes) and unhealthy (ultra-processed foods) eating markers. Comparisons of indicators based on the consumption of these markers before and during the pandemic are presented for the study population and according to gender, age group, macro-region of residence and schooling. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used to compare proportions and means, respectively, adopting p < 0.05 to identify significant differences. RESULTS For all participants, we found a modest but statistically significant increase in the consumption of healthy eating markers and stability in the consumption of unhealthy food markers. This favorable pattern of dietary changes during the pandemic occurred in most sociodemographic strata. We observed a less favorable changing pattern, with a tendency to increasing consumption of healthy and unhealthy food markers, in the Northeast and North macro-regions and among people with less schooling, suggesting social inequalities in the response to the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS If confirmed, the trend of increased consumption of ultra-processed foods in underdeveloped regions and by people with less schooling is concerning, as eating these foods increases the risk of obesity, hypertension and diabetes, whose presence increases the severity and lethality of covid-19.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever características da alimentação dos participantes da coorte NutriNet Brasil imediatamente antes e na vigência da pandemia de covid-19. MÉTODOS Os dados deste estudo provêm de coorte de adultos criada para investigar prospectivamente a relação entre alimentação e morbimortalidade por doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no Brasil. Para este estudo, foram selecionados os primeiros participantes (n = 10.116) que responderam por duas vezes a questionário simplificado sobre sua alimentação no dia anterior, a primeira vez ao ingressar no estudo, entre 26 de janeiro e 15 de fevereiro de 2020, e a segunda entre 10 e 19 de maio de 2020. O questionário indaga sobre o consumo de marcadores de alimentação saudável (hortaliças, frutas e leguminosas) e não saudável (alimentos ultraprocessados). Comparações de indicadores baseados no consumo desses marcadores antes e na vigência da pandemia são apresentadas para o conjunto da população estudada e segundo sexo, faixa etária, macrorregião de residência e escolaridade. Testes qui-quadrado e testes t foram utilizados para comparar proporções e médias, respectivamente, adotando-se p < 0,05 para identificar diferenças significantes. RESULTADOS Para o conjunto dos participantes, identificou-se aumento modesto, porém estatisticamente significante, no consumo de marcadores de alimentação saudável e estabilidade no consumo de marcadores de alimentação não saudável. Esse padrão favorável de mudanças na alimentação com a pandemia se repetiu na maior parte dos estratos sociodemográficos. Padrão menos favorável de mudanças, com tendência de aumento no consumo de marcadores de alimentação saudável e não saudável, foi observado nas macrorregiões Nordeste e Norte e entre pessoas com menor escolaridade, sugerindo desigualdades sociais na resposta à pandemia. CONCLUSÕES Caso confirmada, a tendência de aumento no consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados nas regiões economicamente menos desenvolvidas e por pessoas com menor escolaridade preocupa, pois a ingestão desses alimentos eleva o risco de obesidade, hipertensão e diabetes, cuja presença aumenta a gravidade e a letalidade da covid-19.

Are laws restricting soft drinks sales in Brazilian schools able to lower their availability?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe students protected by laws and exposed to soft drinks sales and assess whether forbidding laws are associated with lower availability of these beverages. METHODS We identified laws forbidding non-government administered cafeterias or sales of soft drinks in schools in the 27 Brazilian state capitals. Data on soft drinks sales were obtained from Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2015 (PeNSE - National Survey of School Health 2015), for a representative sample of 9th graders from public and private schools. Students were attributed with the status of their school regarding the law and sale of soft drinks. Co-variables were school status (public or private), school size, geographic regions, mother's educational level, score of goods and services. We performed multivariate analyses using Poisson regression. RESULTS The total of 23 laws forbidding sales of soft drinks covered 63.0% of capitals, comprising 56.9% of students. Law coverage was higher among students from more developed regions (67.6%) and in public schools (60.6%), compared with those from less developed regions (38.0%) and private schools (45.8%). Soft drinks were available for 33.9% of students. Students attending public schools in less developed regions had the lowest availability of soft drinks, regardless of law coverage (14.8%; 12.0%); while students attending private schools in these regions had a high availability, regardless of law coverage (82.1%; 73.4%). Restrictive laws were associated with lower sales of soft drinks in more developed regions, and restrictions had a greater association with the availability of soft drinks in public schools (PR = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.15-0.41), compared with private schools (PR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.35-0.66). CONCLUSION Laws restricting soft drinks in schools were associated with fewer sales in more developed regions. Private schools were less compliant with the law than public schools. A broadly enforced national law could reduce the availability of soft drinks in schools.