Consumption of ultra-processed products is associated with vitamin D deficiency in Brazilian adults and elderly.

Although studies show that the intake of ultra-processed products (UPP) has a negative impact on health, diet quality and dietary vitamin D, its influence on serum concentrations of this vitamin remains unknown; therefore, it is essential to verify the association between the UPP consumption and vitamin D deficiency. This is a cross-sectional, household, population-based study, carried out with 229 individuals aged 20 years or older, residents of the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Socio-demographic, lifestyle, food consumption and anthropometric data were collected. Food consumption was obtained using a 24-h food recall, and foods were grouped according to the NOVA classification. Plasma concentrations of calcidiol-25 (OH) D3 were determined by HPLC. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regression was applied to estimate the association between UPP consumption and vitamin D deficiency. Most individuals aged 20-39 years were vitamin D deficient (52·1 %). UPP contributed 19·9 % to the energetic intake of the participant's diet. This contribution was higher for individuals with vitamin D deficiency (22·5 %, P = 0·04). In addition, a high intake of UPP was associated with twice the risk of vitamin D deficiency in comparison with low consumption of UPP (OR: 2·05; CI 1·06, 4·50; P: 0·04). Our results suggest that the consumption of UPP may have a negative impact on serum concentrations of vitamin D; more studies are needed.

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

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of the consumption of foods of the ultra-processed group (UPF) with inflammatory markers in the adolescent population in Northeastern Brazil. DESIGN: A cross-sectional population-based study. Food consumption was evaluated using two 24-h dietary recalls using the NOVA classification for food processing levels. The following inflammatory markers were evaluated: adiponectin, IL-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-α. Multivariate linear regression was used to investigate the association between the percentage of UPF energy contribution and inflammatory markers. SETTING: São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 391 male and female adolescents, aged from 17 to 18 years. RESULTS: The average daily energy consumption by adolescents was 8032·9 kJ/d, of which 26·1 % originated from UPF. The upper tertile (T3) of UPF consumption presented higher intake of simple carbohydrates, lipids, saturated fat, and Na and lower protein intake. Individuals in T3 presented higher serum leptin and CRP levels (P < 0·05). Adolescents with UPF energy consumption ≥30·0 % (tertile 3 of UPF) had a 79 % (exp (0·58) = 1·79) increase in IL-8 levels when compared with adolescents in tertile 1 of UPF (P = 0·013). CONCLUSIONS: The association between the consumption of UPF, poor quality diet and pro-inflammatory markers have important harmful effects that can be observed as early as in adolescence.

Factors associated with the inflammatory potential of the Brazilian population's diet.

The aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory potential of the Brazilian population's diet and its association with demographic, socio-economic and anthropometric characteristics. A cross-sectional study was performed with 34 003 individuals aged 10 years and older, evaluated by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey from the Consumer Expenditure Survey (POF 2008-2009). The Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) was determined using thirty-four dietary parameters calculated through non-consecutive 2-d dietary records. Positive scores indicate a pro-inflammatory diet, while negative scores indicate an anti-inflammatory diet. A bivariate and multivariate linear regression analysis based on a hierarchical theoretical model was performed to verify the factors associated with the E-DII. The mean of the E-DII was 1·04 (range of -4·77 to +5·98). The highest values of the pro-inflammatory E-DII were found among adolescents (1·42; P < 0·001) and individuals with higher income (1·10; P < 0·001) and level of education (1·18; P < 0·001). In the final model, the E-DII was associated with higher income quartiles and was higher in the Northeast and South regions, in white people, individuals with ≥9 years of education and adults and adolescents age group. The Brazilian population consumes a diet with high inflammatory potential, especially adolescents, white people and those with higher income and level of education. Thus, the index presented uneven distribution among the population, emphasising groups with higher dietary inflammatory potential. The socio-economic risk profile of a diet with higher inflammatory potential in medium-income countries is different from what is observed in high-income nations.

How is Brazil facing the crisis of Food and Nutrition Security during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The goal of this commentary is to expose the situation of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) in Brazil in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a critical analysis of this scenario and suggesting ways to move forward. When COVID-19 arrived in Brazil, a crisis scenario that incorporated economic, social and political aspects became highly visible. This scenario fostered unemployment, poverty and hunger. Besides that, it exposed multiple vulnerabilities that were getting worse over the past few years prior to the pandemic. In this context, COVID-19 found in Brazil a fertile ground for its dissemination and community transmission. The impacts of the suspension of many commercial activities and other economic sectors due to the pandemic were quickly felt socially and economically in Brazil. Some of the actions carried out by the Brazilian government included the emergency aid payment and exemption from payment of energy bills for vulnerable individuals, release of funds for programmes for the direct purchase of food from family farmers, delivery of school food kits directly to students despite the closure of schools and publication of sanitary rules for the operation of restaurants. However, these actions are still insufficient, slow and not sufficiently coordinated to contain the progress of the food and nutritional insecurity crisis in Brazil. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgency for the Brazilian government to again prioritise the FNS agenda. This includes implementing mechanisms to ensure the Human Right to Adequate Food and expanding existing FNS programmes.

Association between breast feeding and food consumption according to the degree of processing in Brazil: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of breast feeding may be associated with better formation of eating habits beyond childhood. This study was designed to verify the association between breast feeding and food consumption according to the degree of processing in four Brazilian birth cohorts. METHODS: The duration of exclusive, predominant and total breast feeding was evaluated. The analysis of the energy contribution of fresh or minimally processed foods (FMPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the diet was evaluated during childhood (13-36 months), adolescence (11-18 years) and adulthood (22, 23 and 30 years). RESULTS: Those who were predominantly breastfed for less than 4 months had a higher UPF consumption (ß 3.14, 95% CI 0.82 to 5.47) and a lower FMPF consumption (ß -3.47, 95% CI -5.91 to -1.02) at age 22 years in the 1993 cohort. Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) for less than 6 months was associated with increased UPF consumption (ß 1.75, 95% CI 0.25 to 3.24) and reduced FMPF consumption (ß -1.49, 95% CI -2.93 to -0.04) at age 11 years in the 2004 cohort. In this same cohort, total breast feeding for less than 12 months was associated with increased UPF consumption (ß 1.12, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.19) and decreased FMPF consumption (ß -1.13, 95% CI -2 .07 to -0.19). Children who did not receive EBF for 6 months showed an increase in the energy contribution of UPF (ß 2.36, 95% CI 0.53 to 4.18) and a decrease in FMPF (ß -2.33, 95% CI -4 .19 to -0.48) in the diet at 13-36 months in the 2010 cohort. In this cohort, children who were breastfed for less than 12 months in total had higher UPF consumption (ß 2.16, 95% CI 0.81 to 3.51) and lower FMPF consumption (ß -1.79, 95% CI -3.09 to -0.48). CONCLUSION: Exposure to breast feeding is associated with lower UPF consumption and higher FMPF consumption in childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Is There an Association between Food Consumption According to the Degree of Processing and Body Image (Dis)satisfaction in Adolescents?

(1) Background: Adolescence is characterized by changes in eating habits, with increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and reduced intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, which can affect body image satisfaction. Thus, this study aims to verify the association of food consumption according to the degree of processing with body image (dis)satisfaction in adolescents from the 1997/1998 birth cohort of São Luís, Maranhão. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 2515 adolescents aged between 18 and 19. Food consumption was stratified based on the NOVA classification in culinary preparations, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods, categorized into tertiles. Body image (dis)satisfaction was evaluated based on the Stunkard Body Scale and was classified as satisfaction, dissatisfaction with thinness, and dissatisfaction with excess weight. Multinomial logistic regression was used for associations. (3) Results: Among the adolescents, 77% considered themselves dissatisfied with their body image, with 42.8% dissatisfied with being thin and 34.2% dissatisfied with excess weight. However, food consumption, according to the degree of processing, was not associated with body image (dis)satisfaction. (4) Conclusion: This work highlighted the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction among adolescents but found no association between body (dis)satisfaction and food consumption according to the degree of processing.

Metabolic syndrome and risk factors in children: a risk score proposal.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: The lack of international consensus on the definition of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in the pediatric population makes it difficult to estimate its prevalence. In this study, we intend to identify MS prevalence and a cutoff point based on a continuous score in children aged four to seven years. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 402 children (4-7 years) monitored by the Lactation Support Program (PROLAC). A continuous MS risk score was assessed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In order to calculate the score, the following MS risk factors were considered: Waist circumference (WC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TG), Blood Pressure (BP) and Blood sugar. Using a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve, the cutoff point for predicting MS risk based on continuous score was evaluated. RESULTS: A progressive increase in MS scores was observed according to increase in the number of risk factors. This increase was also observed when comparing boys and girls (p < 0.001). In the absence of MS, the median score among the children was -0.0486 (-0.2929-0.2151). For children with MS, the median score was 0.5237 (0.2286-0.7104) (p < 0.001). The best cutoff score for predicting MS in children aged four to five years was >0.09 (100% sensitivity and specificity 72.67%). For children aged six to seven years, this value was >0.14 (100% sensitivity and 64.65% specificity). CONCLUSION: The calculated continuous risk score can predict MS with good accuracy and high sensitivity and reasonable specificity.

Socioeconomic status, screen time, and time spent at school, and children's food consumption. / Situação socioeconômica, tempo de tela e de permanência na escola e o consumo alimentar de crianças.

The present study aimed to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle with the consumption of in natura or minimally processed (INMP) foods, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and fruits and vegetables. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 403 children, aged 4 to 7 years, from a retrospective cohort. Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were investigated using a sociodemographic questionnaire. Food consumption was assessed by three food records. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to analyze associations. Children with lower income had a higher consumption of INMP foods and a lower consumption of UPFs. A shorter time spent at school was associated with a lower consumption of INMP foods and a higher consumption of UPFs. Children with more screen time and less educated parents consumed less fruits and vegetables. Unfavorable sociodemographic factors were associated with a better profile of food consumption according to the level of processing, except for fruits and vegetables. The longer time spent at school and a shorter screen time contributed to a healthier diet.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos e estilo de vida com consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados (INMP), ultraprocessados (AUP) e frutas e hortaliças. Trata-se de estudo transversal com 403 crianças de 4 a 7 anos de uma coorte retrospectiva. Variáveis sociodemográficas e estilo de vida foram investigadas através do questionário sociodemográfico. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por três registros alimentares. Empregaram-se análises de regressão linear bivariadas e multivariadas para analisar as associações. Crianças com menor renda apresentaram maior consumo de alimentos INMP e menor consumo de AUP. Menor tempo de permanência na escola associou-se ao menor consumo de alimentos INMP e maior consumo de AUP. Crianças com maior tempo de tela e com pais de menor escolaridade, consumiram menos frutas e hortaliças. Fatores sociodemográficos desfavoráveis se associaram ao melhor perfil de consumo de alimentos segundo o nível de processamento, exceto para frutas e hortaliças. O maior tempo de permanência na escola e menor tempo de tela contribuíram para uma alimentação mais saudável.

Racial and regional inequality in the temporal trend of stunting and excess weight in Brazilian children under five years of age. / Desigualdade racial e regional na tendência temporal do déficit de estatura e excesso de peso de crianças brasileiras menores de cinco anos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the occurrence of racial and regional inequality in the temporal trend of the prevalence of stunting and overweight in Brazilian children under five years of age over the years 2008-2018. METHODS: An ecological time-series study with data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System on the prevalence of stunting and overweight in children under five years old according to race/skin color, region, and year. To assess differences between median prevalence per year of outcomes, the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed. Linear regression analyses were proposed to assess trends in the prevalence of outcomes over the years. RESULTS: In Brazil, black children tended to be overweight (ß=4.611; p=0.042). Among black children, there was an increase over the years in stunting in the Southeast (ß=3.960; p=0.014) and a decrease in the South (ß=-4.654; p=0.022). In Brazil and in most regions, the median prevalence of stunting was higher in black children than in white ones (12.86 vs. 11.54%, p<0.001). In the Southeast and South, black children also had the highest prevalence of overweight (15.48 and 15.99%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Children from less developed regions of Brazil and of black skin color/race were more vulnerable to a double burden of malnutrition.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a ocorrência de desigualdade racial e regional na tendência temporal das prevalências de déficit de estatura e excesso de peso de crianças brasileiras menores de cinco anos ao longo dos anos de 2008­2018. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico de série temporal com dados do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional das prevalências de déficit de estatura e excesso de peso em crianças menores de 5 anos de acordo com raça/cor, região e ano. Para avaliar diferenças entre prevalências medianas por ano dos desfechos, realizou-se teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Análises de regressão linear foram propostas para avaliar tendências das prevalências dos desfechos ao longo dos anos. RESULTADOS: No Brasil, as crianças pretas apresentaram tendência de crescimento do excesso de peso (ß=4,611; p=0,042). Entre as crianças pretas, houve aumento ao longo dos anos do déficit de estatura no Sudeste (ß=3,960; p=0,014) e queda no Sul (ß=-4,654; p=0,022). No Brasil e na maioria das regiões, a prevalência mediana do déficit de estatura foi maior nas crianças pretas do que nas brancas (12,86 vs. 11,54%, p<0,001). No Sudeste e Sul, as crianças pretas também apresentaram as maiores prevalências de excesso de peso (15,48 e 15,99%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: Crianças de regiões menos desenvolvidas do Brasil e pretas apresentaram maior vulnerabilidade para dupla carga de má nutrição.

Birth weight and bone mineral density at 18-19 years: birth cohort 1997-1998.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between birth weight and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescence. METHODS: A birth cohort study in São Luís, Maranhão, using data from two moments: at birth and at 18-19 years. Exposure was the birth weight in grams, continuously analyzed. The outcome was BMD, using the Z-score index (whole body) measured by double X-ray densitometry (Dexa). A theoretical model was constructed in acyclic graphs to identify the minimum set of adjustment variables - household income, the mother knowing how to read and write at the time of birth, prenatal care, tobacco use during pregnancy, and parity - to evaluate the association between birth weight and bone mineral density in adolescence. Multiple linear regression was used in Stata 14.0 software. A 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: From 2,112 adolescents, 8.2% had low birth weight and 2.8% had a low BMD for their age. The mean full-body Z-score was 0.19 (± 1.00). The highest birth weight was directly and linearly associated with BMD values in adolescence (Coef.: 0.10; 95%CI: 0.02-0.18), even after adjustment for the variables household income (Coef.: -0.33; 95%CI: -0.66-0.33) and the mother knowing how to read and write (Coef.: 0.23%; 95%CI: 0.03-0.43). CONCLUSION: Although after adjusting the variables the association attenuated, birth weight positively and linearly relates to BMD in adolescence.

Factors associated with perinatal mortality in a Brazilian Northeastern capital. / Fatores associados à mortalidade perinatal em uma capital do Nordeste brasileiro.

This study investigated factors associated with perinatal mortality in São Luís, Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. Data on perinatal mortality were obtained from the BRISA birth cohort and from the Mortality Information System, including records of 5,236 births, 70 of which referred to fetal deaths and 36 to early neonatal deaths. Factors associated with mortality were investigated using a hierarchical logistic regression model, resulting in a perinatal mortality coefficient equal to 20.2 per thousand births. Mothers with low education level and without a partner were associated with an increased risk of perinatal death. Moreover, children of mothers who did not have at least six antenatal appointments and with multiple pregnancies (OR= 9.15; 95%CI:4.08-20.53) were more likely to have perinatal death. Perinatal death was also associated with the presence of congenital malformations (OR= 4.13; 95%CI:1.23-13.82), preterm birth (OR= 3.36; 95%CI:1.56-7.22), and low birth weight (OR=11.87; 95%CI:5.46-25.82). In turn, families headed by other family members (OR= 0.29; 95%CI: 0.12 - 0.67) comprised a protective factor for such condition. Thus, the results indicate an association between perinatal mortality and social vulnerability, non-compliance with the recommended number of prenatal appointments, congenital malformations, preterm birth, and low birthweight.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os fatores sociodemográficos, maternos e do recém-nascido associados à mortalidade perinatal em São Luís, Maranhão. Os óbitos perinatais foram identificados na coorte e pelo Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Foram incluídos 5.236 nascimentos, sendo 70 óbitos fetais e 36 neonatais precoces. Para investigar os fatores associados utilizou-se análise de regressão logística com modelo hierarquizado. O coeficiente de mortalidade perinatal foi 20,2 por mil nascimentos. A baixa escolaridade materna e a ausência de companheiro foram associadas a maior chance de óbito perinatal. A família ser chefiada por outros familiares foi fator de proteção. Tiveram maior chance de óbito perinatal filhos de mães que não realizaram pelo menos seis consultas de pré-natal (OR=4,61; IC95%:2,43-8,74) e com gravidez múltipla (OR=9,15; IC95%:4,08-20,53). Presença de malformações congênitas (OR=4,13; IC95%:1,23-13,82), nascimento pré-termo (OR= 3,36; IC95%: 1,56-7,22) e baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) (OR=11,87; IC95%:5,46-25,82) se associaram ao óbito perinatal. A mortalidade perinatal foi associada à vulnerabilidade social, não realização do número de consultas pré-natal recomendado, malformações congênitas, nascimento pré-termo e BPN.

Cesarean section and body mass index in children: is there a causal effect?

Obesity is considered a global public health problem. Cesarean section has been associated with high body mass index (BMI) and increased obesity throughout life. However, this association has been challenged by some studies. This study aims to assess the causal effect of cesarean section on the BMI of children aged 1-3 years. This is a cohort study of 2,181 children aged 1-3 years, born in 2010, obtained from the BRISA Birth Cohort, in São Luís, state of Maranhão, Brazil. Sociodemographic variables, maternal characteristics, type of childbirth, morbidity, anthropometric measurements, and BMI were assessed. Marginal structural models with a counterfactual approach were used to check the causal effect of the type of childbirth on obesity, weighted by the inverse probability of selection and exposure. Out of the 2,181 children assessed (52% female), 50.6% were born by cesarean section, 5.9% of the newborn infants were large for gestational age, and 10.7% of them had excess weight. No causal effect of cesarean section on BMI was observed (coefficient = -0.004; 95%CI: -0.136; 0.127; p = 0.948). Cesarean section did not have a causal effect on the BMI of children aged 1-3 years.

Nutritional and cardiovascular disease risk in older persons living in Quilombola communities. / Risco nutricional e cardiovascular em idosos quilombolas.

This article aims to assess nutritional and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk based on anthropometric measures among older persons living in Quilombola communities in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 205 older persons living in 11 Quilombola communities in Bequimão, Maranhão. Nutritional and CVD risk were estimated according to sex and age group based on anthropometric indicators using Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and analysis of variance, adopting a significance level of p<0.05. The study participants suffer precarious housing, basic sanitation and social conditions. Prevalence of nutritional and CDV risk was high across the sample, showing differences between sexes and age groups. Prevalence of excess weight was higher in women and the youngest age group, while prevalence of malnourishment and loss of muscle mass was higher in men and individuals aged 80 years and over. Prevalence of CVD risk was high across all age groups and higher in women than men. The older persons living in the Quilombola communities investigated by this study are socially vulnerable and showed high prevalence of low weight, loss of muscle mass and CDV risk. The prevalence of CVD risk was higher among women and the oldest age group.

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar o risco nutricional e cardiovascular segundo medidas antropométricas em idosos quilombolas do estado do Maranhão. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em 11 comunidades remanescentes de quilombolas do município de Bequimão, Maranhão, Brasil. Realizou-se censo da população idosa que representou 205 pessoas. Foram estimados os riscos nutricional e cardiovascular por meio dos indicadores antropométricos segundo sexo e idade. Realizou-se Testes de Qui-quadrado de Pearson ou Exacto de Fisher e análises de variância. Diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significantes quando p<0,05. Idosos quilombolas vivem em precárias condições de moradia e de infraestrutura sanitária, com elevado risco nutricional e cardiovascular, mas com diferenças entre sexo e idade. O excesso de peso foi mais prevalente em mulheres e idosos mais jovens, enquanto os homens e idosos com 80 ou mais anos apresentaram-se mais desnutridos e com maior perda de massa corporal. O risco cardiovascular foi maior entre as mulheres e em todas as faixas etárias. Idosos quilombolas vivem em vulnerabilidade socioeconômica e apresentaram alta prevalência de baixo peso, perda de massa muscular e alto risco cardiovascular, sendo maior risco entre mulheres e idosos do grupo de maior idade.

Are Fat Mass and Lean Mass Associated with Grip Strength in Adolescents?

Background: The interaction between lean body mass (LBM) and fat mass index (FMI) with grip strength (GS) has not been explored in the same analysis model in adolescents. This study thus aims to analyze the association between FMI and LBM with GS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the 2016 follow-up of the 1997/98 Birth Cohort of São Luís. Grip strength was assessed by the Jamar Plus + dynamometer. The LBM and FMI indexes were assessed [ratio of the mass (lean or fat-kg) to height (m2)]. The confounding variables identified for the relationship between FMI and LBM with GS in the same analysis model, by directed acyclic graph (DAG), were sex, age, race, work, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and consumption of ultra-processed foods and culinary preparations, used in the adjusted analysis. Results: A total of 2339 adolescents (52.5% girls) were analyzed. The boys have a higher GS than the girls. In the adjusted analysis, with each increase of 1 kg/m2 in the FMI, GS was reduced by 0.72 kgf for boys and 0.35 kgf for girls. At each increase of 1 kg/m2 in the LBM, GS increased by 2.18 kgf for boys and 1.26 kgf for girls. Conclusions: FMI was associated with lower GS regardless of the LBM. LBM was associated with higher GS regardless of the FMI.

Sex-Dependent Effects of the Intake of NOVA Classified Ultra-Processed Foods on Syndrome Metabolic Components in Brazilian Adults.

Longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between UPF consumption and the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its components are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of UPF consumption on the incidence of MetS and its components in adults. A prospective study was conducted with 896 participants from the 1978/79 Ribeirão Preto cohort, São Paulo, Brazil. UPF consumption was evaluated in %kcal and %g at ages 23-25 years. Incidence of MetS and its components were estimated at ages 37-39 years, according to the Joint Interim Statement criteria. Poisson regression was used to assess associations, and interactions with sex were investigated. UPF consumption had no association with MetS (%kcal Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.01; %g Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.01). However, women with higher UPF consumption, in %kcal and %g, had a higher risk of abdominal obesity (%kcal: p = 0.030; %g: p = 0.003); and women with higher UPF consumption, in %g, had a higher risk of low HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.041). For the other components of MetS, no significant associations were observed in either sex. These findings suggest evidence of no association between UPF consumption and MetS; however, consumption of UPF was associated with increased WC and low HDL-c, but only in women.

Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with increase in fat mass and decrease in lean mass in Brazilian women: A cohort study.

Objective: To investigate the association between ultra-processed food consumption at 23-25 years of age and measurements of body composition-fat mass, fat mass distribution and lean mass at 37-39 years of age in Brazilian adults. Methods: 1978/1979 birth cohort study conducted with healthy adults from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 1,021 individuals participated in the fat mass analysis (measured by air displacement plethysmography) and 815 in the lean mass analysis and fat mass distribution (assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). Food consumption was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire. Food items were grouped according to the level of processing as per the NOVA classification. Ultra-processed food consumption was expressed as a percentage of total daily intake (g/day). Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of ultra-processed food consumption (g/day) on body mass index, body fat percentage, fat mass index, android fat, gynoid fat, android-gynoid fat ratio, lean mass percentage, lean mass index and appendicular lean mass index. Marginal plots were produced to visualize interactions. Results: The mean daily ultra-processed food consumption in grams was 35.8% (813.3 g). There was an association between ultra-processed food consumption and increase in body mass index, body fat percentage, fat mass index, android fat and gynoid fat and decrease in lean mass percentage, only in women. Conclusion: A high ultra-processed food consumption is associated with a long-term increase in fat mass and a decrease in lean mass in adult women.

High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with lower muscle mass in Brazilian adolescents in the RPS birth cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between percent contribution of ultra-processed foods to total dietary energy intake and measurements of body composition obtained using high-validity methods. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 1525 adolescents 18 to 19 y of age from the second follow-up of the 1997/98 São Luís birth cohort, Brazil. To evaluate nutritional status and body composition, the body mass index (BMI)-for-age was used, along with waist circumference, total and android body fat percentage, muscle mass, and the lean mass index (LMI). Food consumption was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire. Food items were grouped according to the level of processing as per the NOVA classification. Through semi-structured questionnaires, sociodemographic and lifestyle data were abstracted. Adjusted linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between consumption of ultra-processed foods and body composition measurements. RESULTS: Total average energy consumption was 2919.7 kcal, with 58% (1634.9 kcal) derived from natural or minimally processed foods and 37% (1136.5 kcal) from ultra-processed products. In the adjusted analyses, BMI, muscle mass, and LMI were inversely associated with consumption of ultra-processed foods. A 1% increase in the percent contribution of ultra-processed items to total dietary energy intake was associated with a 0.04 kg decrease in muscle mass (ß = -0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.06 to -0.02; P < 0.001) and a 0.01 kg/m2 decrease in lean body mass (ß = -0.01; 95% CI, -0.02 to -0.01; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The contribution of ultra-processed foods to total dietary energy intake of Brazilian adolescents was associated with body composition, especially with decreasing lean body mass.

Birth weight and bone mineral density at 18-19 years: birth cohort 1997-1998 / Peso ao nascer e densidade mineral óssea aos 18-19 anos: coorte de nascimentos 1997-1998

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between birth weight and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescence. METHODS A birth cohort study in São Luís, Maranhão, using data from two moments: at birth and at 18-19 years. Exposure was the birth weight in grams, continuously analyzed. The outcome was BMD, using the Z-score index (whole body) measured by double X-ray densitometry (Dexa). A theoretical model was constructed in acyclic graphs to identify the minimum set of adjustment variables - household income, the mother knowing how to read and write at the time of birth, prenatal care, tobacco use during pregnancy, and parity — to evaluate the association between birth weight and bone mineral density in adolescence. Multiple linear regression was used in Stata 14.0 software. A 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS From 2,112 adolescents, 8.2% had low birth weight and 2.8% had a low BMD for their age. The mean full-body Z-score was 0.19 (± 1.00). The highest birth weight was directly and linearly associated with BMD values in adolescence (Coef.: 0.10; 95%CI: 0.02-0.18), even after adjustment for the variables household income (Coef.: -0.33; 95%CI: -0.66-0.33) and the mother knowing how to read and write (Coef.: 0.23%; 95%CI: 0.03-0.43). CONCLUSION Although after adjusting the variables the association attenuated, birth weight positively and linearly relates to BMD in adolescence.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre o peso ao nascer e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) na adolescência. MÉTODOS Estudo de coorte de nascimentos em São Luís, Maranhão, utilizando dados de dois momentos: ao nascimento e aos 18-19 anos. A exposição foi o peso ao nascer em gramas, analisado de forma contínua. O desfecho foi a DMO, utilizando o índice Z-escore (corpo inteiro) medido pela densitometria por dupla emissão de raios X (DEXA). Foi construído modelo teórico em gráficos acíclicos direcionados para identificar o conjunto mínimo de variáveis de ajuste - renda familiar, a mãe saber ler e escrever à época do nascimento, realização de pré-natal, tabagismo durante a gestação e paridade - para avaliar a associação entre o peso ao nascer e a densidade mineral óssea na adolescência. Utilizou-se regressão linear múltipla no software Stata 14.0. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS Dos 2.112 adolescentes, 8,2% apresentaram baixo peso ao nascer e 2,8% apresentaram DMO considerada baixa para a idade. O Z-escore médio de corpo inteiro foi de 0,19 (± 1,00). O maior peso ao nascer foi associado de forma linear e direta aos valores de DMO na adolescência (Coef.: 0,10; IC95% 0,02-0,18), mesmo após ajuste para as variáveis renda familiar (Coef.: -0,33; IC95% -0,66-0,33) e a mãe saber ler e escrever (Coef.: 0,23; IC95% 0,03-0,43). CONCLUSÕES Apesar de a associação ter sido atenuada após ajuste das variáveis, o peso ao nascer está associado de forma positiva e linear à DMO na adolescência.

Situação socioeconômica, tempo de tela e de permanência na escola e o consumo alimentar de crianças / Socioeconomic status, screen time, and time spent at school, and children's food consumption

Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos e estilo de vida com consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados (INMP), ultraprocessados (AUP) e frutas e hortaliças. Trata-se de estudo transversal com 403 crianças de 4 a 7 anos de uma coorte retrospectiva. Variáveis sociodemográficas e estilo de vida foram investigadas através do questionário sociodemográfico. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por três registros alimentares. Empregaram-se análises de regressão linear bivariadas e multivariadas para analisar as associações. Crianças com menor renda apresentaram maior consumo de alimentos INMP e menor consumo de AUP. Menor tempo de permanência na escola associou-se ao menor consumo de alimentos INMP e maior consumo de AUP. Crianças com maior tempo de tela e com pais de menor escolaridade, consumiram menos frutas e hortaliças. Fatores sociodemográficos desfavoráveis se associaram ao melhor perfil de consumo de alimentos segundo o nível de processamento, exceto para frutas e hortaliças. O maior tempo de permanência na escola e menor tempo de tela contribuíram para uma alimentação mais saudável.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors and lifestyle with the consumption of in natura or minimally processed (INMP) foods, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and fruits and vegetables. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 403 children, aged 4 to 7 years, from a retrospective cohort. Sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were investigated using a sociodemographic questionnaire. Food consumption was assessed by three food records. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to analyze associations. Children with lower income had a higher consumption of INMP foods and a lower consumption of UPFs. A shorter time spent at school was associated with a lower consumption of INMP foods and a higher consumption of UPFs. Children with more screen time and less educated parents consumed less fruits and vegetables. Unfavorable sociodemographic factors were associated with a better profile of food consumption according to the level of processing, except for fruits and vegetables. The longer time spent at school and a shorter screen time contributed to a healthier diet.

Desigualdade racial e regional na tendência temporal do déficit de estatura e excesso de peso de crianças brasileiras menores de cinco anos / Racial and regional inequality in the temporal trend of stunting and excess weight in Brazilian children under five years of age

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a ocorrência de desigualdade racial e regional na tendência temporal das prevalências de déficit de estatura e excesso de peso de crianças brasileiras menores de cinco anos ao longo dos anos de 2008-2018. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de série temporal com dados do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional das prevalências de déficit de estatura e excesso de peso em crianças menores de 5 anos de acordo com raça/cor, região e ano. Para avaliar diferenças entre prevalências medianas por ano dos desfechos, realizou-se teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Análises de regressão linear foram propostas para avaliar tendências das prevalências dos desfechos ao longo dos anos. Resultados: No Brasil, as crianças pretas apresentaram tendência de crescimento do excesso de peso (β=4,611; p=0,042). Entre as crianças pretas, houve aumento ao longo dos anos do déficit de estatura no Sudeste (β=3,960; p=0,014) e queda no Sul (β=-4,654; p=0,022). No Brasil e na maioria das regiões, a prevalência mediana do déficit de estatura foi maior nas crianças pretas do que nas brancas (12,86 vs. 11,54%, p<0,001). No Sudeste e Sul, as crianças pretas também apresentaram as maiores prevalências de excesso de peso (15,48 e 15,99%, respectivamente). Conclusão: Crianças de regiões menos desenvolvidas do Brasil e pretas apresentaram maior vulnerabilidade para dupla carga de má nutrição.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the occurrence of racial and regional inequality in the temporal trend of the prevalence of stunting and overweight in Brazilian children under five years of age over the years 2008-2018. Methods: An ecological time-series study with data from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System on the prevalence of stunting and overweight in children under five years old according to race/skin color, region, and year. To assess differences between median prevalence per year of outcomes, the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed. Linear regression analyses were proposed to assess trends in the prevalence of outcomes over the years. Results: In Brazil, black children tended to be overweight (β=4.611; p=0.042). Among black children, there was an increase over the years in stunting in the Southeast (β=3.960; p=0.014) and a decrease in the South (β=-4.654; p=0.022). In Brazil and in most regions, the median prevalence of stunting was higher in black children than in white ones (12.86 vs. 11.54%, p<0.001). In the Southeast and South, black children also had the highest prevalence of overweight (15.48 and 15.99%, respectively). Conclusion: Children from less developed regions of Brazil and of black skin color/race were more vulnerable to a double burden of malnutrition.