Ultra-processed foods consumption and diet quality among preschool children and women of reproductive age from Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and diet quality among preschool children and women of reproductive age from Argentina. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and nationally representative survey. The food items were classified according to the NOVA system. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and wholegrains was estimated, and the energy and nutrients related to non-communicable disease (NCD) intake. Linear regression was used to assess the associations. SETTING: Argentina. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 2-5 years (n 7022), female adolescent aged 10-19 years (n 2165) and women aged 20-49 years (n 4414). RESULTS: UPF represented more than a quarter of total energy intake, 27 % in children, 31 % in female adolescents and 26 % in women. Across all age groups, the major contributors to UPF consumption were cookies and pastries (about 6·0-7·0 %), soft drinks (about 2·7-3·7 %), candies (about 1·8-4·6 %), and juices (about 1·3-1·7 %). The consumption of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and legumes was negatively associated with UPF consumption. A significant positive association was found between the dietary share of UPF and the dietary content of NCD-promoting nutrients such as free sugars and total saturated and trans-fats. In contrast, a significant negative association was found with the content of NCD-protective such as fibre and protein. CONCLUSIONS: UPF were associated with lower consumption of healthy foods and higher intake of nutrients related to NCD in children and women of reproductive age in Argentina. It is necessary to design food policies that simultaneously reduce the consumption of UPF while promoting the intake of fresh and whole foods to improve the dietary quality.

Malnutrition in all its forms and socio-economic indicators in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of five forms of malnutrition (wasting/underweight, overweight, obesity, stunting/short stature and anaemia) by socio-economic wealth (SEW) and educational level (EL) among children, adolescents and women of reproductive age in Argentina. DESIGN: Analysis from a cross-sectional survey. Anthropometric indicators and prevalence of anaemia were estimated. SEW was classified according to the proportion of contributors in the household, employment status, EL and medical coverage. EL was categorized by years of formal education. SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2005. PARTICIPANTS: Children (n 27 015) <5 years, adolescent girls (n 1729) 11-19 years, women (n 4401) 20-49 years. RESULTS: In Argentina, 26 % of households lived with unsatisfied basic needs and 23 % received at least one form of food assistance. Any form of malnutrition affected 23 % of children, 36 % of girls and 56 % of women. Children were especially affected by anaemia, overweight/obesity and stunting (15·2, 9·9, 7·4 %, respectively). Girls were affected by overweight/obesity, anaemia and stunting (22·5, 15·2, 6·2 %). Women were strongly affected by overweight/obesity, anaemia and stunting (43·8, 19·8, 10·5 %). Stunting or short stature was higher in low-SEW settings, doubling in prevalence between low and high levels, increasing four times among women in reproductive age (P < 0·05). Excess weight among children was higher in high-SEW settings, in women the tendency was inverse. Anaemia showed different tendency according to SEW. CONCLUSIONS: In 2005, Argentina had high rates of excess weight and anaemia, moderate prevalence of stunting and low frequency of wasting/underweight. All forms of malnutrition showed a strong relationship with socio-economic and educational inequality.

[Digital marketing of commercial infant formula in Argentina: a digital ethnographic study]. / Marketing digital de fórmulas comerciales infantiles en Argentina: un estudio etnográfico digital.

Although evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding is widespread, there are several challenges to initiate and sustain it. Infant formula companies use marketing strategies that violate existing regulations, contributing to its early abandonment. We explore the digital marketing exposure of infant formulas in Argentina by analyzing people's interactions with brands and the traces of these interactions in conversations engaged in Facebook groups during 2022, from a qualitative approach based on digital ethnography. Results show that companies deploy regulatory avoidance tactics and seek contact with mothers. Users do not interact with the accounts but are exposed to their strategies given the correlation between product attributes present in advertising with their motivations and aspirations. The mediators between marketing and mothers are medical professionals, used as marketing resources. We conclude that authorities should promote new agreements on the practices of medical professionals and develop regulations taking into account digital environments.

Si bien es extendida la evidencia de los beneficios de la lactancia materna, diversos son los desafíos para iniciarla y sostenerla. Las empresas productoras de fórmulas infantiles utilizan estrategias de marketing violatorias de las regulaciones existentes, contribuyendo a su temprano abandono. Exploramos la exposición al marketing digital de las fórmulas infantiles en Argentina mediante el análisis de las interacciones de la población con las marcas y las huellas de dichas interacciones en conversaciones entabladas en grupos de Facebook durante 2022, desde un enfoque cualitativo basado en la etnografía digital. Los resultados muestran que las empresas despliegan tácticas elusivas de las regulaciones y buscan el contacto con las madres. Las usuarias no interactúan con las cuentas, pero están expuestas a sus estrategias dado el correlato entre los atributos del producto presentes en la publicidad con sus motivaciones y aspiraciones. Los mediadores entre el marketing y las madres son los profesionales médicos, utilizados como recursos del marketing. Concluimos que las autoridades deben promover nuevos acuerdos sobre las prácticas de los profesionales médicos y desarrollar regulaciones teniendo en cuenta los entornos digitales.

Ultra-processed food consumption in Argentina according to income level and its association with the intake of healthy foods.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with unhealthy diets and chronic diseases. Hence, knowing the consumption pattern of UPFs in the general population is crucial to design policies to improve public health, such as the recently approved law for the Promotion of Healthy Eating in Argentina (Law N° 27.642). The aim of the study was to characterise the consumption of UPFs according to income level and to assess their association with the intake of healthy foods in the Argentinian population. Healthy foods were defined in this study as those non-UPF groups that have been shown to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and excluded certain natural or minimally processed foods such as red meat, poultry and eggs. We retrieved data from the 2018-2019 National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNyS 2), a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey performed in Argentina, including 15 595 inhabitants. We classified the 1040 food items recorded by the degree of processing using the NOVA system. UPFs represented nearly 26% of daily energy. The intake of UPFs increased with income, with a difference of up to 5 percentage points between the lowest (24%) and the highest (29%) income levels (p < 0.001). Cookies, industrial pastries, cakes and sugar-sweetened beverages were the most consumed UPF items, accounting for 10% of daily energy intake. We found that UPF intake was associated with a decrease in consumption of healthy food groups, mainly fruits and vegetables, where a difference of -28.3 g/2000 kcal and -62.3 g/2000 kcal between tertile 1 and tertile 3 was estimated, respectively. Therefore, Argentina still maintains a UPF consumption pattern of a low- and middle-income country, where UPF intake increases with income, but these foods also compete with the intake of healthy foods.

[Intake of energy and critical nutrients according to the NOVA classification in Argentina, time trend and differences according to income]. / Consumo de energía y nutrientes críticos según clasificación NOVA en la Argentina, tendencia temporal y diferencias según nivel de ingreso.

Growing evidence of the global transition in food systems exists, affecting the availability, accessibility, affordability, and convenience of highly processed foods. This study aimed to evaluate the apparent consumption of energy, saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium according to the degree of food processing in Argentina from 1996 to 2018 and according to income level. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study with data on food and beverage expenditures and income from the National Household Expenditure Survey for years 1996-1997, 2004-2005, 2012-2013, and 2017-2018, including more than 20,000 households in each period. The apparent daily consumption of energy, saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium per adult for: (1) minimally processed foods; (2) processed culinary ingredients; (3) processed foods; and (4) ultra-processed products, was calculated for each period and according to per capita income quintile in each household. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Reductions in the proportion of energy and all nutrients evaluated from minimally processed foods, culinary ingredients and processed foods were observed, as well as an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed products. One also observes a greater share from ultra-processed foods as household income increases but with decreasing differences over time. Therefore, future strategies in Argentina should promote the consumption of minimally processed foods and discourage the availability and accessibility of ultra-processed ones, especially for the most vulnerable groups.

Existe una creciente evidencia de la transición global en los sistemas alimentarios que afectan la disponibilidad, accesibilidad, asequibilidad y conveniencia de los alimentos altamente procesados. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el consumo aparente de energía, grasas saturadas, azúcares agregados y sodio según el grado de procesamiento de los alimentos en la Argentina entre 1996 y 2018, según el nivel de ingreso. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y transversal, con datos de gastos de alimentos y bebidas e ingresos de la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares de 1996-1997, 2004-2005, 2012-2013 y 2017-2018, que incluye más de 20.000 hogares en cada período. Se calculó el consumo aparente diario de energía, grasas saturadas, azúcares agregados y sodio por adulto equivalente de: (1) alimentos mínimamente procesados; (2) ingredientes culinarios procesados; (3) alimentos procesados y (4) productos ultraprocesados, para cada periodo y según el quintil de ingresos per cápita del hogar. Fue utilizado análisis estadístico descriptivo. En energía y todos los nutrientes evaluados, se observa la reducción de la proporción proveniente de alimentos mínimamente procesados, ingredientes culinarios y alimentos procesados, y el aumento de productos ultraprocesados. Con una mayor contribución a partir de ultraprocesados, a medida que aumentan los ingresos del hogar, pero con diferencias que disminuyen a lo largo del tiempo. Dados los resultados, las estrategias futuras en Argentina deberían promover el consumo de alimentos mínimamente procesados y desalentar la disponibilidad y accesibilidad de alimentos ultraprocesados, con especial énfasis en los grupos más vulnerados.

Cada vez mais há evidências sobre a mudança global nos sistemas alimentares, que envolvem disponibilidade, acessibilidade, custo e pertinência dos alimentos ultraprocessados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o consumo aparente de energia, gorduras saturadas, açúcar e sódio conforme o nível de processamento de alimentos e a renda familiar na Argentina no período entre 1996 e 2018. Estudo descritivo e transversal, realizado com dados sobre o consumo de alimentos e bebidas e a renda familiar obtidos da Pesquisa Nacional de Consumo Domiciliar de 1996-1997, 2004-2005, 2012-2013 e 2017-2018, que inclui mais de 20.000 residências em cada período. Foi calculado o consumo diário de energia, gordura saturada, açúcar e sódio por adulto equivalente a partir de: (1) alimentos minimamente processados; (2) ingredientes culinários processados; (3) alimentos processados e (4) alimentos ultraprocessados, para cada período e de acordo com o quintil de renda familiar per capita. Foi aplicada análise estatística descritiva. Em relação à energia e aos nutrientes analisados, foi encontrada uma redução na proporção de alimentos minimamente processados, ingredientes culinários e alimentos processados, e um aumento de alimentos ultraprocessados. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados é maior conforme aumenta a renda familiar, mas com diferenças que diminuem ao longo do tempo. Esses resultados evidenciam a necessidade de promover estratégias na Argentina quanto ao consumo de alimentos minimamente processados e desestimular a disponibilidade e o acesso a alimentos ultraprocessados, especialmente para os grupos mais vulneráveis.

Social inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption by household characteristics in Argentina.

Low consumption of fruits and vegetables contributes to an increased burden of non-communicable diseases. In order to analyze the impact of different factors on fresh fruit and vegetable consumption, an observational, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected in the 2017-2018 National Household Expenditure Survey. We calculated apparent intake of fresh fruits and vegetables in net grams. Descriptive bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression. Apparent intake of fresh fruits and vegetables was well below the recommended level; the lowest consumption was observed in households with lower incomes, with lower educational levels, without elderly members, with children under age 14, with a male head of household, and those residing in the Argentine Northeast region. Identifying social inequalities in food consumption contributes to the development of policies aimed at promoting food and nutrition security.

El bajo consumo de verduras y frutas contribuye al aumento de la carga de enfermedades no transmisibles. Con el objetivo de analizar cómo inciden distintos factores en el consumo de verduras y frutas frescas se realizó un estudio observacional, correlacional y transversal con datos obtenidos de la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares 2017-2018. Se estimó el consumo aparente de verduras y frutas frescas, en gramos de peso neto. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo bivariado y uno multivariado a partir de regresiones lineales múltiples. El consumo aparente de verduras y frutas frescas está muy por debajo de lo recomendado, los menores consumos se observaron en hogares de menores ingresos, con menor clima educativo, sin adultos mayores, con menores de 14 años, con jefatura masculina y que residen en la región del nordeste argentino. Conocer las desigualdades sociales en el consumo contribuye a la planificación de políticas que garanticen la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional.

Ultraprocessed food consumption and dietary nutrient profiles associated with obesity: A multicountry study of children and adolescents.

This study assessed associations between ultraprocessed food consumption and dietary nutrient profile linked to obesity in children and adolescents in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States using nationally representative data collected between 2004 and 2014. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between dietary share of ultraprocessed foods (country and age group-specific quintiles and a 10% share increase) and the energy density of diets and their content of free sugars and fiber. Ultraprocessed foods, defined by the NOVA system, ranged from 18% of total energy intake among preschool children in Colombia to 68% among adolescents in the United Kingdom. In almost all countries and age groups, increases in the dietary share of ultraprocessed foods were associated with increases in energy density and free sugars and decreases in fiber, suggesting that ultraprocessed food consumption is a potential determinant of obesity in children and adolescents. Effective global policy action to address growing ultraprocessed food consumption and childhood obesity is urgently needed.

Quality and environmental footprints of diets by socio-economic status in Argentina.

Food consumption and production plays a major role on human health and environmental sustainability. In addition, socio-economic status (SES) could be an important determinant on these impacts. Here we investigated the quality and environmental footprints of diets of different SES in Argentina. Dietary data was obtained from a recent national-wide representative survey (21,547 households), and individual intake was estimated by applying the Adult-Male Equivalent (AME) approach. Dietary quality was assessed by comparing the apparent consumption of foods and nutrients with the level of intake associated with the lowest risk of mortality, and applying the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010). The environmental footprints were assessed with a set of six environmental indicators: greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, total land occupation, cropland demand, fossil energy use, freshwater consumption and eutrophying emissions. Per capita total expenditure was utilized as an indicator of SES. We found a suboptimal intake of healthy and excess of unhealthy foods and nutrients in all SES, as well as a low AHEI-2010 score (34.7 ± 3.56 over 100). Regarding environmental footprints per AME, we estimated 8.91 ± 2.49 kg CO2-eq/day for GHG emissions, 9.30 ± 2.93 MJ/day for fossil energy use, 54.2 ± 14.8 m2/day for total land occupation, 7.07 ± 1.90 m2/day for cropland demand, 205 ± 65.3 L/day for freshwater consumption and 19.8 ± 6.43 g PO4-eq/day for eutrophying emissions. The Argentinian diet was found to be both unhealthy and unsustainable in all socio-economic levels.

[Urban and rural: differences in the diet of Argentine households according to income level and area of residence]. / Urbano y rural: diferencias en la alimentación de los hogares argentinos según nivel de ingreso y área de residencia.

The environment and the socioeconomic level are determinants of eating behavior because they affect availability, accessibility and food preferences. In order to describe the apparent consumption of food and the availability of energy and nutrients in urban and rural households in Argentina according to their income level, the 2004-2005 National Household Expenditure Survey was analyzed. The average apparent consumption of food and beverages was calculated in grams or milliliters of net weight per adult equivalent per day, for urban and rural households, and by household income per capita quintiles. Rural households made up 7% of the sample, and had a higher proportion of low-income families than urban households. There is different pattern of apparent consumption of food and beverages among rural and urban households in Argentina, and there are also differences between households according to the level of income in both environments. Knowing the content and magnitude of these contrasts is of great use in looking for strategies to improve the population's diet.

El entorno y el nivel socioeconómico son determinantes del comportamiento alimentario porque inciden en la disponibilidad, la accesibilidad y las preferencias alimentarias. Con el objetivo de describir el consumo aparente de alimentos y la disponibilidad de energía y nutrientes de hogares urbanos y rurales de la Argentina, según su nivel de ingresos, se analizó la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares 2004-2005. Se calculó el consumo aparente promedio de alimentos y bebidas en gramos o mililitros de peso neto por adulto equivalente por día, de hogares urbanos y rurales, y según quintil de ingresos per cápita del hogar. El 7% fueron hogares rurales, y presentaron mayor proporción de familias con bajos ingresos respecto a los urbanos. Existe un patrón de consumo aparente de alimentos y bebidas distinto entre hogares rurales y urbanos de Argentina, y además existen diferencias entre los hogares según el nivel de ingresos en ambos entornos. Conocer los contrastes y su magnitud es de gran utilidad para buscar estrategias tendientes a mejorar la alimentación de la población.

[Child malnutrition in Argentina in the first part of the century: a quantitative approach]. / La desnutrición en la niñez argentina en los primeros años del siglo XXI: un abordaje cuantitativo.

Child malnutrition is an important public health problem in Argentina, both as a primary cause of mortality/morbidity and associated with different pathologies that affect children. However, little is known about its magnitude, trends and spatial distribution. This article seeks to detect such situations considering different geographic scales. A quantitative approach was applied, systematizing vital statistics (mortality), hospital discharges (morbidity), and low birth weight (natality) in children 0-4 years of age. Accordingly, the information sources used were mortality statistics (1999-2013), hospital discharge statistical records (2000, 2005-2011) and live birth statistics (1999-2012) provided by the Office of Statistics and Health Information (DEIS) [Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud] of the National Ministry of Health. The results show differences according to the scale considered. The conclusions highlight the necessity of integrating the different sources of information analyzed in order to provide a more general overview of a problem that, albeit in decline, still registers high magnitudes in the most vulnerable areas. In this way, certain areas of northern Argentina evidence worse conditions, requiring immediate attention be paid to issues of poverty and child health.

La desnutrición en la niñez conforma un importante problema de salud pública en Argentina, ya sea como causa básica de mortalidad/morbilidad o asociada a distintas patologías que inciden sobre la población infantil. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre su magnitud, tendencias y su distribución espacial. Este artículo procuró detectar estas situaciones considerando diferentes escalas geográficas. Se propuso un abordaje cuantitativo mediante la sistematización de estadísticas vitales (mortalidad), egresos hospitalarios (morbilidad), y de bajo peso al nacimiento (natalidad), sobre una población objetivo de 0 a 4 años de edad. Las fuentes de información utilizadas fueron las estadísticas de mortalidad (1999-2013), estadísticas de egresos hospitalarios (2000, 2005-2011) y estadísticas de nacidos vivos (1999-2012) provistos por la Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud (DEIS) del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Los resultados advierten comportamientos diferenciados según la escala considerada. Como conclusión, se destaca la necesidad de integrar las vertientes de información analizadas para brindar un panorama más general sobre un problema que, si bien tiende a descender, alcanza magnitudes altas en las zonas más vulnerables. Ciertas áreas del norte presentan las peores condiciones y precisan un abordaje inmediato en materia de pobreza y salud infantil.

Consumo de energía y nutrientes críticos según clasificación NOVA en la Argentina, tendencia temporal y diferencias según nivel de ingreso / Intake of energy and critical nutrients according to the NOVA classification in Argentina, time trend and differences according to income / Consumo de energia e nutrientes críticos segundo a classificação NOVA na Argentina: tendência temporal e diferenças por renda familiar

Existe una creciente evidencia de la transición global en los sistemas alimentarios que afectan la disponibilidad, accesibilidad, asequibilidad y conveniencia de los alimentos altamente procesados. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el consumo aparente de energía, grasas saturadas, azúcares agregados y sodio según el grado de procesamiento de los alimentos en la Argentina entre 1996 y 2018, según el nivel de ingreso. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y transversal, con datos de gastos de alimentos y bebidas e ingresos de la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares de 1996-1997, 2004-2005, 2012-2013 y 2017-2018, que incluye más de 20.000 hogares en cada período. Se calculó el consumo aparente diario de energía, grasas saturadas, azúcares agregados y sodio por adulto equivalente de: (1) alimentos mínimamente procesados; (2) ingredientes culinarios procesados; (3) alimentos procesados y (4) productos ultraprocesados, para cada periodo y según el quintil de ingresos per cápita del hogar. Fue utilizado análisis estadístico descriptivo. En energía y todos los nutrientes evaluados, se observa la reducción de la proporción proveniente de alimentos mínimamente procesados, ingredientes culinarios y alimentos procesados, y el aumento de productos ultraprocesados. Con una mayor contribución a partir de ultraprocesados, a medida que aumentan los ingresos del hogar, pero con diferencias que disminuyen a lo largo del tiempo. Dados los resultados, las estrategias futuras en Argentina deberían promover el consumo de alimentos mínimamente procesados y desalentar la disponibilidad y accesibilidad de alimentos ultraprocesados, con especial énfasis en los grupos más vulnerados.

Growing evidence of the global transition in food systems exists, affecting the availability, accessibility, affordability, and convenience of highly processed foods. This study aimed to evaluate the apparent consumption of energy, saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium according to the degree of food processing in Argentina from 1996 to 2018 and according to income level. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study with data on food and beverage expenditures and income from the National Household Expenditure Survey for years 1996-1997, 2004-2005, 2012-2013, and 2017-2018, including more than 20,000 households in each period. The apparent daily consumption of energy, saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium per adult for: (1) minimally processed foods; (2) processed culinary ingredients; (3) processed foods; and (4) ultra-processed products, was calculated for each period and according to per capita income quintile in each household. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Reductions in the proportion of energy and all nutrients evaluated from minimally processed foods, culinary ingredients and processed foods were observed, as well as an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed products. One also observes a greater share from ultra-processed foods as household income increases but with decreasing differences over time. Therefore, future strategies in Argentina should promote the consumption of minimally processed foods and discourage the availability and accessibility of ultra-processed ones, especially for the most vulnerable groups.

Cada vez mais há evidências sobre a mudança global nos sistemas alimentares, que envolvem disponibilidade, acessibilidade, custo e pertinência dos alimentos ultraprocessados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o consumo aparente de energia, gorduras saturadas, açúcar e sódio conforme o nível de processamento de alimentos e a renda familiar na Argentina no período entre 1996 e 2018. Estudo descritivo e transversal, realizado com dados sobre o consumo de alimentos e bebidas e a renda familiar obtidos da Pesquisa Nacional de Consumo Domiciliar de 1996-1997, 2004-2005, 2012-2013 e 2017-2018, que inclui mais de 20.000 residências em cada período. Foi calculado o consumo diário de energia, gordura saturada, açúcar e sódio por adulto equivalente a partir de: (1) alimentos minimamente processados; (2) ingredientes culinários processados; (3) alimentos processados e (4) alimentos ultraprocessados, para cada período e de acordo com o quintil de renda familiar per capita. Foi aplicada análise estatística descritiva. Em relação à energia e aos nutrientes analisados, foi encontrada uma redução na proporção de alimentos minimamente processados, ingredientes culinários e alimentos processados, e um aumento de alimentos ultraprocessados. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados é maior conforme aumenta a renda familiar, mas com diferenças que diminuem ao longo do tempo. Esses resultados evidenciam a necessidade de promover estratégias na Argentina quanto ao consumo de alimentos minimamente processados e desestimular a disponibilidade e o acesso a alimentos ultraprocessados, especialmente para os grupos mais vulneráveis.

Hábitos de consumo de alimentos y bebidas en hogares argentinos según presencia de adultos mayores y nivel de ingreso / Food and beverage consumption habits in Argentinean households by presence of elderly members and income level

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los patrones alimentarios de los adultos mayores son un aspecto clave en la calidad de vida y la morbimortalidad. Los datos al respecto son escasos en la población argentina. El objetivo fue evaluar los hábitos de consumo de alimentos y bebidas en hogares argentinos según presencia de adultos mayores y nivel de ingreso. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y de corte transversal a partir de la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares 2017-2018. Se calculó el consumo aparente de alimentos (g o ml) por adulto equivalente por día en tres tipos de hogares según la presencia de adultos >60 años: a) sin adultos mayores (SAM), b) multigeneracionales con adultos mayores (MAM) y c) unigeneracionales de adultos mayores (UAM), estratificados según nivel de ingresos. RESULTADOS: De los 21 254 hogares que registraron compra de alimentos y bebidas en la semana de la encuesta, hubo 64% SAM, 19% MAM y 17% UAM. Los hogares UAM presentaron mayor consumo aparente de alimentos y bebidas, especialmente hortalizas y frutas, legumbres, leche, yogur y quesos, huevos, aceite, frutas secas y semillas, y alimentos de consumo opcional según las guías alimentarias nacionales. El consumo fue creciente a medida que aumentaban los ingresos del hogar. DISCUSIÓN: El análisis evidenció diferencias en los hábitos alimentarios según composición del hogar y nivel de ingreso, y permite planificar estrategias para mejorar la calidad de vida de un grupo poblacional en aumento.

Evaluación de las Guías Alimentarias para la Población Argentina: inequidad según el nivel de ingreso por región / Evaluation of the Dietary Guidelines for the Argentine Population: inequality by income level and by region

NTRODUCCIÓN: Las Guías Alimentarias para la Población Argentina (GAPA) ofrecen recomendaciones para una alimentación saludable. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de las GAPA entre 1996 y 2018 según nivel de ingreso y por región del país en el período 2017-2018. MÉTODOS: Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, con datos de gastos e ingresos de la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares de 1996-97, 2004-05, 2012-13 y 2017-18. Se comparó el consumo aparente promedio diario con las recomendaciones de cada uno de los grupos de alimentos de las guías. Se realizó análisis estadístico descriptivo. RESULTADOS: Se observaron grupos de alimentos con consumo aparente inferior al recomendado, como verduras, frutas, leche, yogur, legumbres, frutas secas y semillas; grupos con consumo entre dos y tres veces superior al valor máximo establecido en las guías, como azúcares y grasas; y grupos con adecuada cantidad pero escasa variedad, como carnes, aceites, cereales, pan y pastas. A lo largo del tiempo se evidenció el progresivo alejamiento de las recomendaciones de frutas, leche, legumbres, frutas secas, semillas y alimentos de consumo opcional, más inadecuado en algunas regiones del país y más evidente en los hogares de menores ingresos. DISCUSIÓN: Se evidencian importantes diferencias cuantitativas y cualitativas entre lo recomendado y la alimentación argentina, con desbalances más acentuados en los grupos de mayor vulnerabilidad.

Desigualdades sociales en el consumo de verduras y frutas según características de los hogares argentinos / Social inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption by household characteristics in Argentina

RESUMEN El bajo consumo de verduras y frutas contribuye al aumento de la carga de enfermedades no transmisibles. Con el objetivo de analizar cómo inciden distintos factores en el consumo de verduras y frutas frescas se realizó un estudio observacional, correlacional y transversal con datos obtenidos de la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares 2017-2018. Se estimó el consumo aparente de verduras y frutas frescas, en gramos de peso neto. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo bivariado y uno multivariado a partir de regresiones lineales múltiples. El consumo aparente de verduras y frutas frescas está muy por debajo de lo recomendado, los menores consumos se observaron en hogares de menores ingresos, con menor clima educativo, sin adultos mayores, con menores de 14 años, con jefatura masculina y que residen en la región del nordeste argentino. Conocer las desigualdades sociales en el consumo contribuye a la planificación de políticas que garanticen la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional.

ABSTRACT Low consumption of fruits and vegetables contributes to an increased burden of non-communicable diseases. In order to analyze the impact of different factors on fresh fruit and vegetable consumption, an observational, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected in the 2017-2018 National Household Expenditure Survey. We calculated apparent intake of fresh fruits and vegetables in net grams. Descriptive bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression. Apparent intake of fresh fruits and vegetables was well below the recommended level; the lowest consumption was observed in households with lower incomes, with lower educational levels, without elderly members, with children under age 14, with a male head of household, and those residing in the Argentine Northeast region. Identifying social inequalities in food consumption contributes to the development of policies aimed at promoting food and nutrition security.

[Changes in the food and beverage consumption pattern in Argentina, 1996-2013]. / Cambios en el patrón de consumo de alimentos y bebidas en Argentina, 1996-2013.

The dietary pattern of the population has shifted in recent years as a result of cultural changes and modifications in food accessibility. In order to describe the changes in food and beverage consumption patterns in the last two decades in Argentina, the National Survey of Household Expenditure [Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares] was analyzed for the periods 1996-1997, 2004-2005 and 2012-2013. The average apparent consumption of food and beverages in grams or milliliters of net weight per adult equivalent was estimated for each period. The variation in the amount of food and beverages available for consumption between 1996 and 2013 shows that the structure of the dietary pattern has changed, appearing to indicate shifts in the ways of buying, preparing and consuming foods related to greater convenience and accessibility and less time spent on food preparation.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity, abdominal-obesity and short stature of adult population of Rosario, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, abdominal-obesity and short stature among Rosario (Argentina) adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in Rosario (2012-2013). A random sample (n = 1194) of adult population (18-70 years old) was interviewed. Anthropometric measurements and a general questionnaire incorporating questions related to socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, education level and physical activity were used. RESULTS: The current study detected a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult population in Rosario. The prevalence of overweight was 32.7% (43.9% in men and 27.6% in women, p < 0.001), of obesity was 23.5% (21.6% in men and 24.3% in women), and of abdominal obesity was 57.5% (63.5% in men vs.54.8% in women, p < 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed that the prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity increased according the age and abdominal obesity decreased with high physical activity in men. In women prevalence of overweight/obesity, and abdominal obesity increased with age, marital status (married or coupled), presence of at least one child at home and low educational level. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of short stature was higher in women (16.4% vs. 8.4%, p < 0.001) and was related with age, overweight and abdominal obesity.

Urbano y rural: diferencias en la alimentación de los hogares argentinos según nivel de ingreso y área de residencia / Urban and rural: differences in the diet of Argentine households according to income level and area of residence

RESUMEN El entorno y el nivel socioeconómico son determinantes del comportamiento alimentario porque inciden en la disponibilidad, la accesibilidad y las preferencias alimentarias. Con el objetivo de describir el consumo aparente de alimentos y la disponibilidad de energía y nutrientes de hogares urbanos y rurales de la Argentina, según su nivel de ingresos, se analizó la Encuesta Nacional de Gastos de los Hogares 2004-2005. Se calculó el consumo aparente promedio de alimentos y bebidas en gramos o mililitros de peso neto por adulto equivalente por día, de hogares urbanos y rurales, y según quintil de ingresos per cápita del hogar. El 7% fueron hogares rurales, y presentaron mayor proporción de familias con bajos ingresos respecto a los urbanos. Existe un patrón de consumo aparente de alimentos y bebidas distinto entre hogares rurales y urbanos de Argentina, y además existen diferencias entre los hogares según el nivel de ingresos en ambos entornos. Conocer los contrastes y su magnitud es de gran utilidad para buscar estrategias tendientes a mejorar la alimentación de la población.

ABSTRACT The environment and the socioeconomic level are determinants of eating behavior because they affect availability, accessibility and food preferences. In order to describe the apparent consumption of food and the availability of energy and nutrients in urban and rural households in Argentina according to their income level, the 2004-2005 National Household Expenditure Survey was analyzed. The average apparent consumption of food and beverages was calculated in grams or milliliters of net weight per adult equivalent per day, for urban and rural households, and by household income per capita quintiles. Rural households made up 7% of the sample, and had a higher proportion of low-income families than urban households. There is different pattern of apparent consumption of food and beverages among rural and urban households in Argentina, and there are also differences between households according to the level of income in both environments. Knowing the content and magnitude of these contrasts is of great use in looking for strategies to improve the population's diet.

Estimation of antioxidants dietary intake in wet age-related macular degeneration patients.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to estimate the intake of antioxidant nutrients in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients, a degenerative and progressive disorder of the macula, which is the central part of the retina, associated with central vision loss. METHODS: A sample (n = 52, 78.9 ± 6.6 years old, 40.4% females and 59.6% males) of patients diagnosed of AMD was interviewed. Anthropometric measurements, two 24- h recalls, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and a general questionnaire incorporating questions related to socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were used. RESULTS: Most of wet AMD patients showed inadequate antioxidant nutrient intake (< 2/3 of Recommended Dietary Intake, RDI), and more than 60% of patients showed serious deficient intake (< 1/3 RDI) of lutein and zeaxanthin. Most consumed antioxidant rich foods only represented low contributions to antioxidant intake. Although adiposity is a factor risk for AMD progression; the fat and saturated fatty acids (SFA) intake of study participants were higher than the recommendations; the prevalence of overweight was 61.9% men and 58.1% in women; and 83% of patients (90.5% men and 77.4% women) showed fat mass over the cut-off limits. CONCLUSIONS: The food pattern of wet AMD patients should be improved by means of an increase in the consumption of antioxidant rich foods, and a decrease in SFA rich foods.L.

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la ingesta de nutrientes antioxidantes en pacientes con degeneración macular asociada a la edad (AMD) variedad húmeda, un trastorno degenerativo y progresivo de la mácula, la parte central de la retina, asociada con la pérdida de la visión central. Métodos: En una muestra de pacientes diagnosticados de AMD (n = 52, 78,9 ± 6,6 años, 40,4% mujeres y 59,6% hombres) se registraron medidas antropométricas, dos recordatorios de 24 h, un cuestionario semicuantitativo de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y cuestiones sociodemográficas y de estilo de vida. Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes con AMD húmeda mostraron una ingesta inadecuada de nutrientes antioxidantes (< 2/3 de las Ingestas Dietéticas Recomendadas, RDI) y más de 60% de los pacientes mostraron un déficit grave (< 1/3 RDI) de luteína y zeaxantina. Los alimentos ricos en antioxidantes más consumidos sólo aportaron bajas contribuciones a la ingesta de antioxidantes. Aunque la adiposidad es un factor de riesgo para la progresión de la AMD, el consumo de grasas y ácidos grasos saturados (SFA) de los pacientes fueron superiores a las recomendaciones; la prevalencia de sobrepeso fue del 61,9% hombres y 58.1% en las mujeres; y el 83% de los pacientes (90,5% hombres y 77,4% mujeres) mostró una masa grasa superior a los límites. Conclusiones: El patrón alimentario de los pacientes con AMD debería mejorarse aumentando el consumo de alimentos ricos en antioxidantes y disminuyendo los alimentos ricos en SFA.

La desnutrición en la niñez argentina en los primeros años del siglo XXI: un abordaje cuantitativo / Child malnutrition in Argentina in the first part of the century: a quantitative approach

RESUMEN La desnutrición en la niñez conforma un importante problema de salud pública en Argentina, ya sea como causa básica de mortalidad/morbilidad o asociada a distintas patologías que inciden sobre la población infantil. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre su magnitud, tendencias y su distribución espacial. Este artículo procuró detectar estas situaciones considerando diferentes escalas geográficas. Se propuso un abordaje cuantitativo mediante la sistematización de estadísticas vitales (mortalidad), egresos hospitalarios (morbilidad), y de bajo peso al nacimiento (natalidad), sobre una población objetivo de 0 a 4 años de edad. Las fuentes de información utilizadas fueron las estadísticas de mortalidad (1999-2013), estadísticas de egresos hospitalarios (2000, 2005-2011) y estadísticas de nacidos vivos (1999-2012) provistos por la Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud (DEIS) del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Los resultados advierten comportamientos diferenciados según la escala considerada. Como conclusión, se destaca la necesidad de integrar las vertientes de información analizadas para brindar un panorama más general sobre un problema que, si bien tiende a descender, alcanza magnitudes altas en las zonas más vulnerables. Ciertas áreas del norte presentan las peores condiciones y precisan un abordaje inmediato en materia de pobreza y salud infantil.

ABSTRACT Child malnutrition is an important public health problem in Argentina, both as a primary cause of mortality/morbidity and associated with different pathologies that affect children. However, little is known about its magnitude, trends and spatial distribution. This article seeks to detect such situations considering different geographic scales. A quantitative approach was applied, systematizing vital statistics (mortality), hospital discharges (morbidity), and low birth weight (natality) in children 0-4 years of age. Accordingly, the information sources used were mortality statistics (1999-2013), hospital discharge statistical records (2000, 2005-2011) and live birth statistics (1999-2012) provided by the Office of Statistics and Health Information (DEIS) [Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de Salud] of the National Ministry of Health. The results show differences according to the scale considered. The conclusions highlight the necessity of integrating the different sources of information analyzed in order to provide a more general overview of a problem that, albeit in decline, still registers high magnitudes in the most vulnerable areas. In this way, certain areas of northern Argentina evidence worse conditions, requiring immediate attention be paid to issues of poverty and child health.

¿Qué comemos cuando comemos? Diferencias en las preparaciones consumidas por adultos de la ciudad de Rosario según sexo, edad y estación del año / What do we eat when we eat? Differences in preparations consumed by adults in Rosario city following sex, age and season

La alimentación es un fenómeno complejo y su estudio requiere abordajes diversos que contribuyan en su descripción y comprensión. Con el objetivo de conocer las preparaciones consumidas por los adultos de la ciudad de Rosario y evaluar las diferencias según sexo, grupo etario y estación del año, se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se analizaron y categorizaron las preparaciones consumidas en almuerzo y cena por 1200 adultos de 18 a 69 años, relevadas mediante un recordatorio de 24 horas. Los resultados muestran que las preferencias varían según sexo. Los hombres consumen más comidas a base de carne vacuna, vísceras y hortalizas feculentas. También las elecciones cambian con la edad y el clima. A medida que aumenta la edad hay menor presencia de cereales, legumbres y de hortalizas feculentas; y mayor presencia de ensaladas, mientras que los más jóvenes prefieren preparaciones menos elaboradas. Durante las estaciones cálidas se consumen más ensaladas y sándwiches. Los alimentos se estructuran y organizan en preparaciones, que cambian de acuerdo a las características sociodemográficas estudiadas y la estación del año, conocerlas es el primer paso para poder mejorar la alimentación de la población.