Ideal Cardiovascular Health in adolescents: Findings from Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We assessed the Ideal Cardiovascular Health (CVH) in Brazilian adolescents according to demographics and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a cross-sectional study with data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), with a nationwide representative sample of 36,956 Brazilian adolescents, aged 12-17 years, enrolled in public and private schools. The CVH metrics considered were body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking, healthy diet score, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and total cholesterol. The demographics and socioeconomic characteristics analyzed were sex, age, race/skin color, and type of school attended. The study design was considered, and the significant difference determined by the non-overlapping of 95% Confidence Interval. The mean ideal CVH score was 4.0, higher for females, adolescents aged 15-17 years, and students from private schools. The prevalence of ideal fasting plasma glucose was 96%, of non-smoking 95.6%, of ideal blood pressure 75.5%, of ideal BMI 73.2%, of ideal total cholesterol 55.4%, of ideal physical activity 45.2%, and only 0.5% had an ideal diet. The prevalence of ideal CVH metrics varied according to demographics and socioeconomic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Females, older adolescents, and students who attended private school had a better CVH. Demographics and socioeconomic characteristics were associated with CVH metrics. The low ideal proportions found for diet and physical activity are of concern and reinforce the need for food and nutritional educational actions designed to promote healthy behaviors in adolescence to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Clustering analysis and machine learning algorithms in the prediction of dietary patterns: Cross-sectional results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

BACKGROUND: Machine learning investigates how computers can automatically learn. The present study aimed to predict dietary patterns and compare algorithm performance in making predictions of dietary patterns. METHODS: We analysed the data of public employees (n = 12,667) participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). The K-means clustering algorithm and six other classifiers (support vector machines, naïve Bayes, K-nearest neighbours, decision tree, random forest and xgboost) were used to predict the dietary patterns. RESULTS: K-means clustering identified two dietary patterns. Cluster 1, labelled the Western pattern, was characterised by a higher energy intake and consumption of refined cereals, beans and other legumes, tubers, pasta, processed and red meats, high-fat milk and dairy products, and sugary beverages; Cluster 2, labelled the Prudent pattern, was characterised by higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole cereals, white meats, and milk and reduced-fat milk derivatives. The most important predictors were age, sex, per capita income, education level and physical activity. The accuracy of the models varied from moderate to good (69%-72%). CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the algorithms in dietary pattern prediction was similar, and the models presented may provide support in screener tasks and guide health professionals in the analysis of dietary data.

Cardiometabolic risk profile and diet quality among internal migrants in Brazil: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: Studies of migrants can improve understanding of the environmental influence on the risk of chronic diseases. In continental countries, internal migration has been associated with changes in diet and health status. The objective of this study is to assess differences in diet quality and the cardiometabolic risk profile between migrants and the host population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the city of São Paulo. The study population included internal migrants, defined as individuals born outside São Paulo city who had lived in the city for ten years or longer. The final population (n = 537) was divided into three groups: natives of São Paulo (45.5%), migrants from the Southeast (26.9%) and migrants from the Northeast (27.5%). The joint interim statement consensus criteria were used for diagnosing MetSyn. Diet quality was estimated using the revised version of the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index (BHEI-R). Comparisons between the data of BHEI-R, cardiometabolic risk factors and MetSyn in migrants and natives were performed using generalized linear models adjusted for confounding factors, respectively. RESULTS: Southeastern and Northeastern migrants younger than 60 years had a higher average of for whole fruit and oil components, respectively. Northeastern migrants older than 60 years had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, atherogenic ratio concentrations, lower HDL-C and were more likely to present metabolic syndrome compared to those born in São Paulo of the same age group. CONCLUSION: Native and internal migrants from Brazil resident in São Paulo exhibited differences in diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Dietary patterns associated with subclinical atherosclerosis: a cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify dietary patterns associated with subclinical atherosclerosis measured as coronary artery calcification (CAC). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. Dietary data were assessed using a FFQ, and a principal component factor analysis was used to derive the dietary patterns. Scree plot, eigenvalues > 1 and interpretability were considered to retain the factors. CAC was measured using a computed tomography scanner and an electrocardiography-gated prospective Ca score examination and was categorised into three groups based on the CAC score: 0, 1-100 and >100 Agatston units. Multinomial regression models were conducted for dietary patterns and CAC severity categories. SETTING: Brazil, São Paulo, 2008-2010. PARTICIPANTS: Active and retired civil servants who lived in São Paulo and underwent a CAC exam were included (n 4025). RESULTS: Around 10 % of participants (294 men, 97 women) had a detectable CAC (>0), 6·5 % (182 men, 73 women) had a CAC of 1-100 and 3·5 % (110 men, 23 women) had a CAC > 100. Three dietary patterns were identified: convenience food, which was positively associated with atherosclerotic calcification; plant-based and dairy food, which showed no association with CAC; and the traditional Brazilian food pattern (rice, legumes and meats), which was inversely associated with atherosclerotic calcification. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that a dietary pattern consisting of traditional Brazilian foods could be important to reducing the risk of atherosclerotic calcification and prevent future cardiovascular events, whereas a convenience dietary pattern was positively associated with this outcome.

Prudent dietary pattern influences homocysteine level more than folate, vitamin B12, and docosahexaenoic acid: a structural equation model approach.

PURPOSE: A structural equation model (SEM) was used to test multiple and simultaneous relationships between socio-demographic factors, dietary patterns, biochemical levels of folate, vitamin B12, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and its effects on homocysteine (Hcy) level. METHODS: Socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, blood sample, anthropometric measurements, and a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were obtained from 281 individuals of ISA-Capital study (Sao Paulo, Brazil). The dietary patterns (DP) were estimated using factor analysis with principal component's estimation based on the frequency of daily intake derived from the 38-item FFQ. The SEM considered a theoretical model where the DP were expected to be directly associated with Hcy level, and indirectly via biochemical levels of folate, vitamin B12, and DHA. The variables sex, age, ethnicity, and MTHFR C677T polymorphism were included in the model. RESULTS: The Prudent DP (- 0.12, p = 0.04) had a negative effect, while MTHFR C677T polymorphism (0.16, p = 0.01), age (0.22, p < 0.01), and being man (0.16, p = 0.01) had a positive effect on Hcy level. There were no indirect effects of any dietary patterns on Hcy level, neither via folate, vitamin B12, nor DHA. DHA was negatively associated with the Modern DP (- 0.12, p = 0.04) and positively associated with the Prudent DP (0.19, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The DP mainly composed of fruits and vegetables, natural juices, potato/cassava/cooked cornmeal, fish, and chicken, which was negatively associated with the Hcy level in this population. These findings support the role of a healthy dietary pattern in health outcomes, rather than promoting specific foods or nutrients, for policy-based health promotion strategies.

Main meal quality in Brazil and United Kingdom: Similarities and differences.

Consumption of fast food and ready-to-eat meals has been positively associated with obesity. In the UK, ready-made meals are more often consumed than in Brazil, a country in which nutrition transition is relatively low. This study aimed to compare the nutritional quality of the main meal consumed by adults in Brazil and UK. Food record data was obtained from representative samples from UK and Brazil databases. The Main Meal Quality Index (MMQI) was applied to estimate the quality of the main meal consumed in Brazil and UK. Differences in food groups consumed in the main meal in Brazil and UK were observed using classification decision tree. Meals with higher average energy content were lunch for Brazil, and dinner for the UK. On average, the Brazilian main meal had better nutritional quality (4.42 times higher), independently of sex, age, family income, nutritional status and energy consumed, with higher scores of fiber, carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat and energy density. However, UK's main meal included more fruits and vegetables. Food preparations combined with rice and beans were classified as Brazilian main meal, while combinations with fast food items, as fried potatoes, sandwiches and sugary beverages, were classified as UK main meals. In Brazil, the main meal quality was lower among women and obese individuals, presenting significant positive association with age, and negative association with energy intake and family income; while in UK, only age was positively associated with MMQI. Although main meals in Brazil had higher nutritional quality compared to the UK, main meals consumed in both countries need nutritional improvement.

The interaction of the FTO gene and age interferes with macronutrient and vitamin intake in women with morbid obesity.

Fat mass and obesity-related (FTO) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) interferes with food preferences that impact macronutrient intake. Few studies have investigated the relationship of this polymorphisms with the intake of micronutrients. Moreover, studies have shown multiple micronutrient deficiencies in patients with obesity. This work evaluated the effect of the FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphism on dietary nutritional quality and food intake of macronutrients and vitamins in of women with obesity candidates for metabolic surgery. The study included 106 women (24 to 60 years old) with BMIs of 36.1 to 64.8 kg/m2. A food frequency questionnaire validated for the local population was applied to obtain information about food intake. The Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) was used to assess the adequacy of macronutrient and vitamin intake. Energy, protein and lipid intakes were higher in carriers of the A allele compared to TT in the younger age groups but were similar in the class of subjects aged ≥45 years. The INQ for protein was higher in carriers of the A allele than in carriers of the TT allele. The INQs for protein, carbohydrate, vitamins B2, B3 and B6 decreased, whereas the INQ for vitamin C increased with advancing age. The INQ for vitamin A was lower in AA than in TT, regardless of age, whereas vitamin E was higher in younger AA than in older AA. The INQ for vitamin B9 was higher in younger women than in older women. In conclusion, the FTO gene contributed to the intake of more energy, protein and lipids and interfered with the intake of vitamins B9, A and E. With the exception of vitamin A, the effect of the genotype was attenuated with ageing.

How many meals and snacks do Brazilians eat a day? Findings from the 2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey.

The habit of eating specific meals has been addressed in several studies, but the evaluation of meal patterns has received less attention. This study aimed to describe the meal patterns of the Brazilian population. A complex sampling design was used to select the 46,164 ≥ 10-year-old individuals examined in the Brazilian National Dietary Survey. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls applied throughout a one-week period. The exploratory data analysis approach was used to determine the meal patterns, i.e., how individuals combined the main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks (morning, afternoon, evening/night) throughout the day. The most common meal patterns were three main meals + one snack, reported by 25.1% of the individuals, and three main meals + two snacks (24.6%). Other meal patterns identified were: three main meals + three snacks (18.5%); three main meals and no snacks (10.9%); one or two main meals + two snacks (7.4%); one or two main meals + one snack (6.9%); one or two main meals + three snacks (4.2%); and one or two main meals and no snacks (2.3%). Meal patterns varied according to gender and age group, and on typical versus atypical food consumption days. We found that eight patterns characterized the daily meal consumption in Brazil. Furthermore, around 80% of the population had three main meals every day and about 13% did not report having any snacks. The characterization of meal habits is important for tailoring and targeting health promotion actions.

Nutritional quality of major meals consumed away from home in Brazil and its association with the overall diet quality.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to evaluate the nutritional quality of meals consumed away from home and its association with overall diet quality. METHOD: Data was obtained from 834 participants of a Health Survey in São Paulo, Brazil. Food intake was measured by a 24-hour dietary recall applied telephonically using the Automated Multiple-Pass Method. Overall dietary quality was assessed by the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised (B-HEIR) and the Meal Quality Index (MQI) was used to evaluate dietary quality of the main meals. The association between the B-HEIR and the MQI was assessed by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The consumption of at least one of the three main meals away from home was reported for 32% of respondents (70 adolescents, 156 adults and 40 elderly). The average MQI score of lunch consumed away from home was lower than lunch consumed at home, with higher amounts of total and saturated fats. The average score of B-HEIR was 58 points and was associated with the MQI score, energy, meal consumption location and gender. CONCLUSION: Lunch consumed away from home presented the worst quality, being higher in total and saturated fat. However, the meals consumed at home also need improvement.

Diet quality and associated factors in Brazilian undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Diet quality is associated with psychobiological, psychological, biological, and physiological factors of individuals, and in the context of prolonged stress, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it can lead to a worsening of the quality of food for undergraduates. This study aimed to analyze diet quality and associated factors in Brazilian undergraduates. Methods: Data were collected from 4,799 undergraduate students from all Brazilian regions, from August 2020 to February 2021. The online questionnaire contained socioeconomic variables, the ESQUADA scale to assess diet quality, self-referred changes in weight, the Brazilian food insecurity scale (EBIA), sleep assessment and the perceived stress scale. Unconditional multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to study variables associated with poor and very poor diet quality. Results: Most of participants presented a good diet quality (51.7%), while 9.8% had a poor or very poor diet quality and only 1.1% had an excellent diet quality. 58.2% of undergraduates reported to have an increase in weight during the pandemic and 74.3% of the students presented elevated stress during the pandemic. Logistic regressions showed students who gained weight during the pandemic presented the highest AOR = 1.56 (95% CI = 1.12-2.20) for poor or very poor diet quality. The elevated perceived stress was also associated with a higher AOR = 2.85 (95% CI = 1.71-4.74) for poor or very poor diet quality. Conclusion: Most of the studied undergraduates presented a good diet quality. Nevertheless, poor/very poor diet quality was associated with higher perceived stress and weight gain. Our study indicated that policies should beaimed at the socioeconomically most vulnerable undergraduates, those in a situation of food and nutritional insecurity, high perceived stress, and who gained weight during the pandemic.

Recommender System Based on Collaborative Filtering for Personalized Dietary Advice: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the ELSA-Brasil Study.

This study aimed to predict dietary recommendations and compare the performance of algorithms based on collaborative filtering for making predictions of personalized dietary recommendations. We analyzed the baseline cross-sectional data (2008-2010) of 12,667 participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). The participants were public employees of teaching and research institutions, aged 35-74 years, and 59% female. A semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used for dietary assessment. The predictions of dietary recommendations were based on two machine learning (ML) algorithms-user-based collaborative filtering (UBCF) and item-based collaborative filtering (IBCF). The ML algorithms had similar precision (88-91%). The error metrics were lower for UBCF than for IBCF: with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.49 vs. 1.67 and a mean square error (MSE) of 2.21 vs. 2.78. Although all food groups were used as input in the system, the items eligible as recommendations included whole cereals, tubers and roots, beans and other legumes, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, white meats and fish, and low-fat dairy products and milk. The algorithms' performances were similar in making predictions for dietary recommendations. The models presented can provide support for health professionals in interventions that promote healthier habits and improve adherence to this personalized dietary advice.

Skipping breakfast associated with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors in Brazilian adolescents.

The aim is to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with skipping breakfast among Brazilian adolescent students. A cross-sectional study carried out with adolescent ninth-graders from Brazilian public and private schools participating in the 2015 National School Health Survey. The prevalence of skipping breakfast (less than five days/week) and its respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated and stratified by gender according to demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors, self-perceived body image, and attitudes towards weight. A three-block hierarchical Poisson regression, considering the complex sample design. The prevalence of skipping breakfast was 35.6%, higher among girls than boys. In both genders, skipping breakfast was positively associated with the highest socioeconomic level, morning school shift, paid work, regular consumption of alcoholic beverages, living only with the mother, the father or neither, the irregular consumption of school food and meals with parents, considering oneself too fat/fat and trying to lose weight. In general, skipping breakfast was associated with socioeconomic factors and lifestyle behaviors harmful to health among adolescent students.

Restricted dietary pattern may contribute to lowering blood pressure in adolescents with obesity: Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Dieting is one of the main target factors for interventions that seek to control and prevent rising blood pressure. This study identified dietary patterns and analyzed their association with adolescents' blood pressure. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic and nationally representative sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years, who participated in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (ERICA), carried out in 2013-2014 with Brazilian adolescents (N = 36 956). Food consumption was assessed by 24 h recall. Dietary patterns were identified using the Reduced Rank Regression method, and considering waist circumference, fasting insulin, and dietary polyunsaturated fat/saturated fat ratio as intermediate variables. Multiple linear regression models stratified by weight were developed; SBP and DBP were the dependent variables, and dietary pattern scores were the independent ones, with adjustment for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: The following patterns were identified: 'Brazilian common', 'Restricted' and 'Added sugar'. The 'Restricted' pattern, which included diet/light foods, chicken and chicken-based dishes, leafy greens, vegetables and spices, red meats and dishes based on red meats and tubers, was inversely associated with SBP (ß = -1.55; 95% CI = -2.26 to -0.83) and DBP (ß = -1.19; 95% CI = -1.70 to -0.68) in adolescents with obesity. CONCLUSION: In adolescents with obesity, a low-energy density diet was associated with reduced blood pressure. These findings are consistent with international recommendations for preventing elevated blood pressure.

Food Insecurity and Associated Factors in Brazilian Undergraduates during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Undergraduates may face challenges to assure food security, related to economic and mental distress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess food insecurity and its associated factors in undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to February 2021 with 4775 undergraduates from all Brazilian regions. The questionnaire contained socio-economic variables, the validated Brazilian food insecurity scale, and the ESQUADA scale to assess diet quality. The median age of the students was 22.0 years, and 48.0% reported income decreasing with the pandemic. Food insecurity was present in 38.6% of the students, 4.5% with severe food insecurity and 7.7% moderate. Logistic regressions showed students with brown and black skin color/race presented the highest OR for food insecurity; both income and weight increase or reduction during the pandemic was also associated with a higher OR for food insecurity, and better diet quality was associated with decreased OR for food insecurity. Our study showed a considerable presence of food insecurity in undergraduates. Policy for this population must be directed to the most vulnerable: those with brown and black skin color/race, who changed income during the pandemic, and those presented with difficulties maintaining weight and with poor diet quality.

Association of dietary patterns with blood pressure and body adiposity in adolescents: a systematic review.

This paper aimed to systematically review the results of observational studies that investigated the association of dietary patterns with blood pressure and body adiposity markers in adolescents. Articles were searched in July 2020 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Of the 3408 studies found, 24 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered in this review. Almost all studies (n = 23) identified at least one unhealthy pattern, predominantly characterized as consumption of confectionery, refined grains, sweets, sweetened drinks, red meats, and processed meats. Fourteen of the twenty-four studies found a significant association between any dietary pattern and blood pressure and/or body adiposity markers. There was a positive association of dietary patterns - characterized by the consumption of foods rich in sodium, animal fat, refined carbohydrates, and low in fiber - with increased blood pressure and body adiposity. Our findings highlight the importance of studies with this scope, whose results can support the surveillance of adolescent's health. However, considering the limited number of studies that found a significant association and their limitations, the present results should be interpreted carefully. More prospective studies are needed to determine how adherence to dietary patterns could influence blood pressure and body adiposity markers in the long term.

Breakfast skipping and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents: Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the results of the association between breakfast skipping and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. METHODS: The articles were searched in May 2020 from PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The review included observational studies conducted with adolescents (10-19 years old), which estimated the association of breakfast skipping with at least one outcome (markers of body adiposity, blood pressure, serum lipid and glucose levels). Regarding the risk of bias, the articles were evaluated using the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) Item Bank on bias risk and accuracy of observational studies. The quality of the evidence was assessed by the Grade rating. RESULTS: A total of 43 articles involving 192,262 participants met the inclusion criteria and were considered in this review. The prevalence of breakfast skipping ranged from 0.7% to 94% and 60.5% of studies were classified with low risk of bias. The significant association between breakfast skipping and cardiometabolic risk factors was found in twenty-nine cross-sectional articles (n = 106,031) and four longitudinal articles (n = 5,162) for excess adiposity, in three articles (n = 8,511) for high total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, and in three studies (n = 6,303) for high blood pressure levels. However, there was no significant association between breakfast skipping and glycemic profile. According to the Grade rating, all the associations had low quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: The results of this review suggest that breakfast skipping is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. However, considering the low quality of the evidence, the present results should be interpreted carefully. In addition, our findings highlight the importance of standardizing the definition of breakfast skipping and that more prospective studies are needed to determine how skipping breakfast can affect cardiometabolic risk factors in the long time.

Principal Component Analysis and Factor Analysis: differences and similarities in Nutritional Epidemiology application.

INTRODUCTION: Statistical methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA) are increasingly popular in Nutritional Epidemiology studies. However, misunderstandings regarding the choice and application of these methods have been observed. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare and present the main differences and similarities between FA and PCA, focusing on their applicability to nutritional studies. METHODS: PCA and FA were applied on a matrix of 34 variables expressing the mean food intake of 1,102 individuals from a population-based study. RESULTS: Two factors were extracted and, together, they explained 57.66% of the common variance of food group variables, while five components were extracted, explaining 26.25% of the total variance of food group variables. Among the main differences of these two methods are: normality assumption, matrices of variance-covariance/correlation and its explained variance, factorial scores, and associated error. The similarities are: both analyses are used for data reduction, the sample size usually needs to be big, correlated data, and they are based on matrices of variance-covariance. CONCLUSION: PCA and FA should not be treated as equal statistical methods, given that the theoretical rationale and assumptions for using these methods as well as the interpretation of results are different.

Food (in) security and nutritional dietary quality In Brazil / Insegurança alimentar e nutricional e qualidade da dieta no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective Verify association between the perception of food insecurity and the diet quality of the Brazilian population, applying The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the Householder Budget Survey collected in 2017/18 with two 24-hour recalls. A multinomial regression model was used with Odds Ratio and a 95% confidence interval, with the final model being the insertion of variables according to the theoretical model of hierarchy adopted. Results A total of 57,920 households were analyzed, and of these, 39.22% lived with some degree of Food Insecurity. There was a significant difference between female heads of the household, mixed race and black race, households with adults and children and living in rural regions as the three levels of AI [Food insecure] (p=<0.001), with a greater chance of food insecurity in these households. The average Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised for the 46,152 individuals was 54.23 points for those who were not food insecure, and 54.11 points for those who experienced severe food insecurity. Conclusion It is concluded that there is an association between the perception of food insecurity and the nutritional quality of the diet of the Brazilian population, which can lead to malnutrition and obesity.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação entre a percepção de insegurança alimentar e a qualidade da dieta da população brasileira, aplicando a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar e o Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado a partir de dois recordatórios de 24 horas. Métodos Estudo transversal que utilizou dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2017-2018. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão multinomial com Odds Ratio e intervalo de confiança de 95%, sendo o modelo final com inserção das variáveis de acordo com o modelo teórico de hierarquia adotado. Resultados Foram analisados 57.920 domicílios, e destes, 39,22% viviam com algum grau de Insegurança Alimentar. Verificou-se diferença significativa entre pessoas do sexo feminino como chefe do domicílio, raça pardo e preto, domicílios com adultos e crianças e residir na região rural como os três níveis de Insegurança Alimentar (p=<0,001), havendo uma maior chance de insegurança alimentar nesses domicílios. A média do Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado para os 46.152 indivíduos foi de 54.23 pontos para os que não apresentavam insegurança alimentar, e 54.11 pontos para aqueles que vivenciaram insegurança alimentar grave. Conclusão Conclui-se que existe associação entre a percepção de insegurança alimentar e a qualidade nutricional da dieta da população brasileira, o que pode levar à desnutrição e obesidade.

How many meals and snacks do Brazilians eat a day? Findings from the 2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey / Quantas refeições e lanches os brasileiros fazem por dia? Resultados do Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação de 2017-2018 / ¿Cuántas comidas y meriendas tienen los brasileños por día? Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Alimentación 2017-2018

The habit of eating specific meals has been addressed in several studies, but the evaluation of meal patterns has received less attention. This study aimed to describe the meal patterns of the Brazilian population. A complex sampling design was used to select the 46,164 ≥ 10-year-old individuals examined in the Brazilian National Dietary Survey. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls applied throughout a one-week period. The exploratory data analysis approach was used to determine the meal patterns, i.e., how individuals combined the main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks (morning, afternoon, evening/night) throughout the day. The most common meal patterns were three main meals + one snack, reported by 25.1% of the individuals, and three main meals + two snacks (24.6%). Other meal patterns identified were: three main meals + three snacks (18.5%); three main meals and no snacks (10.9%); one or two main meals + two snacks (7.4%); one or two main meals + one snack (6.9%); one or two main meals + three snacks (4.2%); and one or two main meals and no snacks (2.3%). Meal patterns varied according to gender and age group, and on typical versus atypical food consumption days. We found that eight patterns characterized the daily meal consumption in Brazil. Furthermore, around 80% of the population had three main meals every day and about 13% did not report having any snacks. The characterization of meal habits is important for tailoring and targeting health promotion actions.

Os hábitos de consumo de refeições específicas têm sido abordados em diversos estudos, no entanto, a avaliação dos padrões refeições tem recebido menos atenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os padrões de refeições da população brasileira. Um desenho amostral complexo foi utilizado para selecionar os 46.164 indivíduos de ≥ 10 anos examinados no Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação de 2017-2018. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por meio de dois recordatórios de 24 horas não consecutivos, aplicados durante um período de uma semana. A análise exploratória de dados foi utilizada para determinar os padrões de refeições, ou seja, como os indivíduos combinam as principais refeições (café da manhã, almoço, jantar) e lanches (manhã, tarde, noite) ao longo do dia. Os padrões de refeições mais frequentes foram três refeições principais + um lanche, conforme relatado por 25,1% dos indivíduos, e três refeições principais + dois lanches (24,6%). Outros padrões de refeições identificados foram: três refeições principais + três lanches (18,5%); três refeições principais e nenhum lanche (10,9%); uma ou duas refeições principais + dois lanches (7,4%); uma ou duas refeições principais + um lanche (6,9%); uma ou duas refeições principais + três lanches (4,2%); e uma ou duas refeições principais e nenhum lanche (2,3%). Os padrões de refeições variaram de acordo com o sexo e a faixa etária, e nos dias típicos em comparação com os atípicos de consumo alimentar. Verificou-se que oito padrões caracterizaram o consumo diário de refeições no Brasil. Além disso, cerca de 80% da população realizava três refeições principais diárias e cerca de 13% reportaram não lanchar. A caracterização dos padrões de refeições é importante para adequar e direcionar ações de promoção da saúde.

Los hábitos alimenticios específicos se han abordado en varios estudios, sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la evaluación de los patrones de alimentación. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el patrón de alimentación de la población brasileña. Se utilizó un diseño de muestra complejo para seleccionar a 46.164 individuos de ≥ 10 años quienes participaron en la Encuesta Nacional de Alimentación 2017-2018. El consumo alimentario se evaluó mediante dos registros de 24 horas no consecutivos, aplicados durante una semana. Para determinar el patrón de alimentación, se aplicó el análisis exploratorio, es decir, cómo las personas combinan las comidas principales (desayuno, almuerzo, cena) y las meriendas (mañana, tarde, noche) a lo largo del día. Los patrones de alimentación más frecuentes fueron tres comidas principales + una merienda según informan el 25,1% de los individuos, y tres comidas principales + dos meriendas (24,6%). Otros patrones identificados destacaron tres comidas principales + tres meriendas (18,5%); tres comidas principales sin merienda (10,9%); una o dos comidas principales + dos meriendas (7,4%); una o dos comidas principales + una merienda (6,9%); una o dos comidas principales + tres meriendas (4,2%); y una o dos comidas principales sin merienda (2,3%). Los patrones de alimentación tuvieron una variación según el sexo y el grupo de edad, y en días típicos en comparación con los atípicos de consumo de alimentos. Se encontró que ocho patrones caracterizan el consumo diario de comidas en Brasil. Por lo tanto, aproximadamente el 80% de la población tienen tres comidas principales al día y aproximadamente el 13% informan que no tienen merienda. Es importante caracterizar los patrones de alimentación para adaptar y orientar las acciones de promoción de la salud.