Hypothetical impact of the Mexican front-of-pack labeling on intake of critical nutrients and energy.

BACKGROUND: Since 2020 in Mexico, front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL) have been implemented in processed products. Evidence supports warning labels allow consumers to identify unhealthy products. We aimed to evaluate the hypothetical impact of the FOPWL regulation on the Mexican population's intake of critical nutrients and energy, based on the replacement of food and beverages using 4 hypothetical scenarios which represented the phases of the regulation. METHODS: Dietary data were collected using a standardized 24-h dietary recall from the 2016 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 4184). To evaluate the hypothetical impact of FOPWL, the nutritional content of critical nutrients in processed products was evaluated according to the Mexican Official Standard 051 (NOM-051). Then, we replaced products with several warning labels (WL) with those with a fewer number of them or with non-processed food. For the replacement, 4 hypothetical scenarios were established: scenario 1: the current consumption of the Mexican Population, scenario 2: the replacement during the first phase of the norm, scenario 3: the replacement in the second phase and scenario 4: the replacement in the last phase. We estimated the means, confidence intervals (CI 95%), and the mean percentage change of energy, saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugars, and sodium intake during the second, third, and the fourth scenarios. RESULTS: According to the norm, in the second scenario, the majority of the products presented a label for energy (52.6%) whereas in the third (56.4%) and fourth (61.2%) scenarios were for sodium. In contrast, trans-fat was the least labeled nutrient in all the scenarios (from 2.1 to 4.1%). In the fourth scenario, we observed a reduction of the intake of energy intake to 15.4% as well as saturated fat (- 20%, CI 95% - 18.4; - 21.6), trans-fat (- 8.2%, CI 95% - 6.4; - 10.1) and sodium (- 12.7%, CI 95% - 11.3; - 14.1). The most important reduction was observed for added sugars intake (until - 54.1%, CI 95% - 51; - 57.1). CONCLUSIONS: FOPWL could be an effective strategy to decrease energy consumption and nutrients of concern. If consumers use the FOPWL, it would be an important change in critical nutrients intake. These results support that FOPWL might help the Mexican population to choose healthier nutrition alternatives.

Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer 1st edition: Tobacco and nicotine-related products, secondhand smoke, and alcohol and cancer.

Tobacco, secondhand smoke (SHS), and alcohol, all carcinogens, are leading preventable cancer risk factors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Since 2000, smoking and SHS exposure have significantly decreased in the region. Yet alcohol consumption remains high. The entry of nicotine-related products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) threatens achievements made in tobacco control and chronic diseases prevention, including cancer. E-cigs use is likely associated with smoking initiation among adolescents who had never smoked and dual use with combustible tobacco products. Therefore, the LAC Code Against Cancer recommends to the public actions they can take to reduce their risk of cancer: 1. Don't smoke or use any type of tobacco. If you do, quitting is possible, with professional help if needed. Don't use e-cigarettes either, as they lead to tobacco use. 2. Make your home a smoke-free place. Respect and promote laws that ensure smoke-free spaces to protect our health. and 3. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. This helps prevent several types of cancer. The Code recommends to policymakers a package of cost-effective policies based on the MPOWER and SAFER to prevent cancer at the population level. It also recommends that primary care health professionals: 1. Ask all their patients and their families whether they smoke or vape, inform them about the harms of smoking and vaping, and promote tobacco and nicotine related products cessation strategies among users. 2. Inform about the harms of exposure to SHS, especially among children, and promote smoke-free environments, and 3. Prevent alcohol use by their patients and their families, use tools to assess use, intensity, and frequency, and apply brief counseling intervention to support alcohol abstinence in primary care.

Latin American and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer 1st edition: Weight, physical activity, diet, breastfeeding, and cancer.

In Latin America and the Caribbean a considerable proportion of the population have excess body weight, do not meet the recommendations of physical activity and healthy diet, and have suboptimal rates of breastfeeding. Excess body weight is associated with at least 15 cancer sites, physical activity protects against three cancers, with some evidence suggesting a protective effect for eight more cancer sites, and sedentary behavior probably increases the risk of five cancer sites. Fiber and wholegrains protect against colorectal cancer, high intake of fruits and vegetables could reduce the risk of aerodigestive cancers; processed and red meat increase the risk of colorectal cancer; and very hot beverages are associated with esophageal cancer. Moreover, sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods are a convincing cause for excess body weight, increasing cancer risk through this pathway, with some emerging evidence suggesting also direct pathways. Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer, and could protect against ovarian cancer. Taking this evidence into account, the Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer recommends the general public to maintain a healthy body weight, be physically active and limit sedentary behavior, eat a healthy diet (eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and legumes; avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meat; and limit ultra-processed foods, red meat and very hot beverages), and breastfeed. Moreover, the Latin America and the Caribbean Code Against Cancer also includes a set of public policy recommendations for cancer prevention to inform policy makers and civil society about the need of policies to shape healthy environments and create opportunities to facilitate the adoption of the recommendations directed to the public.

The nature and extent of food marketing on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube posts in Mexico.

Food and beverage marketing appealing to children and adolescents has an impact on their food preferences, purchases requests, consumption patterns, health outcomes, and obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the nature and extent of food and beverage marketing on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube posts in Mexico. This was a content analysis that followed the World Health Organization CLICK methodology to comprehend the landscape of digital food marketing campaigns of the top-selling food products and brands and the most popular accounts carried out between September and October 2020. A total of 926 posts from 12 food and beverage products and 8 brands were included. Facebook was the social media platform with the most posts and greatest engagement. The most prevalent marketing techniques were brand logo, image of packaging, image of the product itself, hashtags, and engagement to consume. Fifty percent of the posts were assessed as appealing to children, 66% to adolescents, and 80% to either children or adolescents. Ninety-one percent of products (n = 1250) were classified as unhealthy according to the Mexican warning labels nutrient profile; 93% of the food promoted on posts appealing to either children or adolescents were unhealthy. Hashtags commonly referred to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the unhealthy food digital marketing features marketing techniques that appeal to children or adolescents; moreover, the use of the pandemic hashtag reflected brands' responsiveness to the environment at the time of the study. The present data contribute to evidence supporting the strengthening of food marketing regulations in Mexico.

Dietary intake of the Mexican population: comparing food group contribution to recommendations, 2012-2016.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate energy contribution (EC) of food groups in 2016, to compare consumption against Mexican Dietary Guidelines, and to examine changes in EC from 2012 to 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 24-hour dietary recalls from the 2012 and 2016 National Health and Nutrition Surveys (Ensanut). Foods and beverages were clas-sified into eight food groups: cereals, legumes, dairy, meats, fruit and vegetables, fats and oils, sugar-sweetened beverages, and high in saturated fat and added sugar (HSFAS) products. RESULTS: Cereals had the highest EC (30.1%), followed by meats (15.9%), HSFAS products (15.5%), and SSBs (10.5%). Fruits and vegetables, and legumes had the lowest contribu-tion with 6.4 and 3.8%, respectively. SSBs, meats, and HSFAS products were 250, 59 and 55% above the recommended intake, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis confirms the need to generate a food environment conducive to a healthier diet.

Systematic literature review of instruments that measure the healthfulness of food and beverages sold in informal food outlets.

BACKGROUND: Informal food outlets, defined as vendors who rarely have access to water and toilets, much less shelter and electricity, are a common component of the food environment, particularly in many non-Western countries. The purpose of this study was to review available instruments that measure the quality and particularly the healthfulness of food and beverages sold within informal food outlets. METHODS: PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were used. Articles were included if they reported instruments that measured the availability or type of healthy and unhealthy foods and beverages by informal food outlets, were written in English or Spanish, and published between January 1, 2010, and July 31, 2020. Two trained researchers reviewed the title, abstract and full text of selected articles; discrepancies were solved by two independent researchers. In addition, the list of references for selected articles was reviewed for any additional articles of relevance. The quality of published articles and documents was evaluated using JBI Critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: We identified 1078 articles of which 14 were included after applying the selection criteria. Three additional articles were considered after reviewing the references from the selected articles. From the final 17 articles, 13 measurement tools were identified. Most of the instruments were used in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Products were classified as healthy/unhealthy or produce/non-produce or processed/unprocessed based on availability and type. Six studies reported psychometric tests, whereas one was tested within the informal food sector. CONCLUSIONS: Few instruments can measure the healthfulness of food and beverages sold in informal food outlets, of which the most valid and reliable have been used to measure formal food outlets as well. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an instrument that manages to measure, specifically, the elements available within an informal one. These actions are extremely important to better understand the food environment that is a central contributor to poor diets that are increasingly associated with the obesity and Non-communicable disease (NCD) pandemic.

Dietary intake of the Mexican population: comparing food group contribution to recommendations, 2012-2016 / Ingesta dietética de la población mexicana: contribución de grupos de alimentos vs. recomendaciones, 2012-2016

Abstract: Objective: To estimate energy contribution (EC) of food groups in 2016, to compare consumption against Mexican Dietary Guidelines, and to examine changes in EC from 2012 to 2016. Materials and methods: We analyzed 24-hour dietary recalls from the 2012 and 2016 National Health and Nutrition Surveys (Ensanut). Foods and beverages were classified into eight food groups: cereals, legumes, dairy, meats, fruit and vegetables, fats and oils, sugar-sweetened beverages, and high in saturated fat and added sugar (HSFAS) products. Results: Cereals had the highest EC (30.1%), followed by meats (15.9%), HSFAS products (15.5%), and SSBs (10.5%). Fruits and vegetables, and legumes had the lowest contribution with 6.4 and 3.8%, respectively. SSBs, meats, and HSFAS products were 250, 59 and 55% above the recommended intake, respectively. Conclusions: This analysis confirms the need to generate a food environment conducive to a healthier diet.

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la contribución energética (CE) de grupos de alimentos al compararla con las Guías Alimentarias y examinar los cambios de 2012 a 2016. Material y métodos: Se analizaron recordatorios de 24 horas de las Encuestas Nacionales de Salud y Nutrición de 2012 y 2016. Los alimentos y bebidas se clasificaron en ocho grupos: cereales, leguminosas, lácteos, carnes, frutas y verduras, grasas, bebidas azucaradas, y productos altos en grasa saturada y/o azúcares añadidos. Resultados: Los cereales tuvieron la CE más alta (30.1%), seguidos por carnes (15.9%), productos altos en grasa saturada y azúcares añadidos (15.5%) y bebidas azucaradas (10.5%). Frutas y verduras y leguminosas tuvieron la menor CE con 6.4 y 3.8%, respectivamente. Las bebidas azucaradas, carnes y productos altos en grasa saturada y azúcares añadidos superaron en 250, 59 y 55% la recomendación, respectivamente. Conclusión: Este análisis confirma la necesidad de generar un ambiente alimentario que propicie una dieta más saludable.

Revisión rápida: evidencia de transmisión por Covid-19 e infecciones respiratorias agudas similares en espacios públicos abiertos.

 Objetivo. Describir la evidencia disponible sobre la trans-misión por Covid-19 e infecciones respiratorias agudas simi-lares al Covid-19 en espacios públicos abiertos. Material y métodos. La búsqueda incluyó 4 926 artículos en inglés de los años 2000 a 2020. Seis investigadores revisaron el título y el resumen de los artículos de Embase y PubMed; dos inves-tigadores revisaron los de medRxiv. Todos los investigadores revisaron textos completos y otros resolvieron las discre-pancias. Resultados. De los 21 artículos seleccionados, se observó que la presencia de virus en superficies públicas, aguas residuales y áreas exteriores no fue indicativa de trans-misión. No obstante, se observó que el uso de cubrebocas, el lavado de manos, el distanciamiento social, no asistir a eventos masivos y la movilidad individual a espacios públicos podría ayudar a reducir el riesgo de transmisión. Conclusión. Esta información podría coadyuvar a generar recomendaciones en salud pública, sin embargo, es recomendable actualizar esta revisión conforme avance la evidencia científica.

Factors Associated With Dietary Quality During Initial and Later Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global economy and modified lifestyles. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with dietary quality, and their frequency, in Mexican adults at the initial and later stages of the pandemic. Methods: Two online surveys were conducted between June and July 2020 (n = 3,131) and between November and December 2020 (n = 1,703 including non-participants from 1st round). A diet quality score was estimated using a short instrument to measure the consumption of several healthy/unhealthy food items. Linear regression models were used to identify the association between pandemic related factors and the diet quality score, adjusted by sociodemographic characteristics. The 2nd round was weighted to represent the 1st round. Results: During the 1st and 2nd rounds only ~12% of the sample perceived that their intake of healthy food decreased, relative to before the pandemic; ~20% perceived that their intake of unhealthy foods increased. Diet quality remained similar between the 1st and 2nd round. The following factors were negatively associated with diet quality: Eating food prepared away-from-home; going out to work ≥4 times/week; decreased time for food preparation; decreased interest in eating healthy; eating more due to anxiety, depression, or boredom; food insecurity; and stockpiling junk food. Purchasing food using a mixed modality of both in-store and home delivery was positively associated with diet quality. With the exception of eating more due to anxiety (reported by 47% of participants), all these factors were reported by a minority of participants during the first round (≤15%). During the 2nd round, there was an increase in the frequency of participants who reported eating food prepared away-from-home, going out to work ≥4 times/week, having less time to prepare food, being more interested in eating healthfully, and a decrease in participants eating more due to anxiety, depression or boredom, or stockpiling junk food. Conclusions: Most participants perceived that their dietary intake improved during both initial and later stages of the pandemic. This might be related to factors associated with higher dietary quality, such as not going out to work, eating homemade food, and online grocery shopping.

Revisión rápida: evidencia de transmisión por Covid-19 e infecciones respiratorias agudas similares en espacios públicos abiertos / Rapid review: evidence of Covid-19 transmission and similar acute respiratory infections in open public spaces

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la evidencia disponible sobre la transmisión por Covid-19 e infecciones respiratorias agudas similares al Covid-19 en espacios públicos abiertos. Material y métodos: La búsqueda incluyó 4 926 artículos en inglés de los años 2000 a 2020. Seis investigadores revisaron el título y el resumen de los artículos de Embase y PubMed; dos investigadores revisaron los de medRxiv. Todos los investigadores revisaron textos completos y otros resolvieron las discrepancias. Resultados: De los 21 artículos seleccionados, se observó que la presencia de virus en superficies públicas, aguas residuales y áreas exteriores no fue indicativa de transmisión. No obstante, se observó que el uso de cubrebocas, el lavado de manos, el distanciamiento social, no asistir a eventos masivos y la movilidad individual a espacios públicos podría ayudar a reducir el riesgo de transmisión. Conclusión: Esta información podría coadyuvar a generar recomendaciones en salud pública, sin embargo, es recomendable actualizar esta revisión conforme avance la evidencia científica.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the available evidence on the transmission of Covid-19 or similar acute respiratory infections in open, public spaces. Materials and methods: Our search included 4 926 articles in English from 2000 to 2020. Six researchers reviewed the title and abstracts from Embase and PubMed databases, and two researchers reviewed medRxiv database. All reviewed full texts and others resolved the discrepancies. Results: A total of 21 articles were selected. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on public surfaces, sewage, and outdoor areas was not indicative of transmission. Nevertheless, we observed that applying preventive measures such as the use of face masks, hand washing, social distancing, restricting attendance to massive events, and reducing people's mobility to public spaces may reduce the risk of transmission. Conclusions: This information could help to generate public health recommendations. However, we advise updating this review as new evidence is generated.

Self-perception of dietary quality and adherence to food groups dietary recommendations among Mexican adults.

BACKGROUND: Mexicans' adherence to food group's dietary recommendations is low and an inaccurate self-perception of dietary quality might perpetuate this low adherence. Our aim was to compare the intake and the adherence to the dietary recommendations for several food groups, subgroups, and to an overall Mexican Diet Quality Index (MxDQI), among those that perceived their diet as healthy vs. those that did not. METHODS: We analyzed data from 989 subjects 20-59 y old from the nationally representative Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016. Dietary intake was collected with one 24-h recall and a repeated recall in 82 subjects. Self-perception of dietary quality was evaluated with the following question "Do you consider that your diet is healthy? (yes/no)". We used the National Cancer Institute method to estimate the usual intake. We compared the mean intake adjusted by sociodemographic variables and the percentage of adherence according to the self-perception of dietary quality among the whole sample and in sociodemographic subpopulations. RESULTS: Sixty percent perceived their diet as healthy, and their adherence to recommendations was low [20% for fruits and vegetables, < 8% for legumes, seafood and SSBs, and ~ 50% for processed meats and high in saturated fat and/or added sugar (HSFAS) products]. The mean number of recommendations they met was 2.8 (out of 7) vs. 2.6 among the rest of the population (p > 0.05), and the MxDQI score was 40 vs. 37 (out of 100 points). The only food groups and subgroups with a statistically significant difference between those that perceived their diet as healthy vs. unhealthy were fruits [38 g/d (95% CI 3, 73)], fruit juices [27 g/d (95% CI 2, 52)], industrialized SSBs [- 35 kcal/d (- 70, - 1)] and salty snacks [- 40 kcal/d (- 79, - 1)]. Other differences were small or inconsistent across subgroups of the population. CONCLUSIONS: Those that perceived their diet as healthy only had a slightly healthier diet than the rest of the population, moreover, their adherence to recommendations was very low. Hence, it is necessary to improve their nutrition knowledge.

[Food contribution to total daily energy intake in the Mexican population older than five years]. / Contribución de los alimentos a la ingesta total de energía en la dieta de los mexicanos mayores de cinco años.

OBJECTIVE: To identifiy the energy contribution (EC) of the food consumed in those older than five years and by sociodemographic characteristics in Mexican population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from 24-hour recalls from 7 983 subjects ≥5 years included in the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 (Ensanut 2012). The EC to total daily energy intake of 50 foods allocated to eight food groups at national level and stratified by age, area of residence, region and socioeconomic level was estimated. RESULTS: Seven foods contributed 50% of total energy intake: tortilla and corn products (20.6%), sweet bread (6.6%), vegetable oils (4.9%), white bread and wheat products (4.9%), carbonated sugary drinks (4.6%), red meat (4.0%) and whole milk (4.0%). Other foods, which its consumption is recommended to increase due to its positive effects on health, showed minor contributions (less than 1.0%), with the exception of beans (3.3%). Great heterogeneity in intakes was observed between subgroups of the population. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of individual foods and their EC for both, food groups whose consumption should be increased as well as those that should be reduced can be useful for the design of regulatory actions and educational strategies aimed at reducing the diet related burden of disease.

OBJETIVO: Identificar la contribución a la ingesta de energía (CIE) de alimentos consumidos en mayores de cinco años y por características sociodemográficas, en la población mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizó información del recordatorio de 24 horas de 7 983 sujetos ≥5 años incluidos en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 (Ensanut 2012). Se estimó la CIE de 50 alimentos clasificados en ocho grupos de alimentos en el ámbito nacional, estratificando por edad, área de residencia, región y nivel socioeconómico. RESULTADOS: Siete alimentos contribuyeron con 50% de la ingesta energética total: tortilla y productos de maíz (20.6%), pan dulce (6.6%), aceites vegetales (4.9%), pan blanco y derivados de trigo (4.9%), bebidas azucaradas carbonatadas (4.6%), carnes rojas (4.0%) y leche entera (4.0%). Otros alimentos, cuyo consumo es recomendable aumentar por sus efectos positivos en salud, mostraron contribuciones menores a 1.0%, con excepción del frijol (3.3%). Se observó gran heterogeneidad en el consumo entre subgrupos de población. CONCLUSIONES: La identificación de los alimentos individuales y su CIE, tanto en grupos de alimentos cuyo consumo se recomienda aumentar, como en aquéllos que se recomienda reducir, puede ser de utilidad para el diseño de acciones regulatorias y estrategias educativas dirigidas a disminuir la carga de enfermedad relacionada con la dieta.

Contribución de los alimentos a la ingesta total de energía en la dieta de los mexicanos mayores de cinco años / Food contribution to total daily energy intake in the Mexican population older than five years

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar la contribución a la ingesta de energía (CIE) de alimentos consumidos en mayores de cinco años y por características sociodemográficas, en la población mexicana. Material y métodos: Se analizó información del recordatorio de 24 horas de 7 983 sujetos ≥5 años incluidos en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 (Ensanut 2012). Se estimó la CIE de 50 alimentos clasificados en ocho grupos de alimentos en el ámbito nacional, estratificando por edad, área de residencia, región y nivel socioeconómico. Resultados: Siete alimentos contribuyeron con 50% de la ingesta energética total: tortilla y productos de maíz (20.6%), pan dulce (6.6%), aceites vegetales (4.9%), pan blanco y derivados de trigo (4.9%), bebidas azucaradas carbonatadas (4.6%), carnes rojas (4.0%) y leche entera (4.0%). Otros alimentos, cuyo consumo es recomendable aumentar por sus efectos positivos en salud, mostraron contribuciones menores a 1.0%, con excepción del frijol (3.3%). Se observó gran heterogeneidad en el consumo entre subgrupos de población. Conclusión: La identificación de los alimentos individuales y su CIE, tanto en grupos de alimentos cuyo consumo se recomienda aumentar, como en aquéllos que se recomienda reducir, puede ser de utilidad para el diseño de acciones regulatorias y estrategias educativas dirigidas a disminuir la carga de enfermedad relacionada con la dieta.

Abstract: Objetive: To identifiy the energy contribution (EC) of the food consumed in those older than five years and by sociodemographic characteristics in Mexican population. Materials and methods: We analyzed data from 24-hour recalls from 7 983 subjects ≥5 years included in the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición2012 (Ensanut 2012). The EC to total daily energy intake of 50 foods allocated to eight food groups at national level and stratified by age, area of residence, region and socioeconomic level was estimated. Results: Seven foods contributed 50% of total energy intake: tortilla and corn products (20.6%), sweet bread (6.6%), vegetable oils (4.9%), white bread and wheat products (4.9%), carbonated sugary drinks (4.6%), red meat (4.0%) and whole milk (4.0%). Other foods, which its consumption is recommended to increase due to its positive effects on health, showed minor contributions (less than 1.0%), with the exception of beans (3.3%). Great heterogeneity in intakes was observed between subgroups of the population. Conclusions: The identification of individual foods and their EC for both, food groups whose consumption should be increased as well as those that should be reduced can be useful for the design of regulatory actions and educational strategies aimed at reducing the diet related burden of disease.

Is a Hypertension Diagnosis Associated With Improved Dietary Outcomes Within 2 to 4 Years? A Fixed-Effects Analysis From the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

Background Evidence shows that dietary factors play an important role in blood pressure. However, there is no clear understanding of whether hypertension diagnosis is associated with dietary modifications. The aim of this study is to estimate the longitudinal association between hypertension diagnosis and subsequent changes (within 2-4 years) in dietary sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium (Na/K) ratio. Methods and Results We included adults (18-75 years, n=16 264) from up to 9 waves (1991-2015) of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Diet data were collected using three 24-hour dietary recalls and a household food inventory. We used fixed-effects models to estimate the association between newly self-reported diagnosed hypertension and subsequent within-individual changes in sodium, potassium, and Na/K ratio. We also examined changes among couples and at the household level. Results suggest that on average, men who were diagnosed with hypertension decreased their sodium intake by 251 mg/d and their Na/K ratio by 0.19 within 2 to 4 years after diagnosis (P<0.005). Among spouse pairs, sodium intake and Na/K ratio of women decreased when their husbands were diagnosed (P<0.05). Household average sodium density and Na/K ratio decreased, and household average potassium density increased after a man was diagnosed. In contrast, changes were not statistically significant when women were diagnosed. Conclusions Our findings suggest that hypertension diagnosis for a man may result in modest dietary improvements for him, his wife, and other household members. Yet, diagnosis for a woman does not seem to result in dietary changes for her or her household members.

Patterns and trends in the intake distribution of manufactured and homemade sugar-sweetened beverages in pre-tax Mexico, 1999-2012.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends across the intake distribution of total, manufactured and homemade sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) from 1999 to 2012, focusing on high SSB consumers and on changes by socio-economic status (SES) subgroup. DESIGN: We analysed data from one 24 h dietary recall from two nationally representative surveys. Quantile regression models at the 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles of energy intake distribution of SSB were used. SETTING: 1999 Mexican National Nutrition Survey and 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey.ParticipantsSchool-aged children (5-11 years) and women (20-49 years) for trend analyses (n 7718). Population aged >1 year for 2012 (n 10 096). RESULTS: Over the 1999-2012 period, there were significant increases in the proportion of total and manufactured SSB consumers (5·7 and 10·7 percentage points), along with an increase in per-consumer SSB energy intake, resulting in significant increases in per-capita total SSB energy intake (142, 247 and 397 kJ/d (34, 59 and 95 kcal/d) in school-aged children and 155, 331 and 456 kJ/d (37, 79 and 109 kcal/d) in women at the 50th, 75th and 90th percentile, respectively). Total and manufactured SSB intakes increased sharply among low-SES children but remained similar among high-SES children during this time span. CONCLUSIONS: Large increases in SSB consumption were seen between 1999 and 2012 during this pre-tax SSB period, particularly for the highest consumers. Trends observed in school-aged children are a clear example of the nutrition transition experienced in Mexico. Policies to discourage high intake of manufactured SSB should continue, joined with strategies to encourage water and low-calorie beverage consumption.

Energy, added sugar, and saturated fat contributions of taxed beverages and foods in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the dietary contribution of taxed beverages and foods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 24-hour diet recall data from the Ensanut 2012 (n=10 096), we estimated the contribution of the items which were taxed in 2014 to the total energy, added sugar, and saturated fat intakes in the entire sample and by sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The contributions for energy, added sugar, and saturated fat were found to be 5.5, 38.1, and 0.4%, respectively, for the taxed beverages, and 14.4, 23.8, and 21.4%, respectively, for the taxed foods. Children and adolescents (vs. adults), medium and high socioeconomic status (vs. low), urban area (vs. rural), and North and Center region (vs. South) had higher energy contribution of taxed beverages and foods. The energy contribution was similar between males and females. CONCLUSIONS: These taxes covered an important proportion of Mexicans' diet and therefore have the potential to improve it meaningfully.

Energy, added sugar, and saturated fat contributions of taxed beverages and foods in Mexico / Contribución de energía, azúcar añadido y grasa saturada de las bebidas y alimentos con impuesto en México

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the dietary contribution of taxed beverages and foods. Materials and methods: Using 24-hour diet recall data from the Ensanut 2012 (n=10 096), we estimated the contribution of the items which were taxed in 2014 to the total energy, added sugar, and saturated fat intakes in the entire sample and by sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The contributions for energy, added sugar, and saturated fat were found to be 5.5, 38.1, and 0.4%, respectively, for the taxed beverages, and 14.4, 23.8, and 21.4%, respectively, for the taxed foods. Children and adolescents (vs. adults), medium and high socioeconomic status (vs. low), urban area (vs. rural), and North and Center region (vs. South) had higher energy contribution of taxed beverages and foods. The energy contribution was similar between males and females. Conclusions: These taxes covered an important proportion of Mexicans' diet and therefore have the potential to improve it meaningfully.

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la contribución dietética de las bebidas y alimentos con impuesto. Material y métodos: Con el recordatorio de 24-horas de la Ensanut 2012 (n=10 096), estimamos la contribución de los productos con impuesto en 2014 al consumo total de energía, azúcar añadido y grasa saturada en toda la muestra y por sociodemográficos. Resultados: La contribución de energía, azúcar añadido y grasa saturada fue 5.5, 38.1 y 0.4%, respectivamente, para bebidas con impuesto y 14.4, 23.8 y 21.4%, respectivamente, para alimentos con impuesto. Los niños y adolescentes (vs. adultos), nivel socioeconómico medio y alto (vs. bajo), área urbana (vs. rural), y región Norte y Centro (vs. Sur) tuvieron una contribución de energía mayor de bebidas y alimentos con impuesto. La contribución fue similar entre hombres y mujeres. Conclusión: Estos impuestos cubren una proporción importante de la dieta mexicana y por lo tanto tienen el potencial de mejorarla de manera relevante.

Adapting the standardised computer- and interview-based 24 h dietary recall method (GloboDiet) for dietary monitoring in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: The present study describes the procedure and approaches needed to adapt and harmonise the GloboDiet methodology, a computer- and interview-based 24 h dietary recall, for use in two Latin American pilot countries, Brazil and Mexico. DESIGN: About seventy common and country-specific databases on foods, recipes, dietary supplements, quantification methods and coefficients were customised and translated following standardised guidelines, starting from existing Spanish and Portuguese versions. SETTING: Brazil and Mexico. SUBJECTS: Not applicable. RESULTS: New subgroups were added into the existing common food classification together with new descriptors required to better classify and describe specific Brazilian and Mexican foods. Quantification methods were critically evaluated and adapted considering types and quantities of food consumed in these two countries, using data available from previous surveys. Furthermore, the photos to be used for quantification purposes were identified for compilation in country-specific but standardised picture booklets. CONCLUSIONS: The completion of the customisation of the GloboDiet Latin America versions in these two pilot countries provides new insights into the adaptability of this dietary international tool to the Latin American context. The ultimate purpose is to enable dietary intake comparisons within and between Latin American countries, support building capacities and foster regional and international collaborations. The development of the GloboDiet methodology could represent a major benefit for Latin America in terms of standardised dietary methodologies for multiple surveillance, research and prevention purposes.

Discretionary Foods Have a High Contribution and Fruit, Vegetables, and Legumes Have a Low Contribution to the Total Energy Intake of the Mexican Population.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity prevalences in Mexico are among the highest in the world, with dietary factors being the third-leading category of risk contributing to the burden of disease. Consequently, studying the compliance of the Mexican population to food-based dietary recommendations is essential for informing nutritional policies. OBJECTIVES: We described the energy contribution of food groups to total dietary energy intake of the Mexican population and by sociodemographic subgroups and compared these results with Mexican dietary recommendations. METHODS: Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls for participants aged ≥5 y (n = 7983) from the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey were used. Foods and beverages were classified into 8 groups (the first 6 were called "basic foods" and the last 2 "discretionary foods"), as follows: 1) cereals, 2) legumes, 3) milk and dairy, 4) meat and animal products, 5) fruit and vegetables, 6) fats and oils, 7) sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and 8) products high in saturated fat and/or added sugar (HSFAS). Recommendations were based on the Mexican Dietary Guidelines (MDG). Energy contributions from the food groups by age, sex, region, residence (rural or urban), and socioeconomic status (SES) were estimated. RESULTS: The highest contribution to total energy intake came from cereals (33%) followed by HSFAS (16%), meat and animal products (14%), and SSBs (9.8%). Fruit and vegetables (5.7%) and legumes (3.8%) had the lowest contribution. Energy contribution of several food groups differed significantly between population subgroups. Overall, discretionary foods contributed more than one-quarter of total energy intake (26%) and were 13 percentage points above the maximum allowed by the recommendations, whereas the intakes of legumes and fruit and vegetables were much lower than recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the need to generate a food environment conducive to a healthier diet in the Mexican population.

Overview of the Dietary Intakes of the Mexican Population: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012.

BACKGROUND: Mexico is facing the double burden of malnutrition: stunting and micronutrient deficiencies in young children, iron deficiency in pregnant women, and widespread obesity across age groups. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to summarize and discuss findings published in this supplement on dietary intakes and the eating habits of the Mexican population. METHODS: A 24-h recall questionnaire that used the multiple-pass method with a repeated measure in a fraction of the sample was applied in a nationally representative sample. We estimated mean intakes and percentages of inadequacy for macronutrients and micronutrients; mean intakes and percentages of the population who adhere to dietary recommendations for food groups; sources of added sugars; intakes of discretionary foods by mealtime, place, and activity; and mean dietary intakes in children <2 y old. RESULTS: Infant formula was consumed by almost half of infants aged <6 mo and sugar-sweetened beverages were consumed by two-thirds of children aged 12-23 mo. In the different age groups, a high proportion of the population had excessive intakes of added sugars (58-85%) and saturated fats (54-92%), whereas a high prevalence of insufficient intakes was found for fiber (65-87%), vitamin A (8-70%), folates (13-69%), calcium (26-88%), and iron (46-89%). Discretionary foods (nonbasic foods high in saturated fats and/or added sugars) contributed 26% of the population's total energy intake, whereas only 1-23% met recommendations for legumes, seafood, fruit, vegetables, and dairy foods. CONCLUSIONS: High proportions of Mexicans consume diets that do not meet recommendations. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding diverged from recommendations, intakes of discretionary foods were high, and the prevalence of nutrient inadequacies and age groups not meeting intake recommendations of basic food groups were also high. The results are consistent with the high prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition and are useful to design food and nutrition policies.