[Non-caloric sweeteners consumption in the adult population of Argentina]. / Consumo de edulcorantes no calóricos en la población adulta de Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) are used to replace added sugars in foods and beverages. For this replacement to be a health benefit, the intake of each NCS should not exceed its Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The main objective of this study is to determine the consumption of aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, and saccharin in the argentine population aged 15 to 65 years and to evaluate this consumption in relation to the ADI. Other objectives are to stratify the consumption based on different sociodemographic variables and to determine the main sources of NCS consumed by the argentine population. METHODS: The sample consisted of 1266 individuals (urban population aged 15-65), stratified by region, age, sex, and socioeconomic level. Intake data was collected with two 24-hour recalls. RESULTS: In Argentina, the average consumption of saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K and sucralose is well below their respective ADI: 8.4%, 3.2%, 2% and 0.3% of the ADI, respectively. The maximum reported consumptions do not exceed the ADI either. There is a higher proportion of women who consume NCS. The proportion of NCS consumers increases with age. The Northeast and South regions have the lowest percentage of NCS consumers. Beverages constitute the main source of NCS, followed by tabletop sweeteners. The contribution of food to NCS consumption is negligible. DISCUSSION: In Argentina there is a good safety margin for the reformulation of sugary products aimed at reducing the excess calories and added sugars consumed by the population.

Introducción: Los edulcorantes no calóricos (ENC) se utilizan para sustituir azúcares en alimentos y bebidas. Para que este reemplazo sea beneficioso para la salud, la ingesta de cada ENC no debería superar su ingesta diaria admisible (IDA). El objetivo principal de este estudio es determinar el consumo de aspartamo, acesulfame-K, sucralosa y sacarina en la población argentina de 15 a 65 años y evaluar este consumo en relación con la IDA. Otros objetivos son estratificar el consumo en función de distintas variables sociodemográficas y determinar las principales fuentes de ENC consumidas por la población argentina. Métodos: La muestra fue de 1266 individuos (población urbana 15-65 años), estratificada por región, edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. Los datos de ingesta fueron recolectados con dos recordatorios de 24 horas. Resultados: En Argentina, el consumo promedio de sacarina, aspartamo, acesulfame-K y sucralosa está muy por debajo de su respectiva IDA: 8.4%, 3.2%, 2% y 0.3% de la IDA respectivamente. Los consumos máximos reportados tampoco superan la IDA. Hay una mayor proporción de mujeres consumidoras de ENC. La proporción de consumidores de ENC aumenta con la edad. Las regiones noreste y sur presentan el menor porcentaje de consumidores de ENC. Las bebidas constituyen la principal fuente de ENC, seguidas por los edulcorantes de mesa. La contribución de los alimentos al consumo de ENC es despreciable. Discusión: En Argentina existe un buen margen de seguridad para la reformulación de productos azucarados tendiente a disminuir el exceso de calorías y el consumo de azúcares añadidos.

Consumo de edulcorantes no calóricos en la población adulta de Argentina / Non-caloric sweeteners consumption in the adult population of Argentina

Resumen Introducción: Los edulcorantes no calóricos (ENC) se utilizan para sustituir azúcares en alimentos y bebidas. Para que este reemplazo sea beneficioso para la salud, la ingesta de cada ENC no de bería superar su ingesta diaria admisible (IDA). El objetivo principal de este estudio es determinar el consumo de aspartamo, acesulfame-K, sucralosa y sacarina en la población argentina de 15 a 65 años y evaluar este consumo en relación con la IDA. Otros objetivos son estratificar el consumo en función de distintas variables sociodemográficas y determinar las principales fuentes de ENC consumidas por la población argentina. Métodos: La muestra fue de 1266 individuos (población urbana 15-65 años), estratificada por región, edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. Los datos de ingesta fueron recolectados con dos recordatorios de 24 horas. Resultados: En Argentina, el consumo promedio de sacarina, aspartamo, acesulfame-K y sucralosa está muy por debajo de su respectiva IDA: 8.4%, 3.2%, 2% y 0.3% de la IDA respectivamente. Los consumos máximos reportados tampoco superan la IDA. Hay una mayor proporción de mujeres consumidoras de ENC. La proporción de consumidores de ENC aumenta con la edad. Las regiones noreste y sur presentan el menor porcentaje de consumidores de ENC. Las bebidas constituyen la principal fuente de ENC, seguidas por los edulcorantes de mesa. La contri bución de los alimentos al consumo de ENC es despreciable. Discusión: En Argentina existe un buen margen de seguridad para la reformulación de productos azucarados tendiente a disminuir el exceso de calorías y el consumo de azúcares añadidos.

Abstract Introduction: Non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) are used to replace added sugars in foods and bev erages. For this replacement to be a health benefit, the intake of each NCS should not exceed its Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The main objective of this study is to determine the consumption of aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, and saccharin in the argentine population aged 15 to 65 years and to evaluate this consumption in relation to the ADI. Other objectives are to stratify the consumption based on different sociodemographic vari ables and to determine the main sources of NCS consumed by the argentine population. Methods: The sample consisted of 1266 individuals (urban population aged 15-65), stratified by region, age, sex, and socioeconomic level. Intake data was collected with two 24-hour recalls. Results: In Argentina, the average consumption of saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K and sucralose is well below their respective ADI: 8.4%, 3.2%, 2% and 0.3% of the ADI, respectively. The maximum reported consumptions do not exceed the ADI either. There is a higher proportion of women who consume NCS. The proportion of NCS consumers increases with age. The Northeast and South regions have the lowest percentage of NCS consumers. Beverages constitute the main source of NCS, followed by tabletop sweeteners. The contribution of food to NCS consumption is negligible. Discussion: In Argentina there is a good safety margin for the reformulation of sugary products aimed at reduc ing the excess calories and added sugars consumed by the population.

Modelo preclínico de obesidad basado en alimentos altamente procesados y de alta palatabilidad / Preclinical model of obesity based on ultra-processed and highly palatable foods

Resumen Introducción: el alarmante incremento de la obesidad en todo el mundo y en Costa Rica responde principalmente a modificaciones en la composición de la dieta habitual de las personas. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo implementar un protocolo de alimentación formulado a partir de alimentos altamente procesados y de alta palatabilidad (APAP) consumidos por la población costarricense para, luego, evaluar sus efectos en la conducta alimentaria y en parámetros biométricos y bioquímicos. Metodología: ratas adultas macho Wistar se asignaron a dos grupos. Al primero se le administró alimento estándar para roedores (grupo DC) y al segundo, alimentos APAP (grupo APAP), durante ocho semanas. Resultados: a lo largo de ese periodo, los animales expuestos a los APAP exhibieron mayor ingesta y energía, caracterizadas por un alto consumo de grasas y uno menor de proteínas y fibra; además, mostraron un incremento significativo en los diversos parámetros de obesidad (e. g., peso corporal y ganancia de peso, índice de Lee y adiposidad central) y niveles descriptivamente superiores de glucosa y triglicéridos en sangre, pero notablemente menores de colesterol total. Conclusiones: los resultados indican que una dieta basada en los alimentos APAP más frecuentes en la población costarricense es capaz de inducir hiperfagia y obesidad. Así, este modelo constituye una herramienta prometedora para ahondar en el estudio de las factores neurobiológicos y metabólicos relacionados con la obesidad por el sobreconsumo de alimentos APAP.

Abstract Introduction. The alarming increase in obesity both worldwide and in Costa Rica is mainly due to changes in the composition of the usual diet of the population. The goal of our research was to implement a feeding protocol formulated from ultra-processed and highly palatable foods (UPHP) consumed by the Costa Rican population and to evaluate the effects of the UPHP diet on eating behavior and biometric and biochemical parameters. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups. One group was given standard rodent chow (DC group) while the other group received UPHP foods (UPHP group) for eight weeks. Results: Throughout this period, animals exposed to the UPHP diet exhibited higher food and energy intake characterized by high consumption of fat and lower consumption of protein and fiber. Animals in the UPHP group also showed a significant increase in obesity parameters (e.g., body weight and bodyweight gain, Lees index, and central adiposity). Furthermore, the UPHP group had descriptively higher levels of blood glucose and triglycerides and significantly lower levels of total cholesterol. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a feeding protocol based on the most frequent food choices of the Costa Rican population is capable of inducing hyperphagia and obesity. This model constitutes a promising tool to delve into the study of the neurobiological and metabolic factors related to obesity induced by overconsumption of UPHP foods.

Fat Intake and Obesity-related Parameters Predict Striatal BDNF Gene Expression and Dopamine Metabolite Levels in Cafeteria Diet-fed Rats.

Modern westernized diet is a major risk factor associated with the current obesity epidemic. To study the effects of dietary choices of Western societies, the cafeteria diet has been validated as a preclinical model of obesity. We aimed to investigate the behavioral and metabolic alterations induced by a cafeteria diet on gene expression and neurotransmitter contents involved in neural plasticity and reward processing. Male Wistar rats were exposed to either standard or cafeteria diet for 9 weeks. Food intake and body weight were scored daily. Behavioral effects were assessed in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field (OFT) tests. Serum biochemical parameters, brain monoamines, and BDNF, TrkB, CRF, CREB, and Dnmt3A mRNA levels were analyzed in reward-related brain regions. We found that cafeteria-diet rats consumed more energy and food than the control group, leading to increased body weight gain and adiposity. The cafeteria-diet rats showed an anxiolytic-like effect in the OFT, but not in the EPM. The cafeteria diet increased BDNF expression in the dorsal striatum (DS), and norepinephrine, 5-HT, TrkB, CREB, and Dnmt3A levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, multiple regression analysis showed that accumbal DOPAC and BDNF mRNA levels were robustly predicted by hyperphagia, fat mass accumulation, and body weight gain only in the cafeteria group. Overall, cafeteria diet-induced hyperphagia could lead to alterations in hedonic and motivational control of food intake through changes in dopamine metabolism and BDNF signaling in the nucleus accumbens and the DS.

[Diet quality and diversity in the urban population of Argentina]. / Calidad y diversidad de la dieta en la población urbana de Argentina.

Following a varied diet is associated with a healthier diet and a greater likelihood of incorporating the necessary micronutrients. The dietary diversity index (DDI) is the indicator that measures this variety, while the diet quality index (DQI) determines how much of this diversity consists of the inclusion of healthy foods. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality and diversity of the diet of the Argentine population by identifying differences by sex, age, socioeconomic level, nutritional status and region. The sample consisted of 1266 subjects of urban population, of both sexes, between 15 and 65 years of age and of all socioeconomic levels. Anthropometric and intake assessment was performed, through 2 24-hour recalls. The DDI was assessed following the guidelines proposed in 2016 by Food and Agriculture Organization and the development of the DQI was performed following the methodology of Imamura y col. The DQI was relatively low, with a score of 63.9%. The DDI was 4.48 out of a maximum of 10, reflecting a poorly varied diet; additionally, only 50% of the population reported a varied diet. These indicators are significantly lower in people with low SEL. The DDI and the percentage of people with a diverse diet was higher in people from the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. This study showed that the quality of the diet in the Argentine population is low and with a limited consumption of the food groups that provide the most micronutrients.

Una dieta variada se asocia a una mayor probabilidad de incorporar micronutrientes esenciales. El índice de diversidad de dieta (IDD) es el indicador que mide esta variedad, mientras que el índice de calidad de dieta (ICD) determina cuánto de esa diversidad refleja la inclusión de alimentos saludables. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la calidad y diversidad de la dieta de la población argentina identificando las diferencias por sexo, edad, nivel socioeconómico, estado nutricional y región. La muestra fue de 1266 sujetos de población urbana, de ambos sexos, entre 15 y 65 años y de todos los NSE. Se realizó una evaluación antropométrica y de la ingesta, a través de 2 recordatorios de 24 horas. El IDD se evaluó siguiendo las guías propuestas en el año 2016 por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura y el desarrollo del ICD se realizó siguiendo la metodología de Imamura y col. El ICD fue relativamente bajo, con un puntaje de 63.9%. El IDD fue de 4.48 de un máximo de 10, lo que refleja una dieta poca variada; adicionalmente, solo el 50% de la población informó una dieta variada. Estos indicadores fueron significativamente menores en las personas con bajo NSE. El IDD y el porcentaje de personas con dieta diversa fue mayor en los habitantes del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Este estudio evidenció que la calidad de la dieta en la población argentina es baja y con un consumo limitado de los grupos de alimentos que más aportan micronutrientes.

A Comparison of Associations Between Self-Reported and Device-Based Sedentary Behavior and Obesity Markers in Adults: A Multi-National Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between self-reported and device-based measures of sedentary behavior (SB) with obesity markers in adults from Latin American countries. Sitting time and total time spent in different SBs were self-reported using two different questionnaires. Accelerometers were used to assess total sedentary time. Body mass index, waist, and neck circumferences were assessed. The highest self-reported sitting time was in Argentina, the highest total time spent in different SBs was in Brazil and Costa Rica, and the highest device-based sedentary time was observed in Peru. Neither self-reported sitting time, total time spent in different SBs or device-based sedentary time were associated with body mass index. Device-based sedentary time was positively associated with waist circumference and self-reported sitting time was positively associated with neck circumference. Caution is warranted when comparing the associations of self-reported and device-based assessments of SB with anthropometric variables.

Alcohol Contribution to Total Energy Intake and Its Association with Nutritional Status and Diet Quality in Eight Latina American Countries.

Alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to characterize alcohol consumers at the nutritional, anthropometric, and sociodemographic levels. Data from 9218 participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela participating in "Latin American Health and Nutrition Study (ELANS)", a multi-country, population-based study, were used. Dietary intake was collected through two, 24 h recalls. Participants were classified into consumers (n = 1073) and non-alcohol consumers (n = 8145) using a cut-off criterium of ≥15 g/day of alcohol consumption calculated from the estimation of their usual daily intake. Among alcohol consumers, the mean alcohol consumption was 69.22 ± 2.18 grams (4.6. beverages/day), contributing to 484.62 kcal, which corresponded to 16.86% of the total energy intake. We found that the risk of alcohol consumption was higher in young and middle-aged men from low and middle socioeconomic status. Argentine, Brazil, and Chile had the highest percentage of consumers, while Ecuador showed the highest alcohol consumption. Alcohol drinkers were characterized by having higher body weight and wider neck, waist, hips circumferences. Alcohol drinkers had a higher energy intake, with macronutrients providing relatively less energy at the expense of the energy derived from alcohol. Alcohol drinkers showed lower and higher consumptions of healthy and unhealthy food groups, respectively. In addition, adequacy ratios for all micronutrients assessed were lower in alcohol consumers. All these deleterious effects of alcohol on nutritional and anthropometric parameters increased with the number of alcoholic beverages consumed daily. Altogether, these findings suggest that limiting alcohol consumption can contribute to reducing the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diet-related diseases.

Socioeconomic Status Impact on Diet Quality and Body Mass Index in Eight Latin American Countries: ELANS Study Results.

Poor health and diet quality are associated with living within a low socioeconomic status (SES). This study aimed to investigate the impact of SES on diet quality and body mass index in Latin America. Data from the "Latin American Health and Nutrition Study (ELANS)", a multi-country, population-based study of 9218 participants, were used. Dietary intake was collected through two 24 h recalls from participants of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Diet quality was assessed using the dietary quality score (DQS), the dietary diversity score (DDS) and the nutrients adequacy ratio (NAR). Chi-squared and multivariate-variance analyses were used to estimate possible associations. We found that participants from the low SES consumed less fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber and fish and seafood and more legumes than those in the high SES. Also, the diet quality level, assessed by DQS, DDS and NAR mean, increased with SES. Women in the low SES also showed a larger prevalence of abdominal obesity and excess weight than those in the middle and high SES. Health policies and behavioral-change strategies should be addressed to reduce the impact of socioeconomic factors on diet quality and body weight, with gender as an additional level of vulnerability.

Consumo de frutas y vegetales en la población urbana costarricense: Resultados del Estudio Latino Americano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS)-Costa Rica / Fruits and vegetables intake among Costa Rican urban population: results from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health: ELANS-Costa Rica

Resumen: Introducción: El consumo suficiente de frutas y vegetales ha sido ampliamente asociado con diversos beneficios para la salud, entre ellos, el actuar como factor protector contra el desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, cáncer y enfermedades mentales. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda un consumo diario de 400 gramos entre frutas y vegetales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo la caracterización del consumo de frutas y vegetales, según variables sociodemográficas en la población costarricense y el cumplimiento de la recomendación de la OMS. Metodología: Los datos se obtuvieron del Estudio Latino Americano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS)-Costa Rica. Se reclutaron 798 sujetos de 15 a 65 años, residentes en zonas urbanas del país, y se evaluó el consumo de alimentos mediante dos recordatorios de 24 horas. El consumo de frutas y vegetales se analizó según el sexo, el grupo de edad y el nivel socioeconómico. Resultados: Se encontró un consumo promedio de frutas y vegetales de 220g/d/p; el cual incrementó con la edad (p=0.035 entre el grupo de 15 a 19 años y el grupo de 50 a 65 años) y con el nivel socioeconómico (p=0.004 entre el NSE bajo y medio). Sin asociación con el sexo y al nivel educativo (p>0.05). Solamente el 12.0 % de la población urbana costarricense cumple con la recomendación de la OMS. Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos ponen en evidencia la necesidad de la implementación de programas e intervenciones adaptados a las características y preferencias de la población costarricense para la promoción del aumento en el consumo de frutas y vegetales. Es necesario extender estos estudios a la población rural de Costa Rica, pues el consumo y los factores asociados a este, podría ser diferente entre regiones.

Abstract: Introduction: Consumption of fruit and vegetables has been widely associated with different health benefits such as protection against non-transmissible chronic diseases, cancer and mental disorders. Due to these benefits, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends daily consumption of 400 grams of fruit and vegetables. This study is aimed at characterize fruit and vegetable consumption according to socioeconomic variables, among the Costa Rican population and the degree to which this meets the WHO recommended intake. Methods: Data were obtained from the Latin American Nutrition and Health Study (ELANS)-Costa Rica. 798 subjects aged 15-65 years, living in urban areas were interviewed and their food consumption assessed by two 24-hour Recalls. Fruit and vegetable consumption were analyzed by gender, age group and socioeconomic status. Results: Average daily consumption of fruit and vegetables was 220g/p/d and increased with age (p=0.035 between with 15-19 and 50-65 years old) and socioeconomic status (p=0.004 between low and middle). No association was found with gender or education level (p>0.05). Only 12.0 % of the urban Costa Rican population met the WHO recommendation. Conclusions: The results provide evidence for the need for programs and interventions adapted to the characteristics and preferences of the Costa Rican population, to promote an increase of the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Similar studies are needed in the rural areas of Costa Rica as food habits and factors associated with them may differ

Dietary Diversity and Micronutrients Adequacy in Women of Childbearing Age: Results from ELANS Study.

Dietary diversity, an important component of diet quality, is associated with an increased probability of adequate micronutrient intake. Women of childbearing age (WCA) are particularly vulnerable to micronutrient inadequacy. The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) has been used widely as a proxy measurement of micronutrient adequacy. This study aimed to assess the association between MDD-W and nutrients adequacy among WCA of eight Latin American countries. Nutrient intakes from 3704 WCA were analyzed with two 24-hour dietary recalls. Dietary diversity was calculated based on ten food groups with a cut-off point of intake ≥5 groups. The mean dietary diversity score was 4.72 points, and 57.7% of WCA achieved MDD-W. Vitamin D and E showed a mean Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) of 0.03 and 0.38, respectively. WCA with a diverse diet (MDD-W > 5) reported a significantly higher intake of most micronutrients and healthy food groups with less consumption of red and processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages. MDD-W was significantly associated with the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of 18 micronutrients evaluated. Nevertheless, even those women with a diverse diet fell short of meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for vitamins D and E. MDD-W is an appropriate tool to evaluate micronutrients adequacy in WCA from Latin America, showing that women who achieved the MDD-W reported higher adequacy ratios for most micronutrients and an overall healthier diet.

Perfil antropométrico y prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la población urbana de Costa Rica entre los 20 y 65 años agrupados por sexo: resultados del Estudio Latino Americano de Nutrición y Salud / Anthropometric profile and prevalence of overweight and obesity in Costa Rican urban population (aged 20-65 years old) by sex group: results from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health

INTRODUCCIÓN: la obesidad es una enfermedad que afecta en gran medida a la región de las Américas. Esta condición implica un aumento de la morbimortalidad y el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas, como las enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes tipo 2 y algunos tipos de cáncer. La prevalencia de exceso de peso en Costa Rica fue del 59,7 % y del 77,3 % en mujeres de 20 a 44 años y de 45 a 65 años, respectivamente, y del 62,4 % en hombres de 20-65 años en el periodo 2008-2009; sin embargo, se desconoce cómo ha evolucionado esta condición en la última década. OBJETIVO: describir el perfil antropométrico y la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la población urbana costarricense según características sociodemográficas y nivel de actividad física. MÉTODOS: entre noviembre de 2014 y mayo de 2015 se seleccionó una muestra representativa de la población urbana, conformada por 677 personas entre 20 y 65 años de edad. Se realizaron mediciones de talla, peso, circunferencia de cintura y cuello y se determinó la prevalencia de obesidad y la obesidad abdominal y cervical, según los puntos de corte establecidos para los respectivos indicadores. RESULTADOS: se encontró una prevalencia de exceso de peso (sobrepeso y obesidad) del 68,5 % en la población urbana costarricense, mayor en las mujeres que en los hombres (73,8 %), y en las personas mayores de 35 años (82,2 %). Además, el 70,3 % de la población presentó obesidad abdominal y el 46,8 % presentó una circunferencia de cuello aumentada. CONCLUSIONES: en Costa Rica, la prevalencia de obesidad encontrada es notablemente superior respecto a otras regiones del mundo y se ha incrementado en relación a la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición 2008-2009, por lo que su abordaje se hace prioritario con el fin de prevenir la incidencia y prevalencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares y metabólicas y así disminuir su impacto, tanto para la salud del individuo como en los costes implicados en su atención

INTRODUCTION: obesity is a disease that greatly affects the region of the Americas. This condition implies an increase risk of developing serious health outcomes such as cardiometabolic disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. The prevalence of excess weight in Costa Rica was 59.7 % and 77.3 % in women aged 20 to 44 years old and 45 to 65 years old respectively, and 62,4 % in men aged 20-65 years old, in the period of 2008-2009, however, it is unknown how this condition was evolved. OBJECTIVE: to describe the anthropometric profile and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Costa Rican urban population according to sociodemographic characteristics and level of physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a representative sample of the urban population was selected between November 2014 and May 2015, comprising 677 people between 20 and 65 years old. Measures of height, weight, and waist and neck circumference were measured and the prevalence of obesity, abdominal and cervical obesity was determined, according to the cut-off points established for each indicator. RESULTS: the prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) was 68.5 % among urban Costa Rican population, being higher for women (73.8 %), and for those participants over 35 years old (82.2 %). A 70.3 % of the population presented abdominal obesity and 46,8 % cervical obesity. CONCLUSIONS: in Costa Rica, the prevalence of obesity found is high compared to other regions of the world and has increased in relation to the National Nutrition Survey 2008-2009. The approach to obesity must be prioritized in order to prevent the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and thus reduce the impact of these diseases on the health of the individual and the economic costs of health care

[Anthropometric profile and prevalence of overweight and obesity in Costa Rican urban population (aged 20-65 years old) by sex group: results from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health]. / Perfil antropométrico y prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la población urbana de Costa Rica entre los 20 y 65 años agrupados por sexo: resultados del Estudio Latino Americano de Nutrición y Salud.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: obesity is a disease that greatly affects the region of the Americas. This condition implies an increase the risk of the developing serious health outcomes such as cardiometabolic disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. The prevalence of excess weight in Costa Rica was 59.7 % and 77.3 % in women aged 20 to 44 years old and 45 to 65 years old respectively, and 62,4 % in men aged 20-65 years old, in the period of 2008-2009, however, it is unknown how this condition was evolved. Objective: to describe the anthropometric profile and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Costa Rican urban population according to sociodemographic characteristics and level of physical activity. Materials and methods: a representative sample of the urban population was selected between November 2014 and May 2015, comprising 677 people between 20 and 65 years old. Measures of height, weight, and waist and neck circumference were measured and the prevalence of obesity, abdominal and cervical obesity was determined, according to the cut-off points established for each indicator. Results: the prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) was 68.5 % among urban Costa Rican population, being higher for women (73.8 %), and for those participants over 35 years old (82.2 %). A 70.3 % of the population presented abdominal obesity and 46,8 % cervical obesity. Conclusions: in Costa Rica, the prevalence of obesity found is high compared to other regions of the world and has increased in relation to the National Nutrition Survey 2008-2009. The approach to obesity must be prioritized in order to prevent the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and thus reduce the impact of these diseases on the health of the individual and the economic costs of health care.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la obesidad es una enfermedad que afecta en gran medida a la región de las Américas. Esta condición implica un aumento de la morbimortalidad y el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas, como las enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes tipo 2 y algunos tipos de cáncer. La prevalencia de exceso de peso en Costa Rica fue del 59,7 % y del 77,3 % en mujeres de 20 a 44 años y de 45 a 65 años, respectivamente, y del 62,4 % en hombres de 20-65 años en el periodo 2008-2009; se desconoce cómo ha evolucionado esta condición en la última década. Objetivo: describir el perfil antropométrico y prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en población urbana costarricense según características sociodemográficas y nivel de actividad física. Métodos: entre noviembre 2014 y mayo 2015 se seleccionó una muestra representativa de la población urbana, conformada por 677 personas entre 20 y 65 años. Se realizaron mediciones de talla, peso, circunferencia de cintura y cuello y se determinó la prevalencia de obesidad y la obesidad abdominal y cervical, según los puntos de corte establecidos. Resultados: se encontró una prevalencia de exceso de peso (sobrepeso y obesidad) del 68,5 % en la población urbana costarricense, mayor en mujeres que en hombres (73,8 %), y en personas mayores de 35 años (82,2 %). Además, el 70,3 % de la población presentó obesidad abdominal y el 46,8 % presentó circunferencia de cuello aumentada. Conclusiones: en Costa Rica, la prevalencia de obesidad encontrada es notablemente superior respecto a otras regiones del mundo y se ha incrementado en relación a la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición 2008-2009, por lo que su abordaje se hace prioritario con el fin de prevenir la incidencia y prevalencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares y metabólicas y disminuir su impacto, tanto para la salud del individuo como en los costes implicados en su atención.

Prevalencia de ingesta inadecuada de micronutrientes en la población urbana de Costa Rica / Micronutrients inadequacy in urban population of Costa Rica

La inadecuación de micronutrientes es frecuente en los países en vías de desarrollo. En Costa Rica existe poca información acerca de la ingesta de micronutrientes y del impacto de los programas de fortificación obligatoria de alimentos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ingesta de vitaminas y minerales y el aporte de la fortificación de alimentos a la ingesta total de micronutrientes en la población urbana costarricense. Se analizó el consumo de alimentos en una muestra de la población urbana costarricense, participantes del Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS). El riesgo de ingesta inadecuada se estimó según sexo y grupo de edad, utilizando el método de punto de corte del Requerimiento Medio Estimado (EAR). Para el hierro, se utilizó el método de aproximación probabilística. Más del 85% de la muestra presentó riesgo de ingesta inadecuada para vitamina E, calcio y vitamina D. Una menor prevalencia de riesgo de ingesta inadecuada se presentó para la niacina, tiamina, folatos, hierro y selenio. La fortificación de alimentos tiene un efecto notorio en la ingesta de micronutrientes, especialmente de hierro, niacina, tiamina y folatos. La ingesta de calcio, vitamina D y vitamina E es preocupantemente inadecuada, siendo las mujeres y las personas mayores de 50 años los grupos más afectados. Resulta fundamental el establecimiento de programas y políticas públicas para asegurar el cumplimiento del requerimiento establecido para los diferentes micronutrientes(AU)

Micronutrient deficiencies are still very common in developing countries. In Costa Rica there is little information on micronutrients intake and the impact of food fortification.This study aimed to determine the contribution of food fortification to the total intake, and to estimate the risk of inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals in an urban Costa Rican population. As a part of the Latin American Nutrition and Health Study, we analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 798 urban residents from Costa Rica (15-65 years old) whom provided two 24-h dietary recalls. The prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake was estimated according to the EAR cut-point method. Iron was analyze using the probability approach. We observed a 100% of the sample are at risk of inadequate intake of vitamin D, and similar percentages were obtained for calcium and vitamin E, ranging from 92.9 to 100% and 85.5 to 99.2% respectively. A lower risk of inadequate intake was observed for niacin, thiamin, folate, iron and selenium. Food fortificationmakes an important contribution to folate, thiamin, iron and niacin intake. Despite the efforts that have been made to ensure adequate micronutrient intake in Costa Rica, the intake of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E is still very low, especially among women and people over 50 are the most affected. Based on the above, it is recommended to promote a healthy diet through nutritional education as part of public health policies, in order to facilitates compliance to nutritional requirement(AU)

Consumo de azúcar añadido en la población urbana costarricense: estudio latinoamericano de nutrición y salud ELANS-Costa Rica / Added sugar intake in a Costa Rican urban population: Latin American nutrition and health study ELANS-Costa Rica

Resumen Objetivo : El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el consumo de azúcares añadidos por la población urbana costarricense y los factores asociados a este. Método: Estudio transversal donde se analizan los datos de 798 participantes del Estudio ELANS-Costa Rica, que constituyen una muestra representativa de la población urbana costarricense, (con edades entre 15 y 65 años). Para conocer el consumo de azúcares añadidos, se realizan dos recordatorios de 24 horas, en días no consecutivos. Se recolectan variables sociodemográficas, cantidad, lugar y momento del consumo. Resultados: El consumo de azúcares añadidos representa el 14,7% de la energía consumida por la población urbana costarricense, siendo este porcentaje mayor en las mujeres y en las personas más jóvenes. La mayor cantidad de azúcares añadidos se consume en el hogar y durante las meriendas. Las bebidas azucaradas constituyen la principal fuente de azúcares añadidos en la dieta costarricense, y las bebidas gaseosas son la fuente más importante en el quintil de mayor consumo. Conclusión: La ingesta de energía obtenida de los azúcares añadidos supera la recomendación máxima establecida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, por lo tanto, es necesario establecer políticas públicas dirigidas a reducir su consumo y a la modificación de conductas asociadas a la preparación e ingesta de alimentos fuente de azúcares añadidos.

Abstract Aim: High consumption of added sugars has been associated with a greater risk of chronic diseases, appearance of caries and weight gain, which implies a lower quality of life for the population and an increase in costs for the health system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake of added sugar and its related factors in urban Costa Rican population. Methods : This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a representative sample of the Costa Rican urban population (798 participants aged between 15 and 65 years). To determine the consumption of added sugars, two 24 hours recalls were conducted, in non-consecutive days. Sociodemographic variables, quantity of food consumed, place and time of consumption were collected. Results: The consumption of added sugars represents 14.7% of total energy intake for the Costa Rican urban population. This consumption is higher among women and younger people. The greater amount of added sugars was consumed in the home and during snacks. Sugar-sweetened beverages were the main source of this added sugar in the Costa Rican diet and soft drinks were the most important source in the highest consumption quintile. Conclusions: The intake of energy obtained from the added sugars exceeds the máximum recommendation established by the World Health Organization, therefore it is necessary to establish public policies aimed at reducing consumption and modifying behaviors associated with the preparation and intake of food source of added sugars.