Dietary patterns and biochemical markers related to diabetes mellitus: an association analysis based on data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (ERICA).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and biochemical markers related to diabetes mellitus (DM): glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index from 35 454 Brazilian adolescents 12 to 17 y of age. METHODS: Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis by the principal components method. The data originated from the school-based study ERICA (Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents) carried out between 2013 and 2014. Linear regression models analyzed the associations. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns were found: traditional Brazilian, bread and coffee, and Western. An inverse association was found in young girls between the traditional Brazilian pattern and fasting glucose (ß = -0.76; P = 0.005) and HbA1c in the second and third tertiles (ß = -0.04; P = 0.002; ß = -0 .06; P < 0.001), and the Western pattern with HbA1c (ß = -0.02; P = 0.035). In boys, a positive association was found between the second tertile of the dietary pattern and insulin (ß = 0.48; P = 0.009) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (ß = 0.11; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the traditional Brazilian pattern was inversely associated with blood glucose and HbA1c values in girls. Furthermore, the data suggest that there is an important difference between boys and girls in the association of dietary patterns and the markers used.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids food intake and metabolic syndrome in adolescents 12 to 17 years old: A school-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fatty acids (FAs) of the omega-3 and omega-6 family are considered essential, and adequate intake seems to be associated with lower risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases. The objective was to evaluate the association of omega-3 and omega-6 FAs dietary intake with the prevalence of MS and its components waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and High Density Lipoprotein - cholesterol (HDL-c) in Brazilian adolescents aged 12-17 years. METHODS: This is a school-based cross-sectional investigation, using data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), carried out between 2013 and 2014. The following variables were collected and assessed: 1) sociodemographic (sex, age, type of school, school location whether urban or rural and region of the country); 2) food consumption was measured through a 24-h Food Recall (24 hR), and a second 24 hR was applied to 7% of the total sample; 3) anthropometrics (weight, height, WC), BP and biochemical (glycemia, triglycerides and HDL-c) were also assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed according to gender and age group. RESULTS: A total of 36,751 adolescents participated in the study. The intake of omega-3 FAs in the total population was 1.71 g/day and of omega-6 FAs, 13.56 g/day, with an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 7.93:1. It was found that higher intake of omega-3 FAs was associated with an 53% lower chance of low HDL-c. For omega-6 FAs, no significant results were found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated an association between omega-3 FAs and HDL-c. More studies are needed to elucidate the effects of omega-6 FAs.

Association between dietary patterns and biomarkers in connection with diabetes mellitus in adolescents: A systematic review.

AIMS: To perform a systematic review to investigate the association between adolescents' a posteriori dietary patterns with diabetes-related biomarkers (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulinemia, glycated hemoglobin and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR)). DATA SYNTHESIS: Review registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42020185369. Studies with adolescents aged 10-19 years that identified dietary patterns by a posteriori methods were included. The databases used included: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Food Science and Technology Abstracts, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Lilacs/BVS, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ProQuest Dissertations&Theses Global and Capes Theses Bank and Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. Risk of bias was assessed via the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool. Eight cross-sectional studies that evaluated 6438 adolescents (55.5% females) were included. For fasting blood glucose, the results were inconsistent and some studies found no association for the dietary patterns called traditional (57%), Western (42%) and healthy (28%). For the fasting insulinemia and HOMA-IR outcomes, the Western dietary pattern showed a positive association or higher means in 60% and 50% of the studies, respectively. No studies that evaluated glycated hemoglobin were found. CONCLUSION: Fasting insulinemia and HOMA-IR outcomes were positively associated with the Western dietary patterns. The studies reviewed did not present consistent evidence of an association with western, healthy and traditional dietary patterns with fasting blood glucose, as the results were conflicting or did not show statistical significance.

Scientific evidence of the association between oral intake of OMEGA-3 and OMEGA-6 fatty acids and the metabolic syndrome in adolescents: A systematic review.

AIMS: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the scientific evidence of the oral intake of omega-3 and omega-6 FAs and metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents. DATA SYNTHESIS: The study was registered in PROSPERO (number 42020185370). Studies were carried out with adolescents aged 10-19 years, who presented as intervention/exposure the oral intake of omega-3 and/or omega-6 fatty acids (FAs), in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CENTRAL, and PQDT Global e BDTD. The tools used to assess the risk of bias were RoB 2.0, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Fifteen papers retrieved published from 2010 to 2019 were included (n = 3534); nine were randomized studies and controlled clinical trials, four were cross-sectional studies, one was a retrospective cohort study, and one case-control study. No studies have evaluated the effect or association of omega-3 and/or of omega-6 FAs with actual MS, only with its components. The randomized clinical trials identified the effects of omega-3 FA on the decrease in blood pressure (n = 1 out of six), glycemia (n = 2 out of seven), and triglycerides (n = 5 out of eight), and the increase in HDL-c (n = 2 out of eight) considering the comparison between the group that received omega-3 FA and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Scientific evidence is controversial on the association between oral intake of omega-3 FAs and MS in adolescents, due to the heterogeneity between studies and the divergence of results for the same MS component.

Selenium intake is not associated with the metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adolescents: an analysis of the Study of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents.

Se reduces cellular inflammation and lipid peroxides; therefore, its association with CVD and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been studied. We aimed to investigate the association between Se intake and the MetS and its parameters (high waist circumference, hyperglycaemia, high blood pressure, high TAG and low HDL-cholesterol) in Brazilian adolescents between 12 and 17 years old. This research is part of the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), a Brazilian nationwide school-based study with regional and national relevance. We assessed: (1) socio-demographic data (sex, age, type of school and maternal education) using a self-administered questionnaire; (2) dietary intake using a 24-h recall applied for the whole sample and a second one applied to a subsample to allow within-person variability adjustment; (3) anthropometric data (weight, height, waist circumference) and blood pressure using standardised procedures; and (4) biochemical analyses (fasting glucose, TAG and HDL-cholesterol). Logistic regression was applied, basing the analysis on a theoretical model. Median Se intake was 98·3 µg/d. Hypertension and hyperglycaemia were more prevalent among boys, while a high waist circumference was more frequent in girls, and low HDL-cholesterol levels were higher among private school students. The prevalence of the MetS was 2·6 %. No association between the MetS and its parameters and Se intake was found. This lack of association could be due to an adequate Se intake in the studied population.

Contribution of ultra-processed food to the nutritional dietary profile of young children school feeding / Contribuição de alimentos ultraprocessados para o perfil nutricional da alimentação escolar em creches

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the contribution of ultra-processed food to the nutritional dietary profile of school feeding in public child day-care centers. Methods Cross-sectional study carried out from June-November/2013. Samples from six daily meals were collected in twenty non-consecutive days. A total of 117 school meals (123 food items) were offered to children from 12-36 months of age. The served portions were determined by direct weighting. Physicochemical analyses were performed to establish the nutritional composition. School meals were classified according to the processing degree: (A) unprocessed/minimally processed/culinary preparations, (B) processed food, or (C) ultra-processed food. The contribution of each group to the quantity of energy, macronutrients and sodium was calculated. Student's t test was applied for comparison between groups. Results Ultra-processed meals contributed to 45.8% of energy, 33.9% of lipids, 42.8% of proteins, 48.9% of carbohydrates, and 20.9% of sodium. All lunches and 90% of dinners were classified as unprocessed/minimally processed/culinary preparations. 39.0% of the meals were ultra-processed (mainly breakfast and snacks). Ultra-processed meals had a greater quantity of energy (p=0.026) and carbohydrates (p<0.001) per serving, while unprocessed/minimally processed/culinary preparations offered more sodium per serving (p<0.001). Conclusion Although most meals were classified as unprocessed/minimally processed/culinary preparations, ultra-processed food, which should be avoided at this stage of life, are offered daily, contributing with higher energy and carbohydrates offer per serving. The municipality need to improve the quality of the meals offered to children in these child day-care centers, observing the new Resolution nº 6/2020 that came into effect in 2021.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a contribuição de alimentos ultraprocessados no perfil nutricional da alimentação escolar ofertada em Centros Municipais de Educação Infantil. Métodos Estudo seccional conduzido entre junho e novembro/2013. Amostras das seis refeições diárias foram coletadas durante 20 dias não consecutivos. Cento e dezessete refeições (123 itens alimentares) foram ofertadas a crianças de 12 a 36 meses. O tamanho das porções foi determinado por pesagem direta e a composição nutricional, por análises físico-químicas. As refeições escolares foram classificadas de acordo com o grau de processamento: (A) in natura/minimamente processados/preparações culinárias; (B) processados; (C) ultraprocessados. Foi calculada a contribuição de cada grupo para energia, macronutrientes e sódio. O Teste t foi utilizado para comparação entre os grupos. Resultados As refeições ultraprocessadas contribuíram com 45,8% de energia, 33,9% de lipídios, 42,8% de proteínas, 48,9% dos carboidratos e 20,9% do sódio ofertados. Todos os almoços e 90% dos jantares foram classificados como in natura/minimamente processados/preparações culinárias. 39,0% das refeições foram classificadas como ultraprocessadas (principalmente café da manhã e lanches). Refeições ultraprocessadas ofereceram maior quantidade de energia (p=0,026) e carboidratos (p<0,001) por porção, enquanto refeições in natura/minimamente processados/preparações culinárias forneceram mais sódio por porção (p<0,001). Conclusão Apesar da predominância de refeições in natura/minimamente processados/preparações culinárias, os alimentos ultraprocessados - que deveriam ser evitados nessa fase da vida, são ofertados diariamente, contribuindo com maior quantidade de energia e carboidratos por porção. É necessário que o município reavalie as refeições ofertadas às crianças nesses Centros de Educação Infantil, seguindo as recomendações atuais da Resolução nº 6/2020, que entrou em vigor em 2021.

DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and overweight/obesity in adolescents: The ERICA study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Childhood and adolescent obesity is one of the most important issues in the global health of the population and has been increasing dramatically in recent decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between overweight/obesity and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet score in a representative sample of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), a national school-based survey, were used. A total of 71,553 adolescents (12-17 years old), of both sexes, participated in the study; they had their anthropometric measurements taken and responded to a 24-h dietary recall. Eight food components of the DASH score were evaluated. 1) fruits (except fruit juices), 2) vegetables (except potatoes and beans), 3) pulses/nuts, 4) whole grains, 5) low-fat and diet/light dairy products, 6) sodium, 7) red and processed meats, and 8) sugary drinks and fruit juices. A higher score was indicative of greater accordance with the DASH diet, with a final score ranging from eight to 40 points. The association between overweight/obesity and the DASH score was assessed using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The highest prevalence of overweight/obesity was observed among boys aged 12-14 years (28.2%), white (27.7%), enrolled in private schools (32.4%) and among those who practiced ≥300 min physical activity/week (26.1%). The food groups most frequently consumed were sugary drinks, pulses and nuts, and red and processed meats. No association was found between overweight/obesity and the DASH diet score in Brazilian adolescents, in the adjusted analysis models. CONCLUSIONS: Low consumption of foods considered protective and high consumption of health-risk foods, even among adolescents with greater accordance with the DASH diet, may have contributed to these findings. Public health measures are needed to prevent/reduce the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescence, as it is a risk for overweight/obesity in adulthood as well as other complications, leading to loss of quality of life for the individual and increased health spending.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BREASTFEEDING AND OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY IN SCHOOLCHILDREN AGED 7-14 YEARS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding (BF) and the association between occurrence/duration of BF and overweight/obesity in schoolchildren aged 7-14 years. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2012-2013, on schoolchildren aged 7-14 years from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. Weight and height were measured according to procedures of the World Health Organization. Breastfeeding and sociodemographic data were obtained from a questionnaire responded by parents/guardians. BF was categorized as a dichotomous variable (yes/no) and according to duration (months). Nutritional status was evaluated according to the Z score of the body mass index per age for sex and it was categorized into two groups: normal weight (

Association between breastfeeding and overweight/obesity in schoolchildren aged 7-14 years / Associação entre aleitamento materno e sobrepeso/obesidade em escolares de 7-14 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding (BF) and the association between occurrence/duration of BF and overweight/obesity in schoolchildren aged 7-14 years. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2012-2013, on schoolchildren aged 7-14 years from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil. Weight and height were measured according to procedures of the World Health Organization. Breastfeeding and sociodemographic data were obtained from a questionnaire responded by parents/guardians. BF was categorized as a dichotomous variable (yes/no) and according to duration (months). Nutritional status was evaluated according to the Z score of the body mass index per age for sex and it was categorized into two groups: normal weight (<Z score+1) and overweight/obesity (≥Z score+1). The adjusted analysis was performed by logistic regression in two age strata (age groups of 7-10 and 11-14 years). Results: 6.6% of schoolchildren had never breastfed; 16.8% had been breastfed for ≤3 months; 16.7%, for 4-6 months; and 59.9%, for ≥7 months. No statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence and duration of BF between the age groups. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 34.2%. For age groups (7-10 and 11-14 years), the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 36.7% and 29.8%, respectively. Chance of overweight/obesity for the age group of 7-10 years was lower among schoolchildren who were breastfed (OR=0.54; 95%CI 0.33-0.88), when compared with those who never breastfed. When categorized, the chance of overweight/obesity in the age group of 7-10 years was lower for duration of BF ≤3 months (OR=0.41; 95%CI 0.20-0.83), and 4-6 months (OR=0.48; 95%CI 0.28-0.82) when compared with children who never breastfed. Conclusions: BF for at least six months was associated with a lower chance of overweight/obesity for schoolchildren aged 7-10 years. No association was found for schoolchildren aged 11-14 years.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar prevalência e duração de aleitamento materno (AM) e sua associação com sobrepeso/obesidade em escolares de 7-14 anos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado em 2012-2013, com escolares de 7-14 anos de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Peso e altura foram mensurados segundo preconizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Dados sociodemográficos e sobre AM foram obtidos por questionários enviados aos responsáveis/cuidadores. A variável amamentação foi analisada como dicotômica (sim/não) e por duração (em meses). O perfil antropométrico foi avaliado por escore Z do índice de massa corporal (IMC) para a idade, segundo sexo, categorizado em: normal (<escore Z+1) e sobrepreso/obesidade (≥escore Z+1). Análises ajustadas foram realizadas (regressão logística) em dois estratos etários (7-10 e 11-14 anos). Resultados: 6,6% dos escolares nunca tinham sido amamentados, 16,8% foram amamentados por ≤3 meses, 16,7% por 4-6 meses e 59,9% por ≥7 meses. Não houve diferença estatística de ocorrência/duração de AM entre os grupos etários. A prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade foi 34,2%. Nos grupos etários (7-10 e 11-14 anos), a prevalência foi 36,7% e 29,8%, respectivamente. A chance de sobrepeso/obesidade nos escolares de 7-10 anos foi menor entre aqueles que tinham sido amamentados (OR=0,54; IC95% 0,33-0,88), comparando com os nunca amamentados. Quando categorizada, a chance de ter sobrepeso/obesidade nos escolares de 7-10 anos foi menor quando a duração do AM foi ≤3 meses (OR=0,41; IC95% 0,20-0,83) e 4-6 meses (OR=0,48; IC95% 0,28-0,82), em comparação à ausência de AM. Conclusões: AM por pelo menos seis meses foi associado com menor chance de sobrepeso/obesidade para escolares de 7-10 anos. Não foi observada associação para o grupo 11-14 anos.

[A dietary approach to control hypertension: reflections on adherence to and possible impacts on public health]. / Abordagem dietética para controle da hipertensão: reflexões sobre adesão e possíveis impactos para a saúde coletiva.

The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet is considered a healthy eating standard and has been recommended for the control of arterial hypertension. The scope of this article was to review the scientific literature regarding the DASH diet and to verify the adherence to this food standard by the Brazilian population. An integrative review of the literature in the Medline/PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases was conducted in English and Portuguese. The literature on the DASH diet is extensive. However, only four studies showing adherence to the DASH diet by the Brazilian population were found. Findings from this review show that the DASH diet represents a potentially accessible and applicable intervention, which could improve the health of the population. The studies differed in the methods of evaluation. The low adherence to the diet in the Brazilian population reveals the need for nutritional actions to deal with hypertension. Innovative strategies are called for to determine how best to minimize the barriers to dissemination and greater adherence to this healthy food standard. Food plans and flexible, non-restrictive, compatible guidelines with clear objectives directed towards gradual changes with frequent monitoring by a multiprofessional health team, are suggested.

A dieta DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) é considerada um padrão alimentar saudável, sendo preconizada para o controle da hipertensão arterial. O objetivo do artigo foi revisar a literatura sobre a dieta DASH e verificar sua adesão pela população brasileira. Realizou-se revisão integrativa nas bases Medline/PubMed, SciELO e LILACS, nos idiomas inglês e português. A literatura sobre dieta DASH é extensa, entretanto quatro estudos mostrando a adesão pela população brasileira foram encontrados. A dieta DASH representa uma intervenção potencialmente acessível e aplicável que poderia melhorar a saúde da população. Os estudos diferiram entre si nos métodos de avaliação utilizados e a baixa adesão evidencia a necessidade de implementação de ações no âmbito da atenção nutricional ao hipertenso. Estratégias inovadoras serão necessárias para determinar a melhor forma de minimizar as barreiras para disseminação e adesão a esse padrão alimentar saudável. Sugere-se planos alimentares e orientações flexíveis, pouco restritivas, compatíveis, com objetivos claros, direcionados para mudanças graduais, com monitoramento frequente de equipe multiprofissional de saúde.

Abordagem dietética para controle da hipertensão: reflexões sobre adesão e possíveis impactos para a saúde coletiva / A dietary approach to control hypertension: reflections on adherence to and possible impacts on public health

Resumo A dieta DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) é considerada um padrão alimentar saudável, sendo preconizada para o controle da hipertensão arterial. O objetivo do artigo foi revisar a literatura sobre a dieta DASH e verificar sua adesão pela população brasileira. Realizou-se revisão integrativa nas bases Medline/PubMed, SciELO e LILACS, nos idiomas inglês e português. A literatura sobre dieta DASH é extensa, entretanto quatro estudos mostrando a adesão pela população brasileira foram encontrados. A dieta DASH representa uma intervenção potencialmente acessível e aplicável que poderia melhorar a saúde da população. Os estudos diferiram entre si nos métodos de avaliação utilizados e a baixa adesão evidencia a necessidade de implementação de ações no âmbito da atenção nutricional ao hipertenso. Estratégias inovadoras serão necessárias para determinar a melhor forma de minimizar as barreiras para disseminação e adesão a esse padrão alimentar saudável. Sugere-se planos alimentares e orientações flexíveis, pouco restritivas, compatíveis, com objetivos claros, direcionados para mudanças graduais, com monitoramento frequente de equipe multiprofissional de saúde.

Abstract The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet is considered a healthy eating standard and has been recommended for the control of arterial hypertension. The scope of this article was to review the scientific literature regarding the DASH diet and to verify the adherence to this food standard by the Brazilian population. An integrative review of the literature in the Medline/PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases was conducted in English and Portuguese. The literature on the DASH diet is extensive. However, only four studies showing adherence to the DASH diet by the Brazilian population were found. Findings from this review show that the DASH diet represents a potentially accessible and applicable intervention, which could improve the health of the population. The studies differed in the methods of evaluation. The low adherence to the diet in the Brazilian population reveals the need for nutritional actions to deal with hypertension. Innovative strategies are called for to determine how best to minimize the barriers to dissemination and greater adherence to this healthy food standard. Food plans and flexible, non-restrictive, compatible guidelines with clear objectives directed towards gradual changes with frequent monitoring by a multiprofessional health team, are suggested.

Association between DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and hypertension in adolescents: A cross-sectional school-based study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is considered a healthy dietary pattern, and is recommended for the control of arterial hypertension (AH). However, its role in the adolescent population needs to be better investigated and clarified. The aim of this study is to identify the association between AH and the DASH diet score in a representative sample of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using data from a national, multicenter and schoolbased probabilistic sample of 71,553 Brazilian adolescents who had their blood pressure (BP) measured and completed a 24-hour dietary recall (2013-2014). The components of the DASH score were assessed. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between AH, anthropometric and sociodemographic variables, and the tertile of the DASH score. RESULTS: Approximately 11% of the adolescents who were in the 3rd tertile of the DASH score presented AH, 18% were overweight and 9% were obese. Among the components of the score, the highest intake was sugar-sweetened beverages (92.1%), legumes and oilseeds (68.2%), red and processed meat (64.5%) and the lowest were low-fat dairy (2.2%), whole grains (11.6%) and fruits (18.1%). Sodium intake was above the maximum recommended in all tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: A small proportion of Brazilian adolescents consume foods from the DASH diet. No associations were found between this dietary pattern and AH. Strategies to increase the intake of protective foods in adolescents must be investigated as well as the potential health benefits of the standard DASH diet for this age group over time.

Usual intake and dietary sources of Selenium in adolescents: A cross-sectional school-based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Selenium is a mineral that constitutes selenoproteins and, therefore, has been studied, especially in cardiovascular diseases. Some risk factors for the development of these diseases, such as obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia, have been observed early in life, including in childhood and adolescence, and food and nutrient intake is an important associated factor for their development. The aim of this study was to assess usual intake of selenium (Se) and dietary inadequacies regarding the consumption of this mineral, and to identify the main dietary sources of Se among 12-17 year-old Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Data from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents, performed countrywide in the years 2013 and 2014, were used to estimate inadequate Se dietary intake. The National Cancer Institute's method was used, considering two days of 24 h dietary recall (24hR). The contribution of each food group to the total intake of Se was determined using a single 24hR, and was defined as a ratio between the total intake of Se and the percentage of Se in each food group, until reaching 95%. Food mentioned by adolescents were categorized into 39 food groups, according to macronutrient similarities. RESULTS: Data from 76,957 adolescents aged from 12-17 years (49.7% girls) from public and private schools were assessed. Selenium intake was according to recommendation levels. Mean Se intake ranged from 84.3 to 105.9 µg among sex and age groups. Considering the whole sample, meat, pasta, poultry, and fish were the food groups that contributed with the greatest amount of Se (representing 57.9% of total Se). Brazil nuts are consumed in bigger quantity only by 14-17 year-old girls, contributing to 1.6% of the Se in their diets. CONCLUSION: Brazilian adolescents have an adequate Se intake because of the high consumption of meat, pasta, and poultry. Although Brazil nuts are the most important dietary source of Se, adolescents consume them in very small amounts, leading to a small contribution in the total intake.

Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic syndrome is a multi-causal disease. Its treatment includes lifestyle changes with a focus on weight loss. This systematic review assessed the association between Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Data were collected mainly from four databases: PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane), Scopus and Web of Knowledge. Keywords related to metabolic syndrome, selenium, as well as metabolic syndrome features were searched. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. A systematic review protocol was registered at PROSPERO (n. 42016046321). Two reviewers independently screened 2957 abstracts. Six studies were included to perform data extraction with standardized spreadsheets. The risk of bias was assessed by using specific tools according to the design of the relevant studies. An assessment was carried out based on the appropriateness of the study reports accordingly to STROBE and the CONSORT-based checklist for each study design. RESULTS: Three studies found no association between Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome; two of them found an inverse association; and one study found a direct association between Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome. One study also showed an inverse association between Selenium intake and the prevalence of high waist circumference, high diastolic blood pressure, and hyperglycaemia in women. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, based on the argumentation and results of this study, it is possible to conclude that Selenium intake and metabolic syndrome are not clearly associated in adults and elderly.

Brazilian postgraduate programs in Food and Nutrition: Considerations on evaluation procedures / A pós-graduação no campo da Alimentação e Nutrição no Brasil: considerações sobre procedimentos de avaliação

ABSTRACT This essay aims to present some considerations on the development of research and teaching skills, intellectual production, and current situation of stricto sensu postgraduate programs in Food and Nutrition, particularly of professional and academic master's and doctoral programs currently classified in the evaluation category Nutrition by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. The elements of evaluation procedures are discussed, as are the scores given to the programs in the most recent Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior report. There was a marked increase in the participation of Food and Nutrition postgraduate programs in the national context. Many challenges still need to be overcome, such as the offer of Nutrition postgraduate programs in the Northeast region and outside the capital cities of the country. Evaluation criteria and procedures need to be better developed to consider the main characteristic of the scientific field of Food and Nutrition, its multiplicity of disciplines.

RESUMO Este ensaio tem por objetivo apresentar algumas considerações acerca da formação para a pesquisa e docência, da produção intelectual e do panorama atual da pós-graduação Stricto sensu no campo da Alimentação e Nutrição a partir do recorte empírico correspondente aos cursos de mestrado acadêmico e profissional e de doutorado, atualmente inseridos na Área de Avaliação Nutrição na Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. São discutidos elementos dos processos de avaliação desses programas, abordando os já citados aspectos e discutindo os conceitos conferidos aos programas em questão na última avaliação. Em suma, observou-se que a pesquisa e a pós-graduação em Alimentação e Nutrição aumentaram sua expressão no contexto nacional, restando muitos desafios a serem superados, como sua presença no interior do país e na Região Norte, em especial. Quanto à avaliação dos Programas, entende-se que permanece a necessidade de construção de critérios e procedimentos que atendam à principal característica identitária do campo científico da Alimentação e Nutrição: sua multiplicidade disciplinar.

Effects of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on blood pressure, overweight and obesity in adolescents: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The high prevalence of overweight/obesity, and arterial hypertension (AH) in adolescence is a public health problem worldwide. The aim of the article is to perform a systematic review looking to verify the effects of DASH diet on overweight/obesity and blood pressure (BP) in adolescents. METHODS: Systematic search of the literature conducted until March 2018. Five databases were investigated. We follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) Statement. The systematic review protocol was recorded in PROSPERO (CRD42016046968). Two reviewers examined 1005 abstracts. The risk of bias was assessed using STROBE or CONSORT. RESULTS: Seven studies were eligible, three cross-sectional, two cohort and two randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Cross-sectional study found that a higher DASH score was associated with decreased body composition measurements; the other two did not find associations between DASH scores, body weight, and BP. Cohort studies found that the DASH diet resulted in lower levels of diastolic BP and lower body mass index gain over 10 years. One RCT showed that the DASH diet proved to be effective in improving systolic BP and another RCT observed a decrease in the prevalence of AH. CONCLUSIONS: The DASH diet may have beneficial effects on the alterations of BP, overweight and obesity in adolescence. However, adherence to this dietary pattern is still low. It is believed that, in the future, dietary interventions based on DASH may be part of public policies to combat AH and overweight/obesity, since all age groups of the population can adopt this dietary pattern.

Utilization of food outlets and intake of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods among 7 to 14-year-old schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Access to food retailers is an environmental determinant that influences what people consume. This study aimed to test the association between the use of food outlets and schoolchildren's intake of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in public and private schools in Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, from September 2012 to June 2013. METHODS: The sample consisted of randomly selected clusters of schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years, who were attending 30 schools. Parents or guardians provided socioeconomic and demographic data and answered questions about use of food outlets. Dietary intake was surveyed using a dietary recall questionnaire based on the previous day's intake. The foods or food groups were classified according to the level of processing. Negative binomial regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: We included 2,195 schoolchildren in the study. We found that buying foods from snack bars or fast-food outlets was associated with the intake frequency of ultra-processed foods among 11-14 years old in an adjusted model (incidence rate ratio, IRR: 1.11; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01;1.23). Use of butchers was associated with the intake frequency of unprocessed/minimally processed foods among children 11-14 years old in the crude model (IRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01;1.22) and in the adjusted model (IRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06;1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Use of butchers was associated with higher intake of unprocessed/minimally processed foods while use of snack bars or fast-food outlets may have a negative impact on schoolchildren's dietary habits.

Utilization of food outlets and intake of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods among 7 to 14-year-old schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Access to food retailers is an environmental determinant that influences what people consume. This study aimed to test the association between the use of food outlets and schoolchildren's intake of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in public and private schools in Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, from September 2012 to June 2013. METHODS: The sample consisted of randomly selected clusters of schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years, who were attending 30 schools. Parents or guardians provided socioeconomic and demographic data and answered questions about use of food outlets. Dietary intake was surveyed using a dietary recall questionnaire based on the previous day's intake. The foods or food groups were classified according to the level of processing. Negative binomial regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: We included 2,195 schoolchildren in the study. We found that buying foods from snack bars or fast-food outlets was associated with the intake frequency of ultra-processed foods among 11-14 years old in an adjusted model (incidence rate ratio, IRR: 1.11; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01;1.23). Use of butchers was associated with the intake frequency of unprocessed/minimally processed foods among children 11-14 years old in the crude model (IRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01;1.22) and in the adjusted model (IRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06;1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Use of butchers was associated with higher intake of unprocessed/minimally processed foods while use of snack bars or fast-food outlets may have a negative impact on schoolchildren's dietary habits.

Professional practice of dietitians in the Brazilian School Feeding Program: A multiple case study / Atuação do nutricionista no Programa Nacional de Alimentação escolar: estudo de casos múltiplos

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess dietician's numerical parameters for school feeding and discuss limitations and possibilities for professional practice in the municipalities of Vale do Ivaí, in Northern Paraná, Brazil. Methods: This is a multiple case study. A semi-structured interview was administered to dietitians working at the School Feeding Program in nine cities located in Vale do Ivaí, Paraná, Brazil. Resolution nº 465/2010, from the Brazilian Federal Board of Dietitians, was used to calculate the adequacy of working hours of dietitians. The legistation of the Brazilian School Feeding Program was applied to discuss professional practice. Results: All the cities had at least one dietitian responsible for the School Feeding Program. The percentage of adequate working hours was from 20 to 66%. Some dietitians were involved in management activities, administration, procurement, and accounting, in addition to dietitian assignments for the School Feeding Program. Most dietitians worked in other sectors of the municipalities such as the health system, social assistance, and at events. This practice could compromise compliance of technical activities that must be met by the dietitians of the School Feeding Program. Conclusion: The number of dietitians in most of cities working at School Feeding Program is not sufficient to meet the number of students. The insuficient workload and excessive activities could hinder the development of dietitian's private activities. The hiring of nutrition and dietitian technicians and administrative assistants for bureaucratic activies is recommended.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a adequação dos parâmetros numéricos de nutricionistas na alimentação escolar e discutir limites e possibilidades da atuação profissional no Programa de Alimentação Escolar em municípios do Vale do Ivaí, Norte do Paraná. Métodos: Estudo de casos múltiplos realizado por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com nutricionistas da alimentação escolar de nove municípios do Vale do Ivaí. A Resolução nº 465/2010, do Conselho Federal de Nutricionistas, foi utilizada como base para cálculo da adequação da carga horária do nutricionista. A legislação do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar foi utilizada para discussão da atuação profissional. Resultados: Os municípios contavam com nutricionista responsável técnico pelo Programa de Alimentação Escolar, porém, o percentual de adequação da carga horária variou de 20 a 66%. Foram evidenciadas atividades de gestão, licitação e contabilidade, além das atribuições do nutricionista previstas para o Programa. A maioria dos nutri-cionistas também atendia a outras áreas dos municípios, como saúde, social e eventos, o que sugere um comprometimento das atribuições do profissional e, consequentemente, da execução do Programa. Conclusão: O número de nutricionistas no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar nos municípios investigados é insuficiente em relação ao número de alunos. A carga horária insuficiente e a demanda excessiva de atividades podem impedir que o desenvolvimento de atividades privativas do nutricionista. A contratação de técnicos em nutrição e dietética e auxiliares administrativos para tarefas burocráticas deve ser incitada.

Exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding and association with body fat excess among schoolchildren in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil / Aleitamento materno exclusivo, alimentação complementar e associação com excesso de gordura corporal em escolares de Florianópolis, SC, Brasil

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the association between exclusive breastfeeding duration (EBF) and the age at which complementary feeding was introduced (CF) with the excess of body fat (BF) in schoolchildren from Florianópolis/SC, southern of Brazil. Methods: cross sectional study, with probability sample of 1,531 schoolchildren aged 7-10 years from Florianópolis/SC. The percentage of BF was defined based on triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Information about EBF, CF and confounders variables were obtained through a questionnaire sent to parents or guardians. Multivariate analyzes were performed using Poisson. Results: the prevalence of BF excess was 37.9% (CI95%: 32.4; 43.6), and 30.6% of children received EBF for 4-6 months (CI95%: 17, 3; 48, 2). The duration of EBF less than 4 or more than 6 months was associated with higher prevalence of BF excess, even after adjustment (p=0.015). Introduction of food groups had no association with BF excess. Conclusions: the association between EBF and the excess of body fat for less than 4 months and higher prevalence of BF excess is probably a consequence of early introduction of others milk types, whilst association between EBF for more than 6 months and higher prevalence of BF excess is because of a catch-up growth situation.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar a associação da duração do aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) e idade de introdução da alimentação complementar (AC) com o excesso de gordura corporal (EGC) em escolares de Florianópolis/SC. Métodos: estudo transversal com amostra probabilística de 1.531 escolares de 7-10 anos de escolas públicas/privadas de Florianópolis/SC. O EGC foi avaliado pela aferição de dobras cutânaeas tricipital e subescapular. Dados sobre AME, AC e variáveis de confusão foram obtidos por entrevista. Regressão de Poisson foi empregada nas análises ajustadas. Resultados: a prevalência de excesso de EGC e AME foi 37,9% (IC95%: 32,4-43,6) e 30,6% (IC95%: 17,3-48,2), respectivamente. O AME por um período menor que 4 meses e maior que 6 meses se manteve associado ao EGC após ajuste pelas variáveis confundidoras. A introdução dos grupos de alimentos na AC não esteve associação ao EGC. Conclusões: a associação do EGC com a AME por menos de quatro meses deve-se possivelmente à oferta precoce de outros tipos de leite como complemento ao materno, enquanto que a associação com AME por mais de seis meses pode ser devido ao fenômeno de aceleração do crescimento.