Whole grain products in Brazil: the need for regulation to ensure nutritional benefits and prevent the misuse of marketing strategies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the use of "whole grains" claims in food products marketed in Brazil and evaluate the nutrient profile of these products. METHODS: Data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017 were analyzed. Based on the INFORMAS protocol for food labeling, the prevalence of packaged foods with "whole grains" claims was estimated. Information on the list of ingredients was analyzed to evaluate the presence and amount of whole or refined grains in six food groups. The nutrient profiles of the products with and without "whole grains" claims were compared using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile model. RESULTS: The packages of about 19% of the evaluated products showed "whole grains" claims in their front panel. Of these, 35% lacked any whole grains among their top three ingredients. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, bread, cakes and other bakery products, cookies, and pasta had higher amounts of refined flour than whole grain ingredients in their compositions.We found 66% of products with "whole grains" claims were high in nutrients of concern according to PAHO's criteria. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that over a third of the products in Brazil with "whole grains" claims lacked whole grains as one of their main ingredients. Most had a high content of nutrients associated with noncommunicable chronic disease risk factors, indicating the overestimation of their health benefits.

Promotion of ultra-processed foods in Brazil: combined use of claims and promotional features on packaging.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the availability of different promotional strategies applied for UPF sales in Brazilian food retailers. METHODS: Information available on food packaging was gathered from all packaged products sold in the five largest food retail chains in Brazil in 2017. UPF were identified using the NOVA food classification system. From this sample, data related to promotional characteristics, nutrition claims and health claims were collected and coded using the INFORMAS methodology. Additional claims referring to the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines were also collected. RESULTS: This study evaluated the packaging of 2,238 UPF, of which 59.8% presented at least one promotional strategy. Almost one third denoted a simultaneous use of different promotional strategies in the same packaging. Nutrition claims were the most commonly found promotional strategy, followed by health claims and the use of characters. The food subgroups comprising the highest prevalence of promotional strategies on their labels were: noncaloric sweeteners (100.0%), breakfast cereals and granola bars (96.2%), juices, nectars and fruit-flavoured drinks (92.9%), other unsweetened beverages (92.9%), and other sweetened beverages (92.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the poor nutritional quality of UPF, the widespread presence of promotional features on their packaging highlights the need for marketing restrictions on this kind of product.

Whole grain products in Brazil: the need for regulation to ensure nutritional benefits and prevent the misuse of marketing strategies

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the use of "whole grains" claims in food products marketed in Brazil and evaluate the nutrient profile of these products. METHODS Data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017 were analyzed. Based on the INFORMAS protocol for food labeling, the prevalence of packaged foods with "whole grains" claims was estimated. Information on the list of ingredients was analyzed to evaluate the presence and amount of whole or refined grains in six food groups. The nutrient profiles of the products with and without "whole grains" claims were compared using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile model. RESULTS The packages of about 19% of the evaluated products showed "whole grains" claims in their front panel. Of these, 35% lacked any whole grains among their top three ingredients. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, bread, cakes and other bakery products, cookies, and pasta had higher amounts of refined flour than whole grain ingredients in their compositions.We found 66% of products with "whole grains" claims were high in nutrients of concern according to PAHO's criteria. CONCLUSION Our results showed that over a third of the products in Brazil with "whole grains" claims lacked whole grains as one of their main ingredients. Most had a high content of nutrients associated with noncommunicable chronic disease risk factors, indicating the overestimation of their health benefits.

Promotion of ultra-processed foods in Brazil: combined use of claims and promotional features on packaging

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the availability of different promotional strategies applied for UPF sales in Brazilian food retailers. METHODS Information available on food packaging was gathered from all packaged products sold in the five largest food retail chains in Brazil in 2017. UPF were identified using the NOVA food classification system. From this sample, data related to promotional characteristics, nutrition claims and health claims were collected and coded using the INFORMAS methodology. Additional claims referring to the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines were also collected. RESULTS This study evaluated the packaging of 2,238 UPF, of which 59.8% presented at least one promotional strategy. Almost one third denoted a simultaneous use of different promotional strategies in the same packaging. Nutrition claims were the most commonly found promotional strategy, followed by health claims and the use of characters. The food subgroups comprising the highest prevalence of promotional strategies on their labels were: noncaloric sweeteners (100.0%), breakfast cereals and granola bars (96.2%), juices, nectars and fruit-flavoured drinks (92.9%), other unsweetened beverages (92.9%), and other sweetened beverages (92.6%). CONCLUSIONS Considering the poor nutritional quality of UPF, the widespread presence of promotional features on their packaging highlights the need for marketing restrictions on this kind of product.

Adherence to voluntary sodium reduction agreements in Brazil. / Adesão aos acordos voluntários de redução de sódio no Brasil.

The objective was to assess adherence to voluntary agreements for sodium reduction firmed between the food industries and the Ministry of Health in Brazil and to compare their targets with the limit proposed in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutritional profile model. We used data from 1.553 foods from 32 categories included in the agreements and sold in the largest Brazilian supermarket chains in 2017. The frequency of products with sodium equal or below the cut-offs proposed by the voluntary agreements and by PAHO was calculated. Classification concordance according to the two was evaluated with Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). Our results showed that 77.7% of products were adequate according to the voluntary agreements, and only 35.9% of them, according to the PAHO model. We identified a weak degree of concordance between both criteria in classifying a product as adequate about sodium content (k = 0.199). In conclusion, the voluntary agreements for sodium reduction are limited in their scope and rigor. The adoption of measures oriented for all products, with more restrictive and mandatory targets, should be considered in the country.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a adesão aos acordos voluntários de redução de sódio firmados entre indústrias de alimentos e o Ministério da Saúde e comparar as metas adotadas com o limite de sódio proposto no modelo de perfil nutricional da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). Utilizaram-se informações de 1.553 alimentos de 32 categorias incluídas nos acordos e comercializados nas maiores redes de supermercados brasileiras em 2017. Foram calculadas as proporções de produtos com quantidade de sódio igual ou abaixo do limite proposto pelos acordos e pela OPAS. A concordância de classificação dos itens segundo os dois critérios foi avaliada com o coeficiente kappa de Cohen (k). Nossos resultados mostraram que 77,7% dos alimentos analisados estavam adequados segundo os acordos de redução de sódio, porém apenas 35,9%, segundo o modelo da OPAS. A concordância entre os dois critérios ao classificar um produto como adequado em relação ao conteúdo de sódio foi fraca (k = 0,199). Conclui-se que os acordos voluntários de redução de sódio são limitados em relação à abrangência e ao rigor das metas estabelecidas. A adoção de medidas voltadas a todos os produtos disponíveis, com metas mais restritivas e obrigatórias, deveria ser considerada no país.

Adesão aos acordos voluntários de redução de sódio no Brasil / Adherence to voluntary sodium reduction agreements in Brazil

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a adesão aos acordos voluntários de redução de sódio firmados entre indústrias de alimentos e o Ministério da Saúde e comparar as metas adotadas com o limite de sódio proposto no modelo de perfil nutricional da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). Utilizaram-se informações de 1.553 alimentos de 32 categorias incluídas nos acordos e comercializados nas maiores redes de supermercados brasileiras em 2017. Foram calculadas as proporções de produtos com quantidade de sódio igual ou abaixo do limite proposto pelos acordos e pela OPAS. A concordância de classificação dos itens segundo os dois critérios foi avaliada com o coeficiente kappa de Cohen (k). Nossos resultados mostraram que 77,7% dos alimentos analisados estavam adequados segundo os acordos de redução de sódio, porém apenas 35,9%, segundo o modelo da OPAS. A concordância entre os dois critérios ao classificar um produto como adequado em relação ao conteúdo de sódio foi fraca (k = 0,199). Conclui-se que os acordos voluntários de redução de sódio são limitados em relação à abrangência e ao rigor das metas estabelecidas. A adoção de medidas voltadas a todos os produtos disponíveis, com metas mais restritivas e obrigatórias, deveria ser considerada no país.

Abstract The objective was to assess adherence to voluntary agreements for sodium reduction firmed between the food industries and the Ministry of Health in Brazil and to compare their targets with the limit proposed in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutritional profile model. We used data from 1.553 foods from 32 categories included in the agreements and sold in the largest Brazilian supermarket chains in 2017. The frequency of products with sodium equal or below the cut-offs proposed by the voluntary agreements and by PAHO was calculated. Classification concordance according to the two was evaluated with Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). Our results showed that 77.7% of products were adequate according to the voluntary agreements, and only 35.9% of them, according to the PAHO model. We identified a weak degree of concordance between both criteria in classifying a product as adequate about sodium content (k = 0.199). In conclusion, the voluntary agreements for sodium reduction are limited in their scope and rigor. The adoption of measures oriented for all products, with more restrictive and mandatory targets, should be considered in the country.

Role of different nutrient profiling models in identifying targeted foods for front-of-package food labelling in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the degree of strictness and agreement of different nutrient profiling models (NPM) used to identify which foods would be required to show front-of-package (FOP) warning labels. DESIGN: Using data of 11 434 packaged foods found in the five largest food retailers in Brazil, we used two published NPM: the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) model and the NPM used in the Chilean nutritional FOP labelling policy, and compared them with a NPM proposed by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). The proportion of foods that would be required to show FOP warning labels was calculated overall and by food category. We also tested whether a modified version of the PAHO NPM would behave similarly to the original version. SETTING: Brazil. RESULTS: Two-thirds of the packaged products (62 %) would receive FOP warning labels under the PAHO NPM, as compared with 45 % of products using the proposed Anvisa NPM and 41 % if the Chilean NPM was applied. The PAHO NPM identified more foods high in critical nutrients such as sweetened dairy and non-dairy beverages, canned vegetables and convenience foods. Overall agreement between models was considered good with kappa coefficient ranging from 0·57 to 0·92 but was lower for some food categories. CONCLUSIONS: We found variations in the degree of strictness and agreement between assessed NPM. The PAHO NPM identified more foods and beverages high in sugar which are among the top contributors to sugar and energy intake in Brazil.

Are laws restricting soft drinks sales in Brazilian schools able to lower their availability?

OBJECTIVE: To describe students protected by laws and exposed to soft drinks sales and assess whether forbidding laws are associated with lower availability of these beverages. METHODS: We identified laws forbidding non-government administered cafeterias or sales of soft drinks in schools in the 27 Brazilian state capitals. Data on soft drinks sales were obtained from Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2015 (PeNSE - National Survey of School Health 2015), for a representative sample of 9th graders from public and private schools. Students were attributed with the status of their school regarding the law and sale of soft drinks. Co-variables were school status (public or private), school size, geographic regions, mother's educational level, score of goods and services. We performed multivariate analyses using Poisson regression. RESULTS: The total of 23 laws forbidding sales of soft drinks covered 63.0% of capitals, comprising 56.9% of students. Law coverage was higher among students from more developed regions (67.6%) and in public schools (60.6%), compared with those from less developed regions (38.0%) and private schools (45.8%). Soft drinks were available for 33.9% of students. Students attending public schools in less developed regions had the lowest availability of soft drinks, regardless of law coverage (14.8%; 12.0%); while students attending private schools in these regions had a high availability, regardless of law coverage (82.1%; 73.4%). Restrictive laws were associated with lower sales of soft drinks in more developed regions, and restrictions had a greater association with the availability of soft drinks in public schools (PR = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.15-0.41), compared with private schools (PR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.35-0.66). CONCLUSION: Laws restricting soft drinks in schools were associated with fewer sales in more developed regions. Private schools were less compliant with the law than public schools. A broadly enforced national law could reduce the availability of soft drinks in schools.

Nutritional quality of foods and non-alcoholic beverages advertised on Brazilian free-to-air television: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that foods marketed on television are often low-nutrient-dense foods associated with poor nutritional diet quality, obesity and non-communicable diseases. However, little research has been undertaken in Brazil around this issue. This study assessed the nutritional profile of foods and non-alcoholic beverages advertised on Brazilian television by applying the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO/Europe) nutrient profiling models. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on the International Network for Food and Obesity/non-communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) protocol. A total of 432 h on the three major Brazilian free-to-air TV channels was recorded from April 1st to 30th 2018. Recordings were done for eight non-consecutive and randomly selected days from 6 am to 12 am (midnight). All food-related ads were coded using a systematic approach and classified according to the PAHO and the WHO/Europe nutrient profile models as "eligible"/"not eligible" for marketing restrictions. Absolute and relative frequencies were used to describe absolute numbers and proportions of food and beverage advertisements. The nutritional profile of foods was compared by day, time of the day and types of TV program. For each advertisement, the parent company of promoted food products, supermarkets and restaurants was identified. RESULTS: A total of 1610 food and beverage ads were broadcast, representing 18.1% of the total ads shown on selected channels. Over 80.0% of all foods and beverages advertised on Brazilian TV channels did not meet the PAHO and the WHO/Europe nutritional quality standards and were considered eligible for marketing restrictions. The proportion of unhealthy food ads was significantly higher on weekends, in the afternoon, and during soap operas programming. Altogether, 10 transnational and local food and beverage companies, two large international fast food chains and two of Brazil's largest supermarket retailers accounted for almost 90% of all unhealthy food ads shown. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate a high exposure of the Brazilian population to unhealthy food marketing and an inefficient enforcement of existing regulations. Further research to monitor population exposure to unhealthy food marketing and understand the policy inertia that is preventing policy progress, is highly recommended.

Are laws restricting soft drinks sales in Brazilian schools able to lower their availability?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe students protected by laws and exposed to soft drinks sales and assess whether forbidding laws are associated with lower availability of these beverages. METHODS We identified laws forbidding non-government administered cafeterias or sales of soft drinks in schools in the 27 Brazilian state capitals. Data on soft drinks sales were obtained from Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2015 (PeNSE - National Survey of School Health 2015), for a representative sample of 9th graders from public and private schools. Students were attributed with the status of their school regarding the law and sale of soft drinks. Co-variables were school status (public or private), school size, geographic regions, mother's educational level, score of goods and services. We performed multivariate analyses using Poisson regression. RESULTS The total of 23 laws forbidding sales of soft drinks covered 63.0% of capitals, comprising 56.9% of students. Law coverage was higher among students from more developed regions (67.6%) and in public schools (60.6%), compared with those from less developed regions (38.0%) and private schools (45.8%). Soft drinks were available for 33.9% of students. Students attending public schools in less developed regions had the lowest availability of soft drinks, regardless of law coverage (14.8%; 12.0%); while students attending private schools in these regions had a high availability, regardless of law coverage (82.1%; 73.4%). Restrictive laws were associated with lower sales of soft drinks in more developed regions, and restrictions had a greater association with the availability of soft drinks in public schools (PR = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.15-0.41), compared with private schools (PR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.35-0.66). CONCLUSION Laws restricting soft drinks in schools were associated with fewer sales in more developed regions. Private schools were less compliant with the law than public schools. A broadly enforced national law could reduce the availability of soft drinks in schools.

Conflicting Messages on Food and Beverage Packages: Front-of-Package Nutritional Labeling, Health and Nutrition Claims in Brazil.

We assessed the prevalence of front-of-package (FoP) claims in the Brazilian packaged food supply and examined whether foods with claims were more likely to be high in critical nutrients. Using data from a random 30% subsample of 11,434 foods and beverages collected in the five largest food retailers in Brazil in 2017 (n = 3491), we classified claims into nutrition, health, and environment. We examined whether foods with claims were more likely to be high in critical nutrients using 95% confidence intervals. Claims were found in 41.2% of the products. Nutrition claims were the most prevalent (28.5%), followed by health (22.1%), and environment-related claims (5.2%). More than 85% of the breakfast cereals, granola bars, and nectars contained claims, which were found in 51% of the dairy beverages. Foods with nutrition claims were more likely to be high in critical nutrients (65.3%; 95% CI 62.3, 68.2% vs. 54.1% 95% CI 52.1, 56.0). Products with health (52.9%; 95% CI 49.3, 56.4% vs. 58.5%; 95% CI 56.6, 60.3) and environment-related claims (33.5%; 95% CI 27.0, 40.8% vs. 58.6%; 95% CI 56.9, 60.2%) were less likely to be high in critical nutrients. FoP claims are prevalent in Brazil, and nutrition claims are more likely to have a poorer nutritional profile. Policymakers should consider restricting the presence of claims on unhealthy products.

Trans Fat Labeling Information on Brazilian Packaged Foods.

Although the adverse effects of trans fat consumption are well documented, industrially-produced trans fats are still used in a variety of food products. Our objective was to investigate the presence of trans fat information on the nutrition facts panel, in the list of ingredients, and the use of trans fat claims in packaged food and beverages marketed in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study that used data from packaged food and beverages available in the five supermarket chains with the largest market share in Brazil. Of the 11,434 products that were analyzed, 81.3% did not present a source of trans fats in the list of ingredients. The percentages of products with specific (hydrogenated fats or oils) and unspecific trans fat terms (margarine, vegetable fat, and vegetable cream) in the list of ingredients were 4.1% and 14.6%, respectively. Bakery products, cookies and crackers, candies and desserts, snacks, and convenience foods had the highest percentages of trans fat claims. We also found claims in products with ingredients that are sources of trans fats. In conclusion, trans fat ingredients were found in almost one-fifth of the Brazilian packaged foods. The current Brazilian legislation is not sufficient to inform consumers about the content of trans fats in packaged foods. Along with measures to restrict the use of industrially-produced trans fats, improvements in nutritional labeling are also needed.

Eating meals with parents is associated with better quality of diet for Brazilian adolescents. / Fazer refeições com os pais está associado à maior qualidade da alimentação de adolescentes brasileiros.

The objective was to investigate how often Brazilian adolescents eat meals with their parents and verify the association between this habit and quality of the diet. Data were from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE-2015). The sample consisted of adolescents enrolled in the ninth grade in public and private schools, ranging in age from 11 to 19 years. The target exposure was eating meals with parents (0-4 and ≥ 5 days/week) and the outcomes were frequent consumption (≥ 5 days/week) of healthy and unhealthy dietary markers. Healthy diet scores (range 0-21) and unhealthy diet scores (range 0-35) were based on total days that the adolescent reported consuming each of the dietary markers. Poisson and linear regression models were used, adjusted by sociodemographic variables. Frequent sharing of meals with parents (≥ 5 days/week) was seen in 74% (95%CI: 73.4-74.7) of the adolescents. Those reporting this habit showed higher likelihood of frequent consumption of beans (PR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.19-1.26), fruits (PR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.28-1.39), and vegetables (PR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.34-1.44), and lower likelihood of frequent consumption of sweets (PR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.88-0.94), ultra-processed salty foods (PR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.87-0.94), and fried salty snacks (PR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.80-0.90). Eating meals with parents was positively associated with healthy diet scores and inversely associated with unhealthy diet scores . Eating meals with parents is a common habit in Brazilian adolescents and is associated with better quality of diet.

O objetivo foi investigar a frequência com que os adolescentes brasileiros realizam as refeições com os pais e verificar a associação deste hábito com a qualidade da dieta. Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar - 2015 (PeNSE). A amostra foi composta por adolescentes matriculados no nono ano do ensino fundamental de escolas públicas e privadas, com idades entre 11 e 19 anos. A exposição de interesse foi realizar refeições com os pais (0-4 e ≥ 5 dias/semana) e os desfechos estudados foram consumo frequente (≥ 5 dias/semana) de alimentos marcadores de alimentação saudável e não saudável. Escores de alimentação saudável (variação 0-21) e não saudável (variação 0-35) foram elaborados com base no somatório dos dias que o adolescente relatou consumir cada um dos marcadores de alimentação. Foram usados modelos de regressão de Poisson e linear, ajustados por variáveis sociodemográficas. A realização frequente de refeições com os pais (≥ 5 dias/semana) foi observada em 74% (IC95%: 73,4-74,7) dos adolescentes. Aqueles que afirmaram ter esse hábito apresentaram maior probabilidade do consumo frequente de feijão (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,19-1,26), frutas (RP = 1,34; IC95%: 1,28-1,39) e hortaliças (RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,34-1,44); e menor probabilidade de consumo frequente de guloseimas (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,88-0,94), ultraprocessados salgados (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,87-0,94) e salgados fritos (RP = 0,85; IC95%: 0,80-0,90). Realizar as refeições com os pais foi positivamente associado ao escores de alimentação saudável e inversamente associado ao escores de alimentação não saudável. O hábito de realizar refeições com os pais é frequente entre adolescentes brasileiros e está associado à melhor qualidade da alimentação.

El objetivo fue investigar la frecuencia con la que los adolescentes brasileños comen con los padres y verificar la asociación de este hábito con la calidad de la dieta. Se utilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud del Escolar - 2015 (PeNSE). La muestra estaba compuesta por adolescentes matriculados en el noveno año de enseñanza fundamental de escuelas públicas y privadas, con edades entre 11 y 19 años. La exposición de interés fue realizar comidas con los padres (0-4 y ≥ 5 días/semana) y los resultados estudiados fueron consumo frecuente (≥ 5 días/semana) de alimentos marcadores de alimentación saludable y no saludable. Los marcadores de alimentación saludable (variación 0-21) y no saludable (variación 0-35) se elaboraron basándose en el sumatorio de los días en los que el adolescente informó consumir cada uno de los marcadores de alimentación. Se usaron modelos de regresión de Poisson y lineales, ajustados por variables sociodemográficas. La realización frecuente de comidas con los padres (≥ 5 días/semana) se observó en un 74% (IC95%: 73,4-74,7) de los adolescentes. Aquellos que afirmaron tener ese hábito presentaron una mayor probabilidad de consumo frecuente de frijoles (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,19-1,26), frutas (RP = 1,34; IC95%: 1,28-1,39) y hortalizas (RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,34-1,44); y menor probabilidad de consumo frecuente de golosinas (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,88-0,94), aperitivos ultraprocesados (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,87-0,94) y aperitivos fritos (RP = 0,85; IC95%: 0,80-0,90). Realizar las comidas con los padres estuvo positivamente asociado al marcadores de alimentación saludable e inversamente asociado al marcadores de alimentación no saludable. El hábito de realizar comidas con los padres es frecuente entre adolescentes brasileños y está asociado a una mejor calidad de la alimentación.

Co-occurrence and clustering of the four major non-communicable disease risk factors in Brazilian adolescents: Analysis of a national school-based survey.

BACKGROUND: The major non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD) are associated with a small group of modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors, including smoking, insufficient physical activity, unhealthy eating, and alcohol abuse. In this study, we evaluated the co-occurrence and clustering of the major NCD risk factors among Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data of 101,607 adolescents from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE) 2015. The risk factors included were: regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables, insufficient physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Clustering was defined through the ratio between observed and expected prevalences of combination of risk factors greater than 1. Expected prevalence of the co-occurrence of risk factors was calculated from the joint probability of the behaviors. Additionally, we examined the presence of at least four risk factors according to socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 32 combinations of risk factors, 13 corresponded to clustering. We observed a strong correlation between alcohol consumption and smoking, which were found together in 8 of the 13 clusters identified. The most frequent combinations of risk factors involved unhealthy eating and insufficient physical activity. Only 2.9% of the adolescents did not present any risk behaviors, while 38.0%, 32.9%, 9.4% and 1.8% accumulated two, three, four and five risk factors, respectively. The accumulation of risk factors was higher in girls, older adolescents, those who did not live with both parents, children of less-educated mothers, students attending public school, and residents of cities in more developed urban areas of the country. CONCLUSIONS: The main risk factors for NCD are frequent and not randomly distributed among Brazilian adolescents. Our results provide information for policymakers to target specific groups and joint behavioral risk factors for health improvement in adolescents.

Progress and setbacks in socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent health-related behaviours in Brazil: results from three cross-sectional surveys 2009-2015.

OBJECTIVES: Despite some progress, Brazil is still one of the most unequal countries, and the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent health is unclear. We assessed trends in socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent's health-related behaviours in Brazil between 2009 and 2015. DESIGN: We used cross-sectional data from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health carried out in 2009, 2012 and 2015. SETTING: Brazilian state capitals. PARTICIPANTS: Students attending ninth grade from public and private schools in Brazilian state capitals in 2009 (60 973 students), 2012 (61 145 students) and 2015 (51 192 students). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We assessed 12 health-related behaviours (irregular fruit, vegetables and bean consumption; regular soft drink consumption; irregular physical activity; alcohol, drug and tobacco use; unsafe sex; involvement in gun fights; bullying victimisation and domestic violence victimisation), under the broad domains of lifestyle risk behaviours, engagement in risky activities and exposure to violence. Socioeconomic status was assessed through an asset-based wealth index derived from principal component analysis. Absolute and relative inequalities in these health behaviours and inequalities trends were investigated. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2015, prevalence of certain harmful health-related behaviours increased, such as unsafe sex (21.5% to 33.9%), domestic violence (9.5% to 16.2%), bullying victimisation (14.2% to 21.7%) and irregular consumption of beans (37.5% to 43.7%). Other indicators decreased: alcohol use (27.1% to 23.2%), irregular physical activity (83.0% to 75.6%) and consumption of soft drinks (37.2% to 28.8%). Over the period, we found consistent evidence of decreasing health inequalities for lifestyle behaviours (fruit, bean and soft drink consumption) and alcohol use, set against increasing inequalities in violence (domestic violence, fights using guns and bullying victimisation). CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic inequality increased in the violence domain and decreased for lifestyle behaviours among Brazilian adolescents. Widening gaps in violence domain urge immediately policy measures in Brazil.

Fazer refeições com os pais está associado à maior qualidade da alimentação de adolescentes brasileiros / Comer con los padres está asociado a una mayor calidad en la alimentación de los adolescentes brasileños / Eating meals with parents is associated with better quality of diet for Brazilian adolescents

Resumo: O objetivo foi investigar a frequência com que os adolescentes brasileiros realizam as refeições com os pais e verificar a associação deste hábito com a qualidade da dieta. Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar - 2015 (PeNSE). A amostra foi composta por adolescentes matriculados no nono ano do ensino fundamental de escolas públicas e privadas, com idades entre 11 e 19 anos. A exposição de interesse foi realizar refeições com os pais (0-4 e ≥ 5 dias/semana) e os desfechos estudados foram consumo frequente (≥ 5 dias/semana) de alimentos marcadores de alimentação saudável e não saudável. Escores de alimentação saudável (variação 0-21) e não saudável (variação 0-35) foram elaborados com base no somatório dos dias que o adolescente relatou consumir cada um dos marcadores de alimentação. Foram usados modelos de regressão de Poisson e linear, ajustados por variáveis sociodemográficas. A realização frequente de refeições com os pais (≥ 5 dias/semana) foi observada em 74% (IC95%: 73,4-74,7) dos adolescentes. Aqueles que afirmaram ter esse hábito apresentaram maior probabilidade do consumo frequente de feijão (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,19-1,26), frutas (RP = 1,34; IC95%: 1,28-1,39) e hortaliças (RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,34-1,44); e menor probabilidade de consumo frequente de guloseimas (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,88-0,94), ultraprocessados salgados (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,87-0,94) e salgados fritos (RP = 0,85; IC95%: 0,80-0,90). Realizar as refeições com os pais foi positivamente associado ao escores de alimentação saudável e inversamente associado ao escores de alimentação não saudável. O hábito de realizar refeições com os pais é frequente entre adolescentes brasileiros e está associado à melhor qualidade da alimentação.

Resumen: El objetivo fue investigar la frecuencia con la que los adolescentes brasileños comen con los padres y verificar la asociación de este hábito con la calidad de la dieta. Se utilizaron datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud del Escolar - 2015 (PeNSE). La muestra estaba compuesta por adolescentes matriculados en el noveno año de enseñanza fundamental de escuelas públicas y privadas, con edades entre 11 y 19 años. La exposición de interés fue realizar comidas con los padres (0-4 y ≥ 5 días/semana) y los resultados estudiados fueron consumo frecuente (≥ 5 días/semana) de alimentos marcadores de alimentación saludable y no saludable. Los marcadores de alimentación saludable (variación 0-21) y no saludable (variación 0-35) se elaboraron basándose en el sumatorio de los días en los que el adolescente informó consumir cada uno de los marcadores de alimentación. Se usaron modelos de regresión de Poisson y lineales, ajustados por variables sociodemográficas. La realización frecuente de comidas con los padres (≥ 5 días/semana) se observó en un 74% (IC95%: 73,4-74,7) de los adolescentes. Aquellos que afirmaron tener ese hábito presentaron una mayor probabilidad de consumo frecuente de frijoles (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,19-1,26), frutas (RP = 1,34; IC95%: 1,28-1,39) y hortalizas (RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,34-1,44); y menor probabilidad de consumo frecuente de golosinas (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,88-0,94), aperitivos ultraprocesados (RP = 0,91; IC95%: 0,87-0,94) y aperitivos fritos (RP = 0,85; IC95%: 0,80-0,90). Realizar las comidas con los padres estuvo positivamente asociado al marcadores de alimentación saludable e inversamente asociado al marcadores de alimentación no saludable. El hábito de realizar comidas con los padres es frecuente entre adolescentes brasileños y está asociado a una mejor calidad de la alimentación.

Abstract: The objective was to investigate how often Brazilian adolescents eat meals with their parents and verify the association between this habit and quality of the diet. Data were from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE-2015). The sample consisted of adolescents enrolled in the ninth grade in public and private schools, ranging in age from 11 to 19 years. The target exposure was eating meals with parents (0-4 and ≥ 5 days/week) and the outcomes were frequent consumption (≥ 5 days/week) of healthy and unhealthy dietary markers. Healthy diet scores (range 0-21) and unhealthy diet scores (range 0-35) were based on total days that the adolescent reported consuming each of the dietary markers. Poisson and linear regression models were used, adjusted by sociodemographic variables. Frequent sharing of meals with parents (≥ 5 days/week) was seen in 74% (95%CI: 73.4-74.7) of the adolescents. Those reporting this habit showed higher likelihood of frequent consumption of beans (PR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.19-1.26), fruits (PR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.28-1.39), and vegetables (PR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.34-1.44), and lower likelihood of frequent consumption of sweets (PR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.88-0.94), ultra-processed salty foods (PR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.87-0.94), and fried salty snacks (PR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.80-0.90). Eating meals with parents was positively associated with healthy diet scores and inversely associated with unhealthy diet scores . Eating meals with parents is a common habit in Brazilian adolescents and is associated with better quality of diet.

Out-of-Home Food Consumers in Brazil: What do They Eat?

Considering the increased contribution of foods consumed outside home and their potential impact on diet, this study aims to identify eating out patterns and their association with nutritional dietary quality in Brazil. We used the Individual Food Intake Survey 2008-2009, conducted with 34,003 individuals aged 10 and up. We used factor analysis by principal component to identify out-of-home eating patterns and linear regression to explore the association between patterns scores and dietary quality. We identified three food patterns. The "Traditional meal" pattern carried more rice, beans, meat, roots and tubers, pasta, vegetables and eggs. The "typical Brazilian breakfast/tea" pattern carried more fresh bread, margarine, milk, cheese and butter. The "Ultra-processed food" pattern carried more ready-to-eat meals and soft drinks. The "traditional meal" pattern was positively associated with calories from proteins, fiber, iron, potassium and sodium densities, whereas "typical Brazilian breakfast/tea" and "ultra-processed food" patterns were positively associated with energy density, the percentage of calories from lipids or carbohydrates, trans fat and free sugar. Out-of-home eating may have a negative impact on nutritional dietary quality when based on ultra-processed food. However, it is possible to maintain a healthy out-of-home diet with adherence to traditional Brazilian cuisine.

The share of ultra-processed foods determines the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the dietary share of ultra-processed foods and to determine its association with the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Brazil. SUBJECTS: A representative sample of 32 898 Brazilians aged ≥10 years was studied. Food intake data were collected. We calculated the average dietary content of individual nutrients and compared them across quintiles of energy share of ultra-processed foods. Then we identified nutrient-based dietary patterns, and evaluated the association between quintiles of dietary share of ultra-processed foods and the patterns' scores. RESULTS: The mean per capita daily dietary energy intake was 7933 kJ (1896 kcal), with 58·1 % from unprocessed or minimally processed foods, 10·9 % from processed culinary ingredients, 10·6 % from processed foods and 20·4 % from ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was directly associated with high consumption of free sugars and total, saturated and trans fats, and with low consumption of protein, dietary fibre, and most of the assessed vitamins and minerals. Four nutrient-based dietary patterns were identified. 'Healthy pattern 1' carried more protein and micronutrients, and less free sugars. 'Healthy pattern 2' carried more vitamins. 'Healthy pattern 3' carried more dietary fibre and minerals and less free sugars. 'Unhealthy pattern' carried more total, saturated and trans fats, and less dietary fibre. The dietary share of ultra-processed foods was inversely associated with 'healthy pattern 1' (-0·16; 95 % CI -0·17, -0·15) and 'healthy pattern 3' (-0·18; 95 % CI -0·19, -0·17), and directly associated with 'unhealthy pattern' (0·17; 95 % CI 0·15, 0·18). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary share of ultra-processed foods determines the overall nutritional quality of diets in Brazil.

Custo da alimentação e densidade energética da dieta no Brasil, 2008-2009 / Cost and energy density of diet in Brazil, 2008-2009

Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a relação entre o custo da alimentação e a densidade energética da dieta consumida nos domicílios brasileiros. Utilizaram-se dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF-2008/2009) para identificação dos alimentos com consumo mais relevante e seus preços. Tais alimentos foram agrupados, resultando em uma cesta de 67 produtos. Empregou-se a programação linear para composição de cestas isoenergéticas, minimizando o afastamento da dieta média encontrada nos domicílios. Foram impostos limites para quantidade de inclusão dos itens e contribuição energética dos grupos de alimentos; e uma redução no custo médio da dieta foi aplicada a intervalos de R$0,15 até o menor custo possível. Identificou-se associação inversa entre densidade energética e preço da dieta (p < 0,05), e, no menor custo possível, obteve-se o valor máximo de densidade energética. Verificou-se que restrições no custo da alimentação resultaram na seleção de dietas com maior densidade energética, indicando que o custo da alimentação pode conduzir à adoção de dietas inadequadas no Brasil.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the cost and energy density of diet consumed in Brazilian households. Data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey (POF 2008/2009) were used to identify the main foods and their prices. Similar items were grouped, resulting in a basket of 67 products. Linear programming was applied for the composition of isoenergetic baskets, minimizing the deviation from the average household diet. Restrictions were imposed on the inclusion of items and the energy contribution of the various food groups. A reduction in average cost of diet was applied at intervals of R$0.15 to the lowest possible cost. We identified an inverse association between energy density and cost of diet (p < 0.05), and at the lowest possible cost we obtained the maximum value of energy density. Restrictions on the diet's cost resulted in the selection of diets with higher energy density, indicating that cost of diet may lead to the adoption of inadequate diets in Brazil.

Consumer attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to salt consumption in sentinel countries of the Americas / Actitudes, conocimientos y comportamiento de los consumidores en relación con el consumo de sal en países centinelas de la Región de las Américas

Objective. To describe individual attitudes, knowledge, and behavior regarding salt intake, its dietary sources, and current food-labeling practices related to salt and sodium in five sentinel countries of the Americas. Methods. A convenience sample of 1 992 adults (≥ 18 years old) from Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, and Ecuador (approximately 400 from each country) was obtained between September 2010 and February 2011. Data collection was conducted in shopping malls or major commercial areas using a questionnaire containing 33 questions. Descriptive estimates are presented for the total sample and stratified by country and sociodemographic characteristics of the studied population. Results. Almost 90% of participants associated excess intake of salt with the occurrence of adverse health conditions, more than 60% indicated they were trying to reduce their current intake of salt, and more than 30% believed reducing dietary salt to be of high importance. Only 26% of participants claimed to know the existence of a recommended maximum value of salt or sodium intake and 47% of them stated they knew the content of salt in food items. More than 80% of participants said that they would like food labeling to indicate high, medium, and low levels of salt or sodium and would like to see a clear warning label on packages of foods high in salt. Conclusions. Additional effort is required to increase consumers’ knowledge about the existence of a maximum limit for intake and to improve their capacity to accurately monitor and reduce their personal salt consumption.

Objetivo. Describir las actitudes, los conocimientos y el comportamiento individuales con respecto al consumo de sal, sus fuentes alimentarias, y las prácticas actuales de etiquetado de alimentos en relación con su contenido en sal y sodio en cinco países centinelas de la Región de las Américas. Métodos. De septiembre del 2010 a febrero del 2011, se obtuvo una muestra de conveniencia de 1 992 adultos (de 18 años de edad o mayores) de Argentina, Canadá, Chile, Costa Rica y Ecuador (aproximadamente 400 de cada país). Se llevó a cabo la recopilación de datos en centros o áreas comerciales importantes mediante un cuestionario de 33 preguntas. Se presentan los cálculos descriptivos correspondientes a la muestra total y estratificados por países y según las características sociodemográficas de la población estudiada. Resultados. Casi 90% de los participantes asociaron la ingesta excesiva de sal con la aparición de trastornos de salud, más de 60% señalaron que estaban tratando de reducir su ingesta de sal actual, y más de 30% creían que la reducción de la sal alimentaria era de gran importancia. Solo 26% de los participantes manifestaron que conocían la existencia de un valor máximo recomendado de ingesta de sal o sodio, y 47% de estos afirmaron que conocían el contenido de sal de los productos alimenticios. Más de 80% de los participantes dijeron que les gustaría que el etiquetado de los alimentos indicara si los niveles de sal o sodio eran altos, medios o bajos, y desearían que en los paquetes de los alimentos con alto contenido de sal apareciera una etiqueta de advertencia clara. Conclusiones. Se requieren nuevas iniciativas para incrementar los conocimientos de los consumidores acerca de la existencia de un límite máximo de ingesta y mejorar su capacidad para vigilar estrictamente y reducir el consumo de sal.