Differential dietary intake and contribution of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy according to nutritional status.

Introduction: Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) during pregnancy is linked to excess intake of added sugar, fat, and sodium and inadequacy of several micronutrients. Diet quality during pregnancy should be maximized as inadequate levels of key nutrients and excessive intake of energy and added sugar might influence mother-child health. We aimed to estimate the contribution (% of total calories) of ultra-processed products to the total energy intake by pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) categories and Hb status during pregnancy in participants from the MAS-Lactancia Cohort. Methods: Pre-gestational weight, hemoglobin levels, 24-h dietary intake recall interviews, and sociodemographic data were collected during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Reported consumed foods were categorized using the NOVA classification, and the contribution of calories from each NOVA category was estimated using the Mexican Food Database. We estimated medians and interquartile ranges (p25 and p75) for dietary intake and energy contributions. The comparison of intake between the second and third trimesters was done using the Wilcoxon test. In addition, a quantile regression model with an interaction between pre-gestational BMI and Hb levels status in tertiles over the percentage of energy from UPFs was adjusted by age and socioeconomic status. Results: The contribution to total energy intake from UPFs was 27.4% in the second trimester and 27% in the third trimester (with no statistical difference). The percentage of energy intake from UPFs was higher in women who started pregnancy with obesity and presented the lowest levels of Hb (1st tertile), 23.1, 35.8, and 44.7% for the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively, compared to those with normal BMI and the highest tertile of Hb levels: 18, 29.0, and 38.6% for the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, UPF intake in pregnant women is similar to the general population and was higher for those with pre-gestational obesity and the lowest tertile of Hb levels. UPF contributes also to sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, which may adversely affect the health of mothers and their offspring.

Stress and the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods during COVID-19's Social Distancing: Are Mental Disorders Mediators in This Association? ELSA-Brasil Results.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated various determinants of mental disorders. Several behavioral changes were observed given this increase, including harmful health consequences, such as excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). To assess this relationship, we investigated the meditational role of symptoms of mental disorders (anxiety and depression) in the association between stress resulting from social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the consumption of UPFs in 3884 Brazilian public employees in a supplementary study of the ELSA-Brasil study. Structural equation models (SEMs) were estimated to assess the direct and indirect effects mediated by symptoms of mental disorders. The results suggested a significant and positive mediational effect of the symptoms of mental disorders on the association between the stress resulting from social distancing and the consumption of UPFs. These findings contribute to informing the need for policies and early interventions in potentially stressful situations, with a focus on the promotion of mental health, and may thus help prevent or reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods.

Food Consumption Inequalities in Primary Care in a Large Metropolis.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between health vulnerability and food consumption according to the NOVA classification within primary care in a major Brazilian city. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults over 20 years old. These participants were part of a representative sample from the Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. We evaluated socio-demographic variables, self-reported illnesses, perceived health and quality of life, and the length of participation in PAS. Health vulnerability was gauged through the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI), which is calculated for each census sector and classified as low, medium, and high/very high. On the other hand, food consumption was determined by evaluating the average consumption described in a 24 h diet recall (24HR) and categorizing it under the NOVA classification: culinary preparations, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The average calorie intake was 1429.7 kcal, primarily from culinary preparations (61.6%) and UPFs (27.4%). After adjustments, individuals residing in high/very high-HVI areas consumed more culinary preparations (ß = 2.7; 95%CI: 4.7; 0.7) and fewer UPFs (ß = -2.7; 95%CI: -4.7; -0.7) compared to those from low-vulnerability areas. PAS participants residing in more vulnerable areas reported healthier dietary habits, consuming more homecooked meals and fewer UPFs. These findings underscore the importance of concentrating efforts on promoting and preserving healthy eating habits and emphasizing the value of home cooking in the most vulnerable regions.

Dietary intake in children and adolescents with food addiction: A systematic review.

Food addiction (FA) is characterized by behavioral changes related to the consumption of palatable foods, marked by dependence, impulsivity, and compulsion. Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to FA owing to their significant consumption of ultra-processed foods. This review aims to investigate the differences in dietary intake in pediatric populations with and without FA. We conducted a systematic literature review. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and PsycINFO databases were searched up to July 2023. Potentially eligible studies were independently checked by two researchers. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Of the 4868 articles identified, six studies were included. All the included studies had high methodological quality. High consumption of calories and fat was observed in children and adolescents with FA. A diet quality analysis showed that the consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugary drinks, sweets, and chips, was related to FA. Given these findings, we concluded that FA in childhood may be associated with higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher intake of macronutrients. Few studies have examined the relationship between FA and food intake in childhood, and more studies are required.

Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy is associated with sociodemographic, behavioral, and obstetric factors: A cohort study.

A diet based on ultra-processed food (UPF) does not meet nutritional needs, especially during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to assess the change in UPF consumption from preconception to pregnancy and associated factors. Our hypothesis is that women tend to adopt a healthier eating pattern during pregnancy, decreasing the intake of UPF and increasing the intake of unprocessed/minimally processed foods. A prospective cohort study with 326 participants was carried out from 2016 to 2019 in 2 health units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pregestational food consumption assessed using the food frequency questionnaire in the prenatal interview in women up to 20 gestational weeks and gestational consumption in the interview 2 months after delivery. Food items classified according to the NOVA system. For the mean variation from preconception to gestational UPF consumption, we used the generalized estimating equations model with linear distribution. Control of confounding variables was based on the literature on factors associated with UPF consumption, using a 3-level hierarchical model. The proportion of UPF energy consumption was 28.9% in preconception and 33% during pregnancy. Older and more educated women had a lower mean variation in the consumption of UPF during the pregnancy. A higher average consumption of UPF observed among women physically inactive before pregnancy, who smoked during pregnancy, were multiparous, and with had a low pregestational weight. These results reflect similar behavior to that of the general population, aggravated by a significant increase during pregnancy. However, older and more educated women and those with healthy behaviors showed lower UPF intake in pregnancy.

Association of Food Consumption According to the Degree of Processing and Sociodemographic Conditions in Older Adults.

Several factors can impact food consumption in older adults, including those of sociodemographic, physiological, and chronic non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association of food consumption according to its degree of processing with sociodemographic conditions in community-dwelling older adults. Food intake was evaluated from 24-h recall data. All food items were classified according to the degree of processing into four groups as follows: in natura or minimally processed, culinary ingredients, processed, and ultra-processed foods. Food groups were considered dependent variables in a quantile regression model, adjusting for sex, age, schooling, ethnicity, and number of residents. Women and individuals with higher levels of education had lower consumption of in natura or minimally processed foods and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. The yellow or indigenous ethnicity presented the lowest consumption of processed foods; older people who lived with three or more individuals had the highest consumption of culinary ingredients, whereas the older people who lived with one to two people had the highest consumption of processed foods and the lowest consumption of ultra-processed. These groups may be the target of educational and public policies to improve diet quality and contribute to quality of life in older ages.

Momentos alimentarios y consumo de productos ultraprocesados durante el día, Antioquia, Colombia / Food moments and comsumption of ultraprocessed products during the day, Antioquia, Colombia

Introducción. La acelerada transición nutricional en Latinoamérica ha modificado los patrones alimentarios, favoreciendo dietas con mayor participación de productos industrializados y alto aporte de nutrientes relacionados con enfermedades crónicas como grasas (saturadas, trans), sodio, azúcar libre y densidad de energía. Objetivo. Describir los momentos alimentarios de consumo de productos comestibles ultraprocesados (PCUP) durante el día en Antioquia, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal, usando datos de consumo de alimentos del Perfil Alimentario y Nutricional de Antioquia 2019 y del Perfil de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional de Medellín 2015, en población general, muestra de 13494 individuos. Los alimentos se clasificaron según NOVA y se agruparon en subcategorías. Se calculó la media de energía consumida y su desviación estándar (confianza del 95%) para las categorías NOVA y subcategorías, además su distribución en los momentos alimentarios. Resultados. Para la población de Medellín (capital de Antioquia), en promedio el 54,7% de la energía venia de alimentos no procesados, 17,3% de ingredientes culinarios, y 20,4% de PCUP. En la población de Antioquia, 56,0% de la energía se obtuvo de alimentos no procesados, 18,8% de ingredientes culinarios y 17,0% de PCUP. En los momentos alimentarios principales (desayuno, almuerzo y cena) los alimentos no procesados tienen mayor aporte energético. Mientras que los momentos alimentarios con mayor porcentaje de energía proveniente de PCUP fueron la media mañana, el algo y la merienda. Conclusiones. Para los antioqueños el mayor riesgo de consumo de PCUP relacionados con la obesidad y las enfermedades crónicas se presenta entremedio de las comidas principales(AU)

Introduction. The accelerated nutritional transition in Latin America has modified dietary patterns, favoring diets with a greater participation of industrialized products and a high contribution of nutrients related to chronic diseases such as fats (saturated, trans), sodium, free sugar, and energy density. Objective. To describe the dietary moments of consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) during the day in Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study using food consumption data from the Food and Nutrition Profile of Antioquia 2019 and the Food and Nutrition Security Profile of Medellín 2015, in general population, sample of 13,494 individuals. Foods were classified according to NOVA and grouped into subcategories. The mean energy consumed and its standard deviation (95% confidence), were calculated for the NOVA categories and subcategories, as well as its distribution at feeding times. Results. for the population of Medellín (capital of Antioquia), on average 54.7% of the energy came from unprocessed foods, 17.3% from culinary ingredients, and 20.4% from UPF. In the population of Antioquia, 56.0% of the energy was obtained from unprocessed foods, 18.8% from culinary ingredients, and 17.0% from UPF. At the main eating moments (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) unprocessed foods have a greater energy contribution. While the food moments with the highest percentage of energy coming from UPF were mid-morning snacks and snacks. Conclusions. For Antioqueños the greatest risk of consuming UPFs related to obesity and chronic diseases occurs between main meals(AU)

Changes in Food Consumption in Postmenopausal Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study.

Studying the dietary habits and symptoms of postmenopausal women during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic is important to mitigate long-term post-pandemic health problems. We compared the menopausal symptoms and food consumption in postmenopausal women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal survey was conducted on postmenopausal Brazilian women between 2018 and 2021. The Kupperman-Blatt Menopausal Index, Women's Health Questionnaire, and 24 h food recall were used. Of 274 women, 78 (28.5%) participated in the study during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intensity of the symptoms was lower during the pandemic than during the previous period (p < 0.05). Energy and processed food consumption were lower during the pandemic than before (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). Milk and plain yogurt consumption were also lower (p = 0.043), while the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweet foods was higher (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively) during the pandemic. There was also a decrease in the consumption of proteins and lipids (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, we found that postmenopausal women consumed sweet foods and sugar-sweetened beverages in higher quantities and had a lower consumption of milk and plain yogurt and processed foods during the pandemic than during the pre-pandemic period. Furthermore, decreases in energy and macronutrient consumption were observed.

Food consumption by degree of processing is associated with nocturnal dipping and blood pressure variability: The ELSA-Brasil study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) allows the assessment of cardiovascular risk markers that cannot be obtained by casual measurements; however, the evidence on the association between food consumption and blood pressure (BP) assessed by ABPM is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the association between food consumption by degree of processing and ambulatory BP. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional analysis (2012-2014) of data from a subsample (n = 815) of ELSA-Brasil cohort participants who performed 24-h ABPM was conducted. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP means and variability during the 24 h and subperiods (sleep and wake), nocturnal dipping, and morning surge were evaluated. Food consumption was classified according to NOVA. Associations were tested by generalized linear models. The consumption of unprocessed, minimally processed foods, and culinary ingredients (U/MPF&CI) was 63.1% of daily caloric intake, 10.8% of processed (PF), and 24.8% of ultraprocessed (UPF). A negative association was found between U/MPF&CI consumption and extreme dipping (T2: odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55-0.58; T3: OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.54-0.57); and between UPF consumption and nondipping (T2: OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.55-0.85) and extreme dipping (T2: OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.61-0.65; T3: OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91-0.99). There was a positive association between PF consumption and extreme dipping (T2: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.18-1.27; T3: OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.29-1.39) and sleep SBP variability (T3: Coef = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.03-1.10). CONCLUSIONS: The high consumption of PF was associated with greater BP variability and extreme dipping, while the U/MPF&CI and UPF consumption were negatively associated with alterations in nocturnal dipping.

Habitual polyphenol intake of foods according to NOVA classification: implications of ultra-processed foods intake (CUME study).

We aimed to evaluate the intake of dietary total polyphenols and their classes according to NOVA classification among adults of a Brazilian cohort study. This is a cross-sectional study, in which food consumption was assessed using an Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and polyphenol content (total and their classes) was estimated at Phenol-Explorer for each food category and presented as mean and 95% confidence interval. Adjusted linear regression was used to describe the trend of the association between the quintiles of polyphenols intake (dependent variable) and NOVA group of food consumption (independent variable). The higher consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods is accompanied by a higher intake of total polyphenols and all their classes, while the higher consumption of ultra-processed foods represented the lower intake of total polyphenols and their classes. Fresh foods are the greatest sources of polyphenols, and their daily consumption should be encouraged, while ultra-processed foods are deficient in such bioactive compounds.

Ultra-processed foods in a rural Ecuadorian community: associations with child anthropometry and bone maturation.

Frequent ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is consistently associated with poor health outcomes. Little is known about UPF intake during early childhood and its effects on growth. We assessed UPF in relation to child anthropometry, bone maturation, and their nutrition profiles in a rural Ecuadorian community. Covariate-adjusted regression models estimated relationships between UPF intake from a 24-hour Food Frequency Questionnaire and three outcomes: linear growth, weight status and bone maturation. Nutrient Profiling Models (NPM) evaluated a convenience sample of UPF (n 28) consumed by children in the community. In this cohort (n 125; mean age = 33·92 (sd 1·75) months), 92·8 % consumed some form of UPF the previous day. On average, children consuming UPF four to twelve times per day (highest tertile) had lower height-for-age z-scores than those with none or a single instance of UPF intake (lowest tertile) (ß = -0·43 [se 0·18]; P = 0·02). Adjusted stunting odds were significantly higher in the highest tertile relative to the lowest tertile (OR: 3·07, 95 % CI 1·11, 9·09). Children in the highest tertile had significantly higher bone age z-scores (BAZ) on average compared with the lowest tertile (ß = 0·58 [se 0·25]; P = 0·03). Intake of savoury UPF was negatively associated with weight-for-height z-scores (ß = -0·30 [se 0·14]; P = 0·04) but positively associated with BAZ (ß = 0·77 [se 0·23]; P < 0·001). NPM indicated the availability of unhealthy UPF to children, with excessive amounts of saturated fats, free sugars and sodium. Findings suggest that frequent UPF intake during early childhood may be linked to stunted growth (after controlling for bone age and additional covariates), despite paradoxical associations with bone maturation.

Food Consumption of People with Sickle Cell Anemia in a Middle-Income Country.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic and hemolytic disease globally characterized by social vulnerability. Food consumption has been insufficiently analyzed in SCA. Secondary iron overload is often observed. This leads to unreliable recommendations for dietary iron restriction. We assessed food consumption and iron intake among adults with SCA. Considering the guidelines for healthy eating, foods were grouped according to the NOVA classification. This transversal study included 74.4% of eligible patients who were registered in the reference center for SCA treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2019. Data on food consumption were collected through 24 h recall. The monthly household income of 82.3% of patients was less than $770. The consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods was directly associated with monthly household income (p < 0.0001; η2 = 0.87). Ultra-processed foods provided more than one-third of the total energy intake (35.2%). The prevalence of inadequate iron intake was about 40% among women, while that of iron intake above the tolerable upper limit was 0.8%. People from lower socioeconomic classes had the lowest iron intake. Strategies to encourage the consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods are needed considering the requirement of an antioxidant diet in SCA. These findings highlight the need for health equity to ensure food security and healthy eating in SCA.

The combined consumption of fresh/minimally processed food and ultra-processed food on food insecurity: COVID Inconfidentes, a population-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the combined consumption of fresh/minimally processed and ultra-processed food is associated with food insecurity (FI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study was derived from a survey using a population-based search of a complex sample. FI was assessed using the validated Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Food consumption was assessed using a qualitative FFQ and the NOVA classification for fresh/minimally processed food and ultra-processed food. A scoring system was used to evaluate combined food consumption according to the extent and purpose of processing, considering the weekly consumption of the two groups (according to the NOVA classification). Higher punctuation reflects worse diet quality (higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and lower consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods). A theoretical causality model was constructed using a directed acyclic graph, and multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression to test the association between FI and food consumption. SETTING: Ouro Preto and Mariana, Brazil, between October and December 2020. PARTICIPANTS: An epidemiological household survey was conducted with 1753 individuals selected through a stratified and clustered sampling design in three stages. RESULTS: Those with food consumption scores in the fourth quartile had a 60 % higher prevalence ratio (PR) for FI (PR: 1·60 and 95 % CI: 1·06 - 2·40). Also, the increased consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods and low consumption of ultra-processed foods presented a 45 % lower prevalence ratio of FI (PR: 0·55 and 95 % CI: 0·40 - 0·80). CONCLUSION: These results indicate an inverse association between FI and diet quality.

Qualidade nutricional de biscoitos disponíveis à venda em supermercados / Nutritional quality of biscuits available for sale in supermarkets

Introdução: Biscoitos são produtos de panificação feitos com farinha, gordura, açúcar e outros ingredientes, e podem ser alimentos processados ou ultraprocessados. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade nutricional de biscoitos comercializados em supermercados brasileiros. Materiais e Métodos: Após a autorização dos responsáveis, dois supermercados participaram do estudo. Foram coletados os dados de informação nutricional e a lista de ingredientes dos biscoitos a partir dos rótulos dos produtos, através de fotos e anotações. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente através de estatística descritiva e análise de variância (ANOVA) com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultado: No total, foram incluídos 412 biscoitos diferentes, dos quais 73,5% eram doces e 26,5%, salgados. A média de ingredientes por produto foi de 14,80, e 84,7% dos biscoitos eram produzidos com 11 ou mais ingredientes; o número máximo de ingredientes encontrado foi de 29. A gordura vegetal foi encontrada em 79,6% dos produtos. Os biscoitos doces tiveram valores mais elevados de açúcares p<0,0001), gordura total (p=0,002) e gordura saturada (p<0,0001), e os biscoitos salgados tiveram valores mais altos de proteínas (p<0,0001), e sódio (p<0,0001). Quando comparados com biscoitos processados, os biscoitos ultraprocessados tiveram níveis mais elevados de carboidratos (p=0,001), açúcares (p<0,0001), gordura total (p<0,0001) e gordura saturada (p<0,0001). Conclusão: No presente estudo, biscoitos processados e salgados tiveram melhor qualidade nutricional que os biscoitos doces e ultraprocessados, e são considerados melhores opções para os consumidores em supermercados.

Introduction: Biscuits are small bakery products made with wheat flour, fat, sugar and other ingredients, and they can be processed or ultraprocessed food. This paper aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of biscuits sold in Brazilian supermarkets. Materials and methods: After authorization from the managers, two supermarkets participated in the study. The data collected from labels was the nutritional information and the list of ingredients of cookoies, through photos and notes. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significant level of p<0,05. Results: A total of 412 different products were included, which 73,5% are sweet and 26,5% are salty biscuits. About processing, 98,05% are ultraprocessed and only 1,95% processed. The average of ingredients was 14,80 and 84,7% of biscuits were produced with 11 or more ingredients; the maxim number of ingredients was 29. Vegetal fat was found in 79,6% of products. Sweet biscuits have higher values of sugar (p<0,0001), total fat (p=0,002) and saturated fat (p<0,0001), and salty biscuits were higher in proteins (p<0,0001) and sodium (p<0,0001). When compared with processed biscuits, the ultraprocessed ones were higher in carbohydrates (p=0,001), sugar (p<0,0001), total fat (p<0,0001) and saturated fat (p<0,0001). Conclusion: In this study, processed and salty biscuits had better nutritional quality than sweet and ultraprocessed ones, and are considered better choice options for consumers in supermarkets.

Affordable Nutrient Density in Brazil: Nutrient Profiling in Relation to Food Cost and NOVA Category Assignments.

Affordable nutrient density is provided by low-cost and nutrient-rich foods. We explored nutrient density, cost, and NOVA category assignments within and across food groups in Brazil. The nutrient density of the foods (n = 591) was assessed using the Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF9.3) based on protein, fiber, vitamin A (RAE), vitamin C, vitamin E (mg), Ca, Fe, K and Mg; and NRF6.3 score for priority nutrients: Ca, Fe, Zn, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and folate. Nutrients to limit (LIM) were saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium. Affordability was defined as the ratio of energy and/or nutrient density of foods and retail price per 100 kcal. Foods were classified as minimally processed (n = 106), processed (n = 188), ultra-processed (n = 286), and culinary ingredients (n = 11). Nutrient density was positively linked to per 100 kcal food cost. Ultra-processed foods (UPF) contained more energy, fat, sugar, and salt and had lower NRF scores compared to minimally processed (MPF) foods. UPF was also less expensive than MPF foods. Nutrient-rich foods below the median per 100 kcal costs included MPF foods, but also processed foods (PF) and UPF. Affordable nutrient-rich foods can be found in the different categories of the NOVA classification.

Obesidad y su relación con el consumo de alimentos procesados / Obesity and its relationship with the consumption of processed foods

El consumo de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados se ha asociado a un mayor riesgo de padecer obesidad. El objetivo principal de esta revisión es analizar la evidencia sobre la relación de la obesidad con el consumo de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en donde se seleccionaron 10 estudios que relacionaban estas dos variables. Las principales búsquedas electrónicas se realizaron en PubMed, New England Journal Of Medicine, Scielo y Google Académico, en los últimos 5 años. Se incluyeron estudios transversales, prospectivos, longitudinales y descriptivos. Los cuales midieron hábitos alimenticios a través de encuestas de salud y recordatorios de 24 horas. Los alimentos en los estudios se determinaron según clasificación NOVA. Los resultados de los estudios se asociaron de forma positiva y significativa a la relación de la obesidad con el consumo de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados. La alimentación es un factor de riesgo modificable y a través de políticas públicas se deben generar medidas realistas e innovadoras que promuevan y potencien el consumo de alimentos frescos, naturales o mínimamente procesados

The consumption of processed and ultra processed foods has been associated with an increased risk of obesity. The main objective of this review is to analyze the evidence on the relationship of obesity with the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods. A systematic search was carried out in which 10 studies were selected that related these two variables. The main electronic searches were carried out in PubMed, New England Journal Of Medicine, Scielo and Google Scholar, in the last 5 years. Cross-sectional, prospective, longitudinal and descriptive studies were included. Which measured eating habits through health surveys and 24-hour reminders. The foods in the studies were determined according to NOVA classification. The results of the studies were positively and significantly associated with the relationship of obesity with the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods. Food is a modifiable risk factor and realistic and innovative measures should be generated through public policies that promote and enhance the consumption of fresh, natural or minimally processed foods

Ultra-processed food consumption and dietary, lifestyle and social determinants: a path analysis in Brazilian graduates (CUME project).

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and dietary, lifestyle and social determinants using pathway analysis in the baseline of the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME project). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, in which path analysis was used to estimate direct and indirect effects of dietary practices, sleep, time on the computer and professional status on UPF consumption. SETTING: Data were collected in 2016, through an online questionnaire composed of sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and dietary practices questions, and a FFQ. PARTICIPANTS: Baseline participants from the CUME Project (n 2826), adults who graduated from Universidade Federal de Viçosa or Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil. RESULTS: Being employed (P = 0·024), the time spent on the computer (P = 0·031) and the frequency of fried food intake (P < 0·001) were positively and directly associated with UPF consumption, whereas the sleep duration (P = 0·007) and the number of meals per d (P < 0·001) were negatively and directly associated with UPF consumption. Indirect effects were observed between being employed, mediated by the sleep duration (P = 0·032) and fried food intake (P = 0·005), whereas being a student is mediated by the time on the computer (P = 0·048). CONCLUSION: The time spent on the computer, sleep duration and fried food consumption showed direct effects on UPF consumption. They also acted as mediators on the relationship between professional status and UPF consumption. Besides, the number of meals eaten each day also was directly associated with UPF consumption.

Maternal Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods-Rich Diet and Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF)-rich diets represents a potential threat to human health. Considering maternal diet adequacy during pregnancy is a major determinant for perinatal health outcomes, this study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze studies investigating the association between maternal consumption of a UPF-rich diet and perinatal outcomes. Conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, five electronic databases and gray literature using Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global were searched up to 31 May 2022. No restrictions were applied on language and publication date. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection and data extraction process. Meta-analysis was conducted according to the random-effects model. In total, 61 studies were included in the systematic review and the overall population comprised 698,803 women from all gestational trimesters. Meta-analysis of cohort studies showed that maternal consumption of UPF-rich diets was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR): 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17, 1.87) and preeclampsia (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.42). Neonatal outcomes showed no association. The overall GRADE quality of the evidence for the associations was very low. The findings highlight the need to monitor and reduce UPF consumption, specifically during the gestational period, as a strategy to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes.

Incorporação da classificação NOVA na produção científica em alimentação e nutrição na América Latina: uma revisão cienciométrica / Incorporation of the NOVA classification into scientific production on food and nutrition in Latin America: a scientometric review

Em 2009, foi proposta uma classificação de alimentos, denominada classificação NOVA. Países da América Latina tem se destacado em seu uso nas recomendações nutricionais e agenda regulatória. Objetivo. Avaliar como a produção científica em alimentação e nutrição na América Latina tem incorporado a classificação NOVA. Materiais e métodos. A análise da produção científica foi realizada a partir de trabalhos apresentados no Congresso Latinoamericano de Nutrição (SLAN) nos anos de 2012, 2015 e 2018. Os termos utilizados para a busca foram: NOVA, ultraprocessado, processado, processamento e guia alimentar, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Após a busca, foram aplicados os critérios de exclusão e inclusão e os resumos selecionados foram descritos de acordo com variáveis analíticas previamente definidas. Resultados. Foram analisados 153, sendo 24 publicados em 2012, 20 em 2015 e 109 em 2018. A maioria dos estudos foram desenvolvidos no Brasil (56,2%) e no México (12,4%) e envolvia adolescentes (28,8%), adultos (21,6%) e alimentos (19,6%) como sujeito/unidade de análise. A maioria dos trabalhos foi classificada na área de Nutrição em Saúde Pública (88,9%), era de natureza observacional (82,3%) e empregava método quantitativo (76,5%). A venda e/ou consumo de alimentos (46,4%) e o ambiente alimentar (24,2%) foram os objetos de estudo mais frequentes. Conclusão. A produção científica que considera a classificação NOVA na América Latina aumentou em 2018, com Brasil e México liderando o desenvolvimento dos estudos. Estudos que explorem a relação da classificação NOVA com o preço dos alimentos, habilidades culinárias e políticas públicas são oportunidades de pesquisa(AU)

In 2009, a food classification was proposed, called NOVA classification. Latin American countries have stood out in their use in nutritional recommendations and regulatory agenda. Objective. To evaluate how scientific production in food and nutrition in Latin America has incorporated the NOVA classification. Materials and methods. The analysis of scientific production was carried out from annals at the Latin American Congress of Nutrition (SLAN) in 2012, 2015 and 2018. The terms used for the search were: NOVA, ultra-processed, processed, processing and food guide, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. After the search, the exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied and the selected abstracts were described according to previously defined analytical variables. Results. A total of 153 were analyzed, 24 of which were published in 2012, 20 in 2015 and 109 in 2018. Most studies were carried out in Brazil (56,2%), followed by Mexico (12,4%) and involved adolescents (28,8%), adults (21,6%) and food (19,6%) as subject or unit of analysis. Most of the works were classified in the area of Public Health Nutrition (88,9%), were observational (82,3%) and used a quantitative method (76,5%). The sale and/or consumption of food (46,4%) and the food environment (24,2%) were the most common objects of study. Conclusion. The scientific production that considers the NOVA classification in Latin America increased in 2018, with Brazil and Mexico leading the development of studies. Studies that explore the relationship of NOVA classification to food price, culinary skills and public policy analysis are research opportunities(AU)

Consumers' Understanding of Ultra-Processed Foods.

Food classification systems have been proposed to improve food quality criteria. Among these systems, "processing level" has been used as a criterion. NOVA classification, as the denotation "ultra-processed" food (UPF), has been widely used in different countries. However, even though some studies have pointed out some controversial aspects, no study has evaluated its comprehension by the population where it is used as reference. Therefore, this study explored the understanding of the term UPF for Brazilian consumers, where this denotation has been used in the last 8 years. A questionnaire was used, with questions referring to different aspects of self-assessment of knowledge about UPF. Altogether, 939 valid participants completed the questionnaire, and 81.9% of them declared to know the term UPF. For 78.2%, a better definition for UPF should be "foods that have gone through many processes in industry". Finally, it was concluded that the term UPF is still confusing for most Brazilians, indicating the risk of use and the urgent necessity to improve the classifications systems and consequently consumer understanding. Only when all parties interested in healthy food work together could this problem be solved.