The EAT-Lancet diet associated cardiovascular health parameters: evidence from a Brazilian study.

BACKGROUND: The EAT-Lancet diet is a diet aimed at promoting population and planetary health from the perspective of sustainable diets in terms of environmental and health aspects. This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and cardiometabolic risk factors among adults and elderly individuals in a capital city in the northeastern region of Brazil. METHODS: This is an analytical cross-sectional observational study from a population-based sample conducted between 2019 and 2020, involving 398 non-institutionalized adults and elderly people, of both sexes from "Brazilian Usual Consumption Assessment" study (Brazuca-Natal). There was a 38% response rate due to the suspension of data collection due to the covid-19 pandemic, but According to the comparative analysis of socioeconomic and demographic variables between the surveyed and non-surveyed sectors, losses were found to be random (p = 0.135, Little's MCAR test). Socioeconomic and lifestyle data, anthropometric measurements, and dietary consumption were collected. We used the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and the Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) for cardiovascular health to assess adherence to the diet's sustainability. The evaluated cardiometabolic parameters included fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. We also assessed the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. For the data analyses, sample weights and the effect of the study design were taken into account. Pearson's chi-square test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of frequencies. Multiple linear regression models assessed the associations between PHDI and CHDI and its components and the cardiometabolic parameters. RESULTS: The mean PHDI was 29.4 (95% CI 28.04:30.81), on a total score ranging from 0 to 150 points and the mean CHDI was 32.63 (95% CI 31.50:33.78), on a total score ranging from 0 to 110 points. PHDI showed a significant positive association with the final CHDI score and components of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and a negative association with Ultra-processed Food (UPF) (p < 0.05). Notably, among the most consumed UPF, the following stand out: "packaged snacks, shoestring potatoes, and crackers" (16.94%), followed by margarine (14.14%). The PHDI exhibited a significant association with diabetes and dyslipidemia, as well as with systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that adopting the EAT-Lancet diet is associated with the improvement of key cardiovascular health indicators.

Monitoring sodium content in processed and ultraprocessed foods in Argentina 2022: compliance with National Legislation and Regional Targets.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the current Na levels in a variety of processed food groups and categories available in the Argentinean market to monitor compliance with the National Law and to compare the current Na content levels with the updated Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) regional targets. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Argentina. Data were collected during March 2022 in the city of Buenos Aires in two of the main supermarket chains. We carried out a systematic survey of pre-packaged food products available in the food supply assessing Na content as reported in nutrition information panels. RESULTS: We surveyed 3997 food products, and the Na content of 760 and 2511 of them was compared with the maximum levels according to the Argentinean law and the regional targets, respectively. All food categories presented high variability of Na content. More than 90 % of the products included in the National Sodium Reduction Law were found to be compliant. Food groups with high median Na, such as meat and fish condiments, leavening flour and appetisers are not included in the National Law. In turn, comparisons with PAHO regional targets indicated that more than 50 % of the products were found to exceed the regional targets for Na. CONCLUSIONS: This evidence suggests that it is imperative to update the National Sodium Reduction Law based on regional public health standards, adding new food groups and setting more stringent legal targets.

The Effects of an Educational Intervention About Front-of-Package Labeling on Food and Beverage Selection Among Children and Their Caregivers: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity pose a global public health challenge and have a multifactorial origin. One of these factors includes obesogenic environments, which promote ultraprocessed foods characterized by being high in calories, saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. In Mexico, it has been estimated that 30% of the total energy consumed comes from processed foods. The Modification to the Official Mexican Standards introduces nutritional information through black octagonal seals that alert consumers about products with excessive amounts of some components for a better food selection in the population. However, the effects of warning labels on processed food selection and purchases among children remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of a digital educational intervention focusing on front-of-package warning labels on the food selection and purchasing behavior of elementary schoolchildren and their caregivers. METHODS: Children from 4 elementary schools in Mexico City, 2 public and 2 private schools, will participate in a randomized controlled trial. The schools will be chosen by simple random sampling. Schools will be randomized into 2 groups: intervention and control. In the control group, the dyads (caregiver-schoolchildren) will receive general nutritional education, and in the intervention group, they will receive guidance on reading labels and raising awareness about the impact of consuming ultraprocessed products on health. The educational intervention will be conducted via a website. Baseline measurements will be taken for both groups at 3 and 6 months. All participants will have access to an online store through the website, allowing them to engage in exercises for selecting and purchasing food and beverages. In addition, other measures will include a brief 5-question exam to evaluate theoretical understanding, a 24-hour reminder, a survey on food habits and consumption, application of a food preference scale, anthropometric measurements, and recording of school lunch choices. RESULTS: Registration and funding were authorized in 2022, and we will begin data collection in September 2024. Recruitment has not yet taken place, but the status of data analysis and expected results will be published in April 2025. CONCLUSIONS: The study is expected to contribute to evaluating whether reinforcing front-of-package warning labels with education enhances its effects and makes them more sustainable. Conducting this study will allow us to propose whether or not it is necessary to develop new intervention strategies related to front-of-package labeling for a better understanding of the population, improved food choices, and better health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06102473; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06102473. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/54783.

Sostenibilidad alimentaria y prevalencia de consumo de preparaciones tradicionales y típicas en hogares del centro-sur de Chile / Food sustainability and prevalence of consumption of traditional and typical preparations in households in central-southern Chile

Introducción. Las preparaciones tradicionales típicas incluyen ingredientes mínimamente procesados, provenientes de la agricultura local, raíces y tradiciones de un territorio. A nivel mundial la población ha cambiado sus patrones dietéticos, incorporando alimentos ultraprocesados impactando la salud poblacional y planetaria. Objetivo. Identificar la sostenibilidad y la prevalencia de consumo de preparaciones tradicionales típicas chilenas en hogares de una región de la zona centro-sur de Chile. Materiales y Métodos. Diseño transversal descriptivo, con una muestra de 104 hogares mediante muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se identificó la sostenibilidad de 34 preparaciones tradicionales típicas chilenas, aplicando el sistema NOVA de clasificación de los alimentos según grado y tipo de procesamiento. Las preparaciones se clasificaron en sostenibles (>60% de ingredientes del grupo 1), medianamente sostenibles (50-60%) y no sostenibles (<50%). El estudio contó con la aprobación del Comité de Bioética de la Universidad del Bío-Bío. El análisis de datos consideró frecuencias, porcentajes e IC95% en STATA 17.0. Resultados. El 64% de las preparaciones fueron clasificadas como sostenibles, el 23% medianamente sostenibles y un 13% como no sostenibles. Las preparaciones sostenibles son las más consumidas por los hogares, especialmente aquellas que incluyen legumbres. Las preparaciones no sostenibles consumidas en los hogares se basan en harina refinada, manteca vegetal hidrogenado y/o aceites. Conclusiones. La sostenibilidad de las preparaciones tradicionales típicas chilenas depende de sus ingredientes. Las preparaciones sostenibles son las más consumidas por los hogares de esta región, y se basan en alimentos naturales o poco procesados(AU)

Introduction. Typical traditional preparations include minimally processed ingredients from local agriculture, roots and traditions of a territory. Globally, the population has changed its dietary patterns, incorporating ultra-processed foods, impacting population and planetary health. Objective. To identify the sustainability and prevalence of consumption of typical Chilean traditional preparations in households in central-southern Chile. Materials and Methods. Descriptive cross-sectional design, with a sample of 104 households using non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The sustainability of 34 typical Chilean traditional preparations was identif ied, applying the NOVA food classif ication system according to degree and type of processing. The preparations were classif ied as sustainable (>60% of group 1 ingredients), moderately sustainable (50- 60%) and non-sustainable (<50%). The Bioethics Committee of the Universidad del Bío-Bío approved the study. Data analysis considered f requencies, percentages and 95%CI in STATA 17.0. Results. 64% of the preparations were classif ied as sustainable, 23% moderately sustainable, and 13% non-sustainable. Sustainable preparations are the most consumed by households, especially those that include pulses. Unsustainable preparations households consume are based on ref ined flour, hydrogenated vegetable shortening and/or oils. Conclusions. The sustainability of typical Chilean traditional preparations depends on their ingredients. Sustainable preparations are the most consumed by households in this region and are based on natural or minimally processed foods(AU)

Validation of the NOVA score for the consumption of ultra-processed foods by young women of Medellín, Colombia.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with deterioration in dietary quality and the development of chronic diseases. The NOVA score, developed in Brazil to assess UPF consumption quickly and inexpensively, is adapted and validated here using a sample of 203 young women from Medellín, Colombia. Food consumption was evaluated using 24-hour dietary recall and with the NOVA-UPF score. Food items were classified using the NOVA categories. The energy consumed from UPFs and its percentage of the total energy consumed was estimated. The association between the NOVA-UPF score and the percentage of energy from UPF (%UPF/E) was evaluated. Both variables were categorized into quintiles and concordance was estimated using prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). A regression model was used to assess the association between the NOVA-UPF score and critical nutrients. The mean NOVA-UPF score among study participants was 4.5, with 27% of the total energy they consumed coming from UPFs. There was a positive, linear association between the NOVA-UPF score and %UPF/E (p < 0.001) and substantial agreement (PABAK = 0.75) in the classification of participants between UPF energy quintiles and NOVA-UPF score quintiles. The NOVA-UPF score was positively and significantly associated with sodium, total fat, and saturated fat intake. We conclude that the adapted NOVA-UPF score may help monitor the consumption of UPFs among young women in Medellín.

Association between ultraprocessed food intake and C-reactive protein levels in preterm and term infants.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine associations between consumption of ultraprocessed food (UPF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a sample of term and preterm infants. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 43 preterm infants (<34 wk), chronological age between 9 and 24 mo, were compared with a group of 47 healthy term infants of the same age. Data were collected on dietary intake, anthropometric measures, and serum CRP level (mg/L). The main exposure of interest was the consumption of UPF (excluding all types of milk), measured as the percentage of total energy intake. RESULTS: The mean birth weight, gestational age, and corrected age were 1,245 ± 381.7 g, 29.9 ± 2.3 wk, and 14.3 ± 6.4 mo, respectively, in the preterm group. Infants in the preterm group consumed UPF less frequently (27-67.5% versus 40-87.0%; P = 0.038) but in a greater amount relative to total energy intake (39.8% [19.1-59.1%]) versus 29.0% (14.5- 41.9%; P = 0.040) when compared with the term group. There was no statistically significant difference between the preterm and term groups regarding CRP levels. The consumption of UPF (percentage of energy intake) was independently associated with CRP levels (ß = 0.007; 95% CI, 0.001-0.014; P = 0.034). A significant interaction between being born preterm and UPF consumption was found for CRP levels (P = 0.049). Breast-feeding was not associated with lower consumption of UPF in both groups (24-75.0% versus 43-79.6%; P = 0.404). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive relationship between UPF and CRP levels among infants, irrespective of excess weight. At the clinical practice level, a better comprehension of the associations between food processing and chronic inflammation may aid in individual dietary guidance.

Ultraprocessed food consumption and dietary nutrient profiles associated with obesity: A multicountry study of children and adolescents.

This study assessed associations between ultraprocessed food consumption and dietary nutrient profile linked to obesity in children and adolescents in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States using nationally representative data collected between 2004 and 2014. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between dietary share of ultraprocessed foods (country and age group-specific quintiles and a 10% share increase) and the energy density of diets and their content of free sugars and fiber. Ultraprocessed foods, defined by the NOVA system, ranged from 18% of total energy intake among preschool children in Colombia to 68% among adolescents in the United Kingdom. In almost all countries and age groups, increases in the dietary share of ultraprocessed foods were associated with increases in energy density and free sugars and decreases in fiber, suggesting that ultraprocessed food consumption is a potential determinant of obesity in children and adolescents. Effective global policy action to address growing ultraprocessed food consumption and childhood obesity is urgently needed.

Food consumption according to degree of food processing, behavioral variables, and sociodemographic factors: Findings from a population-based study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the consumption levels of foods at different degrees of processing and their associations with sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of Brazilian adults. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study involving 976 adult individuals (ages 20 to 59 y) of both sexes, living in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Participants were selected using a probabilistic sampling technique. Consumed foods were categorized into four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultraprocessed foods. Associations were tested using linear regression. RESULTS: Unprocessed and minimally processed foods accounted for 61.3% of the total energy intake and were positively associated with age and negatively associated with level of education (ß = -6.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-10.16 to -3.57]) and sedentary behavior (ß = 3.24; 95% CI [-5.88 to -0.61]). Ultraprocessed foods accounted for 23.6% of the total energy intake, and consumption was negatively associated with age and positively associated with sedentary behavior (ß = 0.005; 95% CI [0.00008-0.01]) and tertiary education (ß = 5.42; 95% CI [2.71-8.13]). CONCLUSIONS: Ultraprocessed foods contribute more to the daily energy intake of younger individuals, and ultraprocessed food consumption is positively associated with sedentary activity and level of education.

Evaluación de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados: Un análisis antes de la implementación del etiquetado frontal en Perú

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar los nutrientes críticos de alimentos industrializados y compararlos con los parámetros técnicos establecidos en la normatividad peruana, en sus dos etapas de implementación del etiquetado frontal en los empaques antes del inicio de su vigencia en junio de 2019. Métodos Estudio transversal en el que se analizaron los nutrientes críticos sodio, azúcar total, grasas saturadas y grasas trans de datos declarados en los etiquetados nutricionales de 511 alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados que formaron parte de los productos comprados para el consumo de 88 familias de estudiantes de una Universidad Privada de Lima. Los parámetros técnicos utilizados para evaluar los nutrientes críticos son los establecidos en el Reglamento de la Ley 30021. Todos los análisis se realizaron con Excel y SPSS versión 21, se utilizaron los estadísticos t de Student y Prueba de McNemar. Resultados Se analizaron 79 alimentos procesados y 432 alimentos ultraprocesados. Del total de los productos procesados y ultraprocesados evaluados, se encontró para el sodio que el 14.3% y 37.2% respectivamente superaran los parámetros en la primera y segunda etapa establecida en la normatividad; para el azúcar el 54.2% y el 62.6%; mientras que para las grasas saturadas el 52.8% y 59.5% respectivamente. Los alimentos tipo solidos son los que tendrán mayores cambios en el etiquetado frontal entre la primera y segunda etapa de implementación, a diferencia de los líquidos que sin cambiar la composición de sus productos su etiquetado frontal no variaría significativamente. Conclusiones La grasa saturada presente en los productos sólidos (procesados y ultraprocesados), sobrepasa los parámetros en ambas etapas de implementación en la mayoría de productos; del total de alimentos comparados independiente de su tipo y categoría, para la primera y segunda etapa de implementación, el nutriente crítico azúcar fue aquel que estuvo presente de manera elevada en la mayoría de los productos evaluados.

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of the current study was to evaluate critical nutrients of industrialized foods and compare them with the technical parameters established in the Peruvian regulations, in its two stages of implementation, referring to front-of-package labeling before the beginning of its validity in June 2019. Methods Cross-sectional study in which the critical nutrients of sodium, total sugar, saturated fat and transfat were analyzed from data declared in the nutritional labels of 511 processed and ultra-processed foods that were part of the products purchased for the consumption of 88 families of students from one private university in Lima. The technical parameters used to evaluate the critical nutrients are those established in the Regulation of Law 30021. All analyses were carried out with Excel and SPSS version 21, Student's t-statistics and McNemar's test were used. Results 79 processed foods and 432 ultra-processed foods were analyzed. Of the total processed and ultra-processed products evaluated, it was found that for sodium 14.3% and 37.2% respectively exceeded the parameters in the first and second stages established in the regulations; for sugar 54.2% and 62.6%; while for saturated fats 52.8% and 59.5%, respectively. Solid foods are those that will have the greatest changes in front labeling between the first and second stages of implementation, unlike liquids that without changing the composition of their products, their front labeling would not vary significantly. Conclusions The saturated fat present in solid products (processed and ultra-processed), exceeds the parameters in both stages of implementation in most products. Of the foods compared, regardless of type and category, the critical nutrient sugar was the one that was highly present in most of the products evaluated for the first and second stages of implementation.

Effect of a healthy eating intervention in the first months of life on ultraprocessed food consumption at the age of 4-7 years: a randomised clinical trial with adolescent mothers and their infants.

This randomised clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of a pro-breast-feeding (BF) and healthy complementary feeding intervention performed during infants' first months of life on ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption at 4-7 years. We enrolled 323 teenage mothers and their infants from South Brazil, 163 allocated to the intervention group and 160 to the control group. Intervention consisted of sessions on BF and healthy complementary feeding promotion and was carried out in the maternity ward and at home after delivery. Food consumption was assessed using three 24-h food recalls at child's age of 4-7 years. Foods were classified according to NOVA classification. Dietary contribution of UPF was adjusted for intra-individual variability by the SPADE method and categorised into tertiles. We used Poisson regression models with robust variance, adjusted for confounders, to estimate the effect of the intervention and duration of BF on the risk of high consumption of UPF. Our final analysis included 194 children, with mean age of 6·1 (sd 0·5) years. Mean dietary contribution of UPF was 38 % in the intervention group and 42·7 % in the control group, from total daily intakes. Results adjusted for BF duration, propensity score, income and total energy content demonstrated that the intervention reduced the risk of high consumption of UPF by 35 % (relative risk 0·65, 95 % CI 0·43, 0·98). BF duration was not associated with UPF consumption. The intervention was effective in reducing the risk of high UPF consumption at the age of 4-7 years.

Ultraprocessed beverages and processed meats increase the incidence of hypertension in Mexican women.

Higher intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPF), which have undergone multiple processes and have poor nutrient quality, is associated with higher incidence of non-communicable diseases. Yet, its association with hypertension has scarcely been studied, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We aimed to estimate the associations between consumption of UPF (total, liquid and solid) and UPF subgroups and incident hypertension in a prospective cohort study. We used data from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort including 64 934 disease-free women aged ≥25 years at baseline. We assessed baseline usual dietary intake using a validated FFQ, and each item was categorised according to NOVA, a degree of food processing classification system. UPF and UPF subgroups were categorised according to the distribution of their contribution to total energy intake. Hypertension was self-reported. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and their 95 % CI. During a median follow-up of 2·2 years, we identified 3752 incident cases of hypertension. Mean contribution of UPF to total energy intake was 29·8 (SD 9·4) % energy (23·4 (SD 8·9) % solid, 6·4 (SD 4·8) % liquid). Comparing extreme categories showed that higher total and solid UPF consumptions were not associated with incident hypertension (IRR 0·96, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·16; IRR 0·91, 95 % CI 0·82, 1·01, respectively). However, liquid UPF and processed meats were associated with increased hypertension (IRR 1·32, 95 % CI 1·10, 1·65; IRR 1·17, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·36, respectively). Addressing intake of liquid UPF and processed meats may help in managing hypertension in LMIC.

Maternal and sociodemographic factors influence the consumption of ultraprocessed and minimally-processed foods in pregnant women / Fatores maternos e sociodemográficos influenciam o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e minimamente processados em gestantes

Abstract Objective To analyze the consumption of minimally-processed and ultraprocessed foods in relation with sociodemographic variables, maternal habits, educational activity received during prenatal care and clinical history. Methods A cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive study with 1,035 pregnant women who lives in the municipalities of the metropolitan region of Grande Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil (RMGV-ES), and who were hospitalized in establishments of the Unified Health System (SUS) due to childbirth (April-September 2010). The food frequency questionnaire, pregnant woman's card and information from the medical records of the health facility unit were analyzed. The Chi-square test and the binary logistic regression model were used to investigate the association between the independent variables and the consumption of ultraprocessed foods. Results It was identified that pregnant women ≤ 19 years of agewere 2.9 timesmore likely to consume ultraprocessed foods (confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.683-5.168, p< 0.001), while those ≥ 35 years old were less likely to consume them (odds ratio [OR] 0.265, 95% CI 0.105-0.666, p= 0.005). Maternal smoking increased the odds of consumption of ultraprocessed foods by 2.2 times (95% CI 1.202-4.199, p= 0.011) and pregnant womenwho did not obtain information on healthy food during prenatal care presented 54.1% less chances of consuming minimally-processed foods (OR 0.459, 95% CI 0.307-0.687, p< 0.001). Conclusion Smoking during the gestational period and being a teenager are factors that influence the consumption of ultraprocessed foods of pregnant women. Race/ color, head of household, age group, receiving of information about feeding in the prenatal period and not having smoked in gestation determined the consumption of minimally-processed foods.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o consumo de alimentos minimamente processados e ultraprocessados e a sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas, hábitos maternos, atividade educacional recebida durante o pré-natal e histórico clínico. Métodos Estudo transversal, analítico e descritivo com 1.035 gestantes que moram nos municípios da Região Metropolitana da Grande Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil (RMGV-ES), e que foram internadas em estabelecimentos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) devido ao parto (abril-setembro de 2010). Foramanalisados o questionário de frequência alimentar, o cartão da gestante e as informações dos prontuários da unidade de saúde.Oteste do Quiquadrado e o modelo de regressão logística binária foram utilizados para investigar a associação entre as variáveis independentes e o hábito alimentar. Resultados Identificou-se que as gestantes com idade ≤ 19 anos tinham 2,9 vezes mais chances de consumirem alimentos ultraprocessados (intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% 1,683-5,168; p < 0,001), enquanto aquelas com ≥ 35 anos tinham menos chances de consumí-los (razão de chances [RC] 0,265; IC 95% 0,105-0,666; p = 0,005). O tabagismo materno aumentou as chances de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados em 2,2 vezes (IC95% 1,202-4,199; p = 0,011) e as gestantes que não receberam orientações sobre alimentação saudável durante o pré-natal apresentaram 54,1%menos chances de consumiremalimentos minimamente processados (RC 0,459; IC95% 0,307-0,687; p < 0,001). Conclusão Fumar durante o período gestacional e ser adolescente são fatores que influenciam o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados em gestantes. Raça/cor, chefe da família, faixa etária, recebimento de informações sobre alimentação no pré-natal e não fumar na gestação determinaram o consumo de minimamente processados.

Consumo alimentar segundo a classificação NOVA, alterações da pressão arterial e incidência de hipertensão em adultos da Coorte de Universidades Mineiras (CUME) / Food consumption according to the NOVA classification, changes in blood pressure and incidence of hypertension in adults from the Cohort of Universities in Minas Gerais (CUME)

A hipertensão arterial (HA) é um importante problema de saúde pública devido à sua alta magnitude e por constituir o mais relevante fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), principal causa de morbimortalidade em todo o mundo. Estima-se que o consumo alimentar não saudável constitui um dos determinantes mais importantes para o aumento da pressão arterial (PA) e desenvolvimento da HA. Esta relação tem sido muito estudada usando-se escores pré-definidos ou classificações de alimentos que mesclam aqueles considerados saudáveis e não saudáveis em um mesmo grupo. Com o intuito de contornar este problema, foi proposta, em 2009, a classificação NOVA que separa os alimentos de acordo o grau de processamento em: alimentos in natura/minimamente processados (IN/MP); ingredientes culinários processados (ICP); alimentos processados (AP); alimentos ultraprocessados (AUP). Objetivo: Analisar o consumo alimentar segundo a classificação NOVA de adultos da Coorte de Universidades Mineiras (CUME) e sua associação com alterações na PA e incidência da HA. Método: Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal com 2.496 egressos de universidades federais do Estado de Minas Gerais que participaram da linha de base (março a agosto de 2016) e da primeira onda de seguimento (março a agosto de 2018) do projeto (taxa de retenção = 80%). Na linha de base, os participantes responderam a um amplo questionário online composto por questões sobre dados do estilo de vida, sociodemográficos, antropométricos, bioquímicos e clínicos, morbidade referida individual e familiar, uso de medicamentos e consumo alimentar. No seguimento, os participantes responderam a um questionário online mais curto com questões sobre mudanças no estilo de vida, consumo alimentar e condições de saúde desde a primeira coleta com o foco na incidência de doenças. A exposição foi o consumo alimentar dos grupos de alimento segundo a classificação NOVA: a) in natura/minimamente processados/ingredientes culinários processados (IN/MP/ICP); b) alimentos processados (AP); c) alimentos ultraprocessados (AUP). Os desfechos foram: a) alterações nas pressões arteriais sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) ao longo do tempo: a.1) de maneira contínua (PAS n = 1.547; PAD n = 1.517) (ex.: PAS no seguimento ­ PAS na linha de base) ou a.2) categorizada (PAS n = 1.547; PAD n = 1.517) (manteve, diminuiu, aumentou); b) incidência de HA, avaliada a partir dos critérios do Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC), adotado no Brasil (n = 1.840), e do American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) (n = 1.221). As associações independentes entre a exposição e os desfechos foram verificadas com a utilização de técnicas de análises estatísticas multivariadas apropriadas: a) alterações da PA (variáveis contínuas) = modelos de regressão linear; b) alterações da PA (variáveis categóricas) = modelos de regressão multinomial; c) incidência da HA = modelos de regressão de Poisson. Resultados: As médias de PAS e PAD na linha de base foram 115,6 mmHg e 75,2 mmHg e no seguimento foram de 115,3 mmHg e 74,9 mmHg, respectivamente. Durante o seguimento de dois anos, 14% e 18% dos participantes aumentaram, respectivamente, a PAS e a PAD, enquanto 15% e 19% dos participantes diminuíram, respectivamente, a PAS e a PAD. Não houve associações significativas entre os grupos alimentares e a PAS. Por outro lado, para cada 1% no aumento do consumo de alimentos IN/MP/IC e de AUP houve, respectivamente, -0,05 mmHg de diminuição e +0,05 mmHg de aumento da PAD ao longo do tempo. Ademais, o aumento percentual da contribuição calórica de alimentos IN/MP/IC no consumo alimentar diminuiu o risco de aumento da PAD (RR = 0,56; IC 95% = 0,35-0,90), enquanto que o aumento percentual da contribuição calórica de AUP no consumo alimentar incrementou o risco de aumento da PAD (4º quintil ­ RR = 2,02; IC 95% = 1,28-3,18; 5º quintil ­ RR = 1,75, IC 95 % = 1,10-2,79). Utilizando os critérios diagnósticos do JNC para a classificação da HA, foram identificados 230 novos casos da doença de um total de 1.868 participantes (66/1.000 pessoas-ano); não foram encontradas associações significantes entre a exposição e o desfecho. Já para a classificação da HA segundo os critérios do ACC/AHA, identificou-se 373 novos casos da doença de um total de 1.241 participantes (160/1.000 pessoas-ano). Os maiores consumos (5º quintil) de alimentos IN/MP/IC e AUP se associaram, respectivamente, à redução (RR = 0,72; IC 95% = 0,52-0,98) e ao aumento do risco de HA (RR = 1,35; IC 95 % = 1,011,81) . Conclusão: do ACC/AHA O , embora sejam adultos jovens s participantes apresentaram alta incidência de HA com alto nível de escolaridade pelo critério . As maiores contribuições percentuais calóricas na dieta de alimentos considerados saudáveis (IN/MP/IC) e não saudáveis (AUP), diminuíram e aumentaram respectivamente, Palavras chave: o risco de elevação da PAD e de incidência de HA.

Hypertension is an important public health problem due to its high magnitude once it is the most relevant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the main cause of disability and death worldwide. Unhealthy eating habits are one of the most important determinants for increasing blood pressure (BP) and the development of hypertension. This relationship has been studied using pre-defined scores or food classification, which mix both healthy and unhealthy foods in the same group. In order to overcome this problem, the NOVA classification was proposed in 2009. It separates foods according to the degree of processing into: unprocessed/minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients (U/MP/PCI); processed foods (PF); ultra-processed foods (UPF). Objective: To analyze food consumption according to the degree of processing of adults in the Minas Gerais University Cohort (CUME) and its association with changes in BP and the incidence of hypertension. Methods: Longitudinal study with 2,496 graduates from federal universities in the State of Minas Gerais that participated in the baseline (March to August 2016) and the first follow-up wave (March to August 2018) of the project (rate retention = 80%). At the baseline, participants answered a comprehensive online questionnaire with questions about lifestyle, sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical data, individual and family reported morbidity, use of medications and food consumption. In the follow-up, they answered a shorter online questionnaire about changes in lifestyle, eating habits and health conditions since the first data collection. The focus was on the incidence of diseases. The exposure was food consumption by food groups according to NOVA. The outcomes were: a) changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures over time: a.1) continuously (e.g., SBP in follow-up - SBP at baseline) or a.2) categorized (maintained, decreased, increased); b) incidence of hypertension assessed by the criteria of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC), adopted in Brazil, and the one of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Independent associations between exposure and outcomes were verified using appropriate multivariate statistical analysis techniques: a) BP changes continuous variables) = linear regression models; b) BP changes (categorical variables) = multinomial regression models; c) incidence of hypertension = Poisson regression models. Results: At baseline, SBP and DBP means were 115.6 mmHg and 75.2 mmHg and in the followup they were 115.3 mmHg and 74.9, respectively. During the two-year follow-up, 14% and 18% of the participants increased, respectively, the SBP and DBP, while 15% and 19% of the participants decreased, respectively, the SBP and DBP. We did not find significant associations between food groups and SBP. On the other hand, for each 1% increase in food consumption U/MP/CI and UPF there was, respectively, -0.05 mmHg decrease and +0.05 mmHg increase in DBP over time. Furthermore, the percentage increase in the caloric contribution of U/MP/CI in food consumption decreased the risk of increasing the DBP (RR = 0.56; CI 95% = 0.35-0.90). On the other hand, the percentage increase in the caloric contribution of UPF in food consumption increased the risk of increasing the DBP (4th quintile ­ RR = 2.02; CI 95% = 1.28-3.18; 5th quintile ­ RR = 1.75, CI 95 % = 1.10- 2.79). Using the JNC's diagnostic criteria, 230 new cases of hypertension out of 1.868 participants (66/1.000 personyears) were identified. In this case, we did not find significant associations between exposure and outcome too. However, according to the ACC/AHA criteria, 373 new cases of hypertension out of 1.241 participants (160/1.000 person-years) were identified. The highest consumption of food U/MP/CI and UPF was associated, respectively, with reduction (RR = 0.72; CI 95% = 0.52-0.98) and increase (RR = 1.35; CI 95 % = 1.01-1.81) of the risk of hypertension. Conclusions: participants had a high incidence of hypertension, although they are young adults with a high level of education. The highest percentage of caloric contributions to the diet of foods considered healthy (U/MP/CI) and unhealthy (UPF), decreased and increased, respectively, the risk of increased DBP and the incidence of hypertension.

Consumer food environment and overweight.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between aspects of the consumer food environment in food stores selling fruit and vegetables (FVs) and the incidence of overweight among users of a Brazilian primary health care service. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed individual-level and food environment variables, within the context of a representative sample of a primary health care service in a Brazilian city (the Health Academy Program [HAP]) in 2013. Users of HAP units and multiple aspects of the consumer food environment (availability, diversity, variety, quality, advertising, and price) related to FVs and ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) were examined. Multilevel logistic models were used to examine the relationships among overweight and consumer environment characteristics. We analyzed 2810 participants and audited 336 food stores. RESULTS: More than 70% of stores had adequate diversity and variety of FVs; Regarding quality, only 24.5% of stores presented inadequate quality of fruits and 39.6% inadequate quality of vegetables. UPFs were present in 60.6% of FV stores. The results indicated a high prevalence of overweight (62.6%) in participants of the health promotion service and the multilevel models revealed an association with variety of vegetables in stores (0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.99; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Given the importance of food environment in food choice at the time of purchase, it is important to consider consumer food environment in determining consumption. The results suggest that increased exposure to healthy foods should be included as guidelines for weight management.

Estado nutricional, consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e imagem corporal de adolescentes de uma escola privada do município de Juiz de Fora ­ MG / Nutritional status, consumption of ultraprocessed foods and body image of adolescents from a private school in the city of Juiz de Fora - MG

Introdução: A adolescência é uma fase com intensas mudanças nutricionais e de elevada vulnerabilidade, o que fortalece a necessidade de investigação do referido grupo. Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção da imagem corporal e fatores associados em adolescentes de uma escola privada do município de Juiz de Fora- MG. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado no ano de 2016, desenvolvido com estudantes de ambos os sexos, cuja faixa etária varia de dez a quatorze anos de idade, matriculados em uma escola privada do Município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Os dados antropométricos avaliados nos adolescentes foram peso, altura e circunferência da cintura, padronizados de acordo com as orientações do Ministério da Saúde. Também foram coletados dados referentes ao hábito alimentar e a percepção da imagem corporal dos indivíduos, através de questionários semi-estruturados e auto preenchidos. Foram coletados dados antropométricos de 50 indivíduos. As análises foram processadas no software SPSS, versão 20.0. Resultados: Encontrou-se associação entre a variável idade e insatisfação da imagem corporal, onde os adolescentes com idade inferior à 12 anos apresentaram maior descontentamento com imagem corporal. Ademais, em relação ao estado nutricional foi possível observar elevada prevalência de insatisfação corporal entre indivíduos obesos e com excesso de peso. Em relação aos hábitos alimentares, 84,6% dos adolescentes destinavam metade de suas compras à aquisição de alimentos ultraprocessados. Conclusão: O consumo de ultraprocessados entre os adolescentes foi grande, assim como foi elevada a insatisfação com a imagem corporal. Esses achados demonstram a importância da implementação de ações públicas, voltadas aos adolescentes, com intuito de promoção da alimentação saudável e prevenção da obesidade, sobrepeso e distúrbios de imagem corporal.

Introduction: Adolescence is a phase with intense nutritional changes and high vulnerability, which strengthens the need for research in this group. Objective: To evaluate the perception of body image and associated factors in adolescents from a private school in the city of Juiz de Fora- MG. Material and methods:This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 2016, developed with students of both sexes, whose age ranges from ten to fourteen years of age, enrolled in a private school in the Municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais . The anthropometric data evaluated in the adolescents were weight, height and waist circumference, standardized according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health. Data were also collected regarding dietary habits and the perception of body image of the individuals, through semi-structured questionnaires and auto-filled. Anthropometric data were collected from 50 individuals. The analyzes were processed in SPSS software, version 20.0. Results: We found an association between the age variable and body image dissatisfaction, where adolescents below 12 years of age presented greater dissatisfaction with body image. In addition, in relation to nutritional status, it was possible to observe a high prevalence of body dissatisfaction among obese and overweight individuals. Regarding eating habits, 84.6% of adolescents allocated half of their purchases to the purchase of ultraprocessed foods. Conclusion: The consumption of ultraprocessed among adolescents was great, as was dissatisfaction with body image. These findings demonstrate the importance of the implementation of public actions, aimed at adolescents, aiming to promote healthy eating and prevention of obesity, overweight and body image disorders.

Early feeding practices and consumption of ultraprocessed foods at 6 y of age: Findings from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between early feeding practices and consumption of ultraprocessed foods in children at age 6 y. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study using data from 3427 children who participated in the 2004 Pelotas Cohort Study and who had available food frequency questionnaire information at 6 y. Information about exclusive and total breastfeeding duration as well as age at introduction of semisolid and solid foods was used to define early feeding practices. Consumption of ultraprocessed foods was defined as proportion of total daily energy intake that came from ultraprocessed foods at age 6 y. Crude and adjusted linear regression models were employed to analyze the effect of early feeding practices on ultraprocessed foods consumption. RESULTS: It was determined that 40.3% of total daily energy intake at 6 y came from ultraprocessed foods. In crude linear regression models, early feeding practices (exclusive and total breastfeeding duration, and age at introduction of semisolid and solid foods) were negatively associated with ultraprocessed foods consumption. After adjustment, only exclusive breastfeeding duration and age at introduction of solid foods remained associated with consumption of ultraprocessed foods, although the observed effects size was small. Children exclusively breastfed for ≥3 mo and those who had solid foods introduced at ≥4 mo consumed a lower proportion of daily energy intake from ultraprocessed foods. CONCLUSION: This study supports the need to promote healthy early feeding practices including the support of breastfeeding to promote healthier eating habits later in childhood.