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Published on: July 29, 2020
Ultra-processed food consumption in children from a Basic Health Unit
Karen Sparrenberger1, Roberta Roggia Friedrich1, Mariana Dihl Schiffner2
1Post Graduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) significantly contribute to children's diets, with nearly half of their daily calories coming from these products. Child age and maternal education are key factors influencing UPF consumption patterns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Dietary Assessment
Background:
- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a growing concern in pediatric diets globally.
- Understanding UPF consumption patterns is crucial for addressing childhood overweight and related health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the dietary contribution of UPFs in children attending a Basic Health Unit in Southern Brazil.
- To identify factors associated with high UPF consumption among children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 204 children aged 2-10 years.
- Dietary intake assessed via 24-hour recall and food items classified.
- Socio-demographic, anthropometric data collected; overweight defined by BMI-for-age Z-scores.
Main Results:
- Overweight prevalence was 34%; 47% of mean daily energy intake originated from UPFs.
- Higher maternal education and older child age were associated with increased UPF consumption.
- Significant trends showed increased UPF intake with higher maternal education and child age.
Conclusions:
- UPFs represent a substantial portion of children's diets in this population.
- Child age is a significant factor associated with UPF consumption.
- Further research and interventions targeting dietary patterns are warranted.
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