Nutritional quality and use of claims in products with added micronutrients

To analyze the association between the addition of micronutrients and the use of health and nutrition claims (HNC) in processed and ultra-processed products, and to evaluate whether this association differs according to the nutritional quality.

This cross-sectional study utilized data from 17 264 packaged foods and beverages available in major supermarket chains in Mexico City in 2017. Information was obtained from the front-of-packages (for HNC), nutrition facts table (energy and nutrients of concern), and ingredient lists (sources of micronutrients).

25% (95%CI: 26.8,28.3%) of products reported added micronutrients. In this group, the use of HNC was higher compared to those without added micronutrients (55.1 vs. 27.5%). Finally, the proportion of products classified as excess energy (PR 1.11, 95%CI: 1.07,1.16), free sugars (PR 1.09, 95%CI: 1.04,1.15), and with non-sugar sweeteners (PR 4.05, 95%CI: 3.64,4.50) were higher in products that displayed HNC and with micronutrients added compared to products without HNC and micronutrients.

The addition of micronutrients was more frequent in ultra-processed products that displayed HNC and products excessive in energy, free sugars or those containing non-sugar sweeteners.