BackgroundThe Latin American (LA) region is still facing an ongoing epidemiological transition and shows a complex public health scenario regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A healthy diet and consumption of specific food groups may decrease the risk of NCDs, however there is a lack of dietary intake data in LA countries.ObjectiveProvide updated data on the dietary intake of key science-based selected food groups related to NCDs risk in LA countries.DesignELANS (Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health) is a multicenter cross-sectional study assessing food consumption from an urban sample between15 to 65 years old from 8 LA countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela). Two 24-HR were obtained from 9,218 individuals. The daily intake of 10 food groups related to NCDs risk (fruits; vegetables; legumes/beans; nuts and seeds; whole grains products; fish and seafood; yogurt; red meat; processed meats; sugar-sweetened beverages (ready-to-drink and homemade)) were assessed and compared to global recommendations.ResultsOnly 7.2% of the overall sample reached WHO’s recommendation for fruits and vegetables consumption (400 grams per day). Regarding the dietary patterns related to a reduced risk of NCDs, among the overall sample legumes and fruits were the food groups with closer intake to the recommendation, although much lower than expected (13.1% and 11.5%, respectively). Less than 3.5% of the sample met the optimal consumption level of vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and yogurt. Largest country-dependent differences in average daily consumption were found for legumes, nuts, fish, and yogurt. Mean consumption of SSB showed large differences between countries.ConclusionDiet intake quality is deficient for nutrient-dense food groups, suggesting a higher risk for NCDs in the urban LA region in upcoming decades. These data provide relevant and up-to-date information to take urgent public health actions to improve consumption of critically foods in order to prevent NCDs.

Objective To describe the prevalence of inadequate mineral intake and associated factors with calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium intakes in individuals aged 15-24.9 years. Methods We analyzed 476 individuals from the Brazilian Study of Nutrition and Health, stratified into two age groups (adolescents aged 15-18.9 years and young adults aged 19-24.9 years). Mineral intake was obtained from two 24-hour Dietary Recalls. The values of the Estimated Average Requirement and the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels were considered to calculate the prevalence of inadequacy. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine associated factors with mineral intake. Results Calcium and magnesium had the highest prevalence of inadequacy (>83%) in both sexes and age groups. Sodium intake was above Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for the majority of the population studied (>68%). The intake of all minerals was different between the sexes for the two age groups (p<0.01), and it was not different between age groups (p>0.05). The associated factors with mineral intake were sex (calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium), age group (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium), and physical activity (calcium, iron, and magnesium), followed by socioeconomic level (zinc and sodium) and body weight status (iron and sodium). Conclusion The expressive portion of the studied population is at nutritional risk for calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Such data can contribute to the national public policy revision that is related to micronutrient intake and the adoption of healthier habits by adolescents and young adults.