Dietary Patterns Trend in Mexican Adolescent Population from 2006 to 2018, by Geographic Region

Abstract

Objectives To analyze the dietary patterns trend in adolescent population from 2006 to 2018 by geographic region of Mexico. Methods We analyzed information from four National Health and Nutrition Surveys in Mexico (years: 2006, 2012, 2016, and 2018). Dietary information was collected using a validated seven-day, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. We analyzed the consumption of different food groups: 1) Fruits and vegetables (g), 2) Red meat, 3) animal products, and 4) sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), and ultra-processed foods (according to NOVA classification). We also estimated the Dietary Diversity score, which was constructed based on 10 food groups consumed: 1) grains, roots, and tubers; 2) pulses (beans, peas, and lentils), 3) nuts and seeds; 4) dairy; 5) meat, poultry and fish; 6) Eggs; 7) dark green leafy vegetables; 8) other vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; 9) other vegetables; and 10) other fruits. Food groups were assigned to 1 if any food item within the group consumed, otherwise 0, if not eaten in one day of the last week. Food intake ≤ 15 g was not considered in this study. We estimated the percentage of consumers with ≥ 400 gr of fruits and vegetables/d, with ≥ 5 food groups (Minimum DDS, MDDS) and percentage of consumers of red meat. We estimated the contribution from SSB, ultra-processed food and animal products (energy percentage). Characteristics of sampled individuals such as sex, age were considered. The country was divided in three regions: 1) North, 2) Centre and Mexico City, and 3) South. We used linear and logistic regression models to continuous and categorical variables, respectively. We analyzed difference by geographic region. Results The percentage of population of MDDS was similar among regions. North region presented the lower fruits and vegetables consumption and the highest energy percentage from ultra-processed foods. There was an increase of animal products consumption in 2018 respecting to the other years in the three regions. The SSB contribution was similar in the three regions in each year. Conclusions Geographic region was associated with variations in the consumption of fruits, vegetables and ultra-processed foods in Mexican adolescents. These results can be used to the design of intervention to improve the quality of the diet, considering the dietary patter of each regions. Funding Sources N/A.