Efectos de la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y su asociación con los indicadores del estado nutricional de una población económicamente activa en México

Abstract

This work aimed to correlate ultra-processed product consumption and nutritional status in a sample of the Mexican labor force population. A cross-sectional study assessed subjects from both genders (18 to 60 years, n=150). Bioimpedance equipment was used to obtain anthropometric measurements and body composition parameters. Moreover, a previously validated frequency questionnaire of ultra-processed foods was used to obtain dietetic data. Results from the nutritional status evaluation indicated that 80% of the sample was obese or overweight; 88.7% had high total fat mass percentage, and 75.3% had high metabolic risk. Regarding the dietetic evaluation, ultra-processed products with high sugar content were the most consumed (47%, up to10.4 times per week). Furthermore, the Pearson correlation analysis results showed a significant negative correlation between age and consumption in four of the five ultra-processed product groups evaluated. Therefore, there is a need to implement internal strategies to diminish the consumption of ultra-processed products and improve healthy food choices and physical activity of the sample to avoid quality of life deterioration and reduce economic losses in this sector.

Dietary and Nutrient Intake, Eating Habits, and Its Association with Maternal Gestational Weight Gain and Offspring’s Birth Weight in Pregnant Adolescents

“…Only fifty percent of Mexican pregnant adolescents in the present study had adequate consumption of energy and macronutrients; similar data has been found in pregnant adults [ 50 ]. This dietary pattern could be a risk factor for developing non-transmissible chronic diseases [ 52 , 53 ] and micronutrients deficiencies [ 54 ].…”

Processed and ultra-processed foods consumption in adults and its relationship with quality of life and quality of sleep

“…The consumption of free sugars was 34.0% on a daily basis, that is, at least one portion every day, in contrast to 47.0% of daily consumption in the population of the study by Vázquez et al [30]. In another study carried out by Olmedo et al [36] in Argentine adults, the consumption of free sugars from UPF was evaluated and a consumption of up to 36.4% was found, far exceeding the limits established for this critical nutrient.…”

“…Regarding the frequency of consumption of processed and UPF, taking into account the critical nutrients of the NOVA classification and the PAHO criteria, the consumption of foods with a high sodium content was moderate to high in 61% of the population, a proportion that exceeds the 8% found in the study by Vázquez et al [30]. In another study conducted by Vargas-Meza et al [31] in a sample of 1,356 Mexican adults regarding sodium intake from foods that were mostly ultra-processed, they showed a daily consumption of 3,132 mg/day, a figure that far exceeds the established intake limit, thus demonstrating that these types of foods are the main source of this critical nutrient.…”

“…The daily consumption of fats from foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats was 23.4%, an amount that greatly exceeds the 6.0% found by Vázquez et al [30]. Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and even cancer, as well as increasing the risk of all-cause mortality [38].…”

“…In addition, it recommends replacing these fats with healthier ones, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated acids [39]. 35.5% of those surveyed reported daily consumption of foods with a high content of nitrites and nitrates, a proportion that exceeds the 13.0% observed in the study population of Vázquez et al [30]. The most frequent use given to nitrates and nitrites is as a food additive and preservative for sausages and other types of processed meats, giving better flavor and appearance to the food and delaying microbial deterioration.…”