Nutritional Quality of Breakfast Consumed by the Low-Income Population in Brazil: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the nutritional quality of breakfast consumed by the low-income Brazilian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1547 low-income individuals attending 36 Community Restaurants (CRs) in Brazil. Food consumption was analyzed by the frequency of food groups presented in the 24 h recall for three days. The nutritional consumption consisted of the analysis of the total energetic value (TEV) and the macronutrients, fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, calcium, and sodium. The nutrients were evaluated considering the percentage of contribution concerning the daily recommendation of consumption. Results: Among the 4641 breakfasts expected to be consumed and reported, 17.2% (n = 797) of the consumers did not consume breakfast. Therefore, we analyzed the 3844 breakfasts. The analysis of food groups showed a high consumption of dairy and cereals, and low consumption of fruits, roots/tubers, and meat/eggs. The percentages of energy contribution of the macronutrients in the TEV were adequate for a balanced diet. The mean intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was low, and the contribution percentages of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids were within the recommendations. The mean fiber intake of the breakfast was low, agreeing with the result of low fruit consumption. Calcium intake covered 73.49% of that expected for this meal, and sodium intake was adequate in breakfast. Conclusion: The individuals studied consumed a nutritionally balanced breakfast. Although dairy was one of the most consumed groups, calcium consumption was low, indicating the need to consume higher portions of food sources of this nutrient.

Brazilian Community Restaurants’ Low-Income Food Handlers: Association between the Nutritional Status and the Presence of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases

“…However, on the weekend, food handlers consumed more sodium than recommended. A study with Brazilian CR external customers that evaluated the sodium consumption showed that the mean sodium intake at breakfast (436 mg) [17] was lower than our findings for internal consumers (food handlers) ( Table 5). Therefore, the CR food handlers seem to consume a higher amount of sodium during breakfast than the general Brazilian low-income population [17].…”

“…A study with Brazilian CR external customers that evaluated the sodium consumption showed that the mean sodium intake at breakfast (436 mg) [17] was lower than our findings for internal consumers (food handlers) ( Table 5). Therefore, the CR food handlers seem to consume a higher amount of sodium during breakfast than the general Brazilian low-income population [17]. Although CR food handlers' sodium intake for breakfast on weekdays is adequate, it is essential to highlight that this intake for breakfast associated with the sodium intake at lunch is higher than the daily required amount of sodium.…”

“…Previous studies showed that the meals produced at CRs are nutritionally adequate for their customers [13,14,17], except for the sodium content at lunch [13]. Our results showed that the amount of sodium intake by all groups of food handlers (Table 4) is higher than the recommendation for the whole day [64].…”

“…Since the dietary reference intakes (DRI) is based on daily consumption and, in Brazil, breakfast should cover 20% of the daily TEV ingestion [15,17], the maximum limit of sodium for breakfast should be 460 mg. CR food handlers' intake of sodium ranged from 457.2 ± 503.2 to 494.9 ± 450.5 mg on weekdays and weekends, respectively ( Table 5). The intake of sodium in CR breakfast is according to recommendations.…”

“…In addition, the last Brazilian study "Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases" with 52,392 individuals showed that 55.7% are overweight and 19.8% are obese, which are risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) [12]. Therefore, attention to the low-income population is necessary to improve the national public health and nutrition and to reduce rates of NCDs [3,6,[13][14][15][16][17].…”