Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Is Related to Higher Trans Fatty Acids, Sugar Intake, and Micronutrient-Impaired Status in Schoolchildren of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption impacts nutrient intake and plays an important role in non-communicable diseases (NCD), even among schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the food consumption of this population and its relationship with laboratory and anthropometric aspects. A sample of 190 subjects aged 5 to 19 y was randomly selected for dietary, laboratory, and anthropometric assessment. Statistical inference was calculated using Spearman’s correlation. Excess weight was observed in 34%, a high Waist-to-Height Ratio in 9%, and hypertriglyceridemia in 17% of the subjects, higher among those from urban schools (45%, p = 0.011; 15%, p = 0.015; 24%, p = 0.026, respectively). UPF consumption represented 21% of caloric intake and showed a positive correlation with trans fatty acids (r = 0.70) and sugar (r = 0.59) intake. Unprocessed food consumption showed a weak, but significant, correlation with Body Mass Index (r = 0.22) and Waist Circumference (r = 0.23), while processed meat showed a negative correlation with serum ferritin (r = −0.16) and vitamins D (r = −0.20) and B12 (r = −0.15). These findings highlight the need for public policies to promote Food and Nutritional Security for schoolchildren to prevent NCD and nutritional deficiencies.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers Are Related to High Intake of Ultra-Processed Food in Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

“…In terms of nutrient intake, and in accordance with a previous study, higher consumption of SFA and trans-FA was observed in the group with a greater consumption of UPFs, while the intake of fiber was significantly lower [37]. The differences in the quality of the diet between high UPF and low UPF consumers were also evident when analyzing the urinary levels of polyphenols.…”

The role of ultra-processed food consumption in protein-energy wasting and sarcopenia development in patients with chronic kidney diseases

“…On the other hand, decreased body fat is more common in PEW than in sarcopenia [ 31 ]. Etiological factors leading to sarcopenia and PEW associated with CKD that are exacerbated by consumption of UPFs include the following: developed insulin resistance, acidosis, vitamin D deficiency, and disruption of hormones like testosterone, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and growth hormone (GH) resistance [ 32 , 33 ]. In addition, the change in the gut microbiome and dysfunction of the gut barrier aggregated by exposure to phthalates, which leaks into food through contact materials or food processing plastics, leads to the development of an inflammatory environment (increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) [ 34 , 35 ] as a contributor to muscle wasting [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Impact on Fecal Microbiota and Health-Related Markers of an Intervention Focused on Improving Eating Behavior in People at Risk of Food Insecurity

“…Volunteers rated each item on an intensity scale ranging from 0 to 3, with a maximum possible score of 63 points. The severity of depressive symptoms was categorized as minimal (0-13 points), mild (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19), moderate (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28), or severe (29-63) using previously established references [59,60].…”

“…Recent literature has shown that processed foods have a negative impact on dietary quality and health due to the poor nutrient density, their high additive content, and association with higher intakes of sugars and trans-fatty acids [14]. Sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats [14,15] have been associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases including colorectal cancer [16][17][18].…”

“…Recent literature has shown that processed foods have a negative impact on dietary quality and health due to the poor nutrient density, their high additive content, and association with higher intakes of sugars and trans-fatty acids [14]. Sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats [14,15] have been associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases including colorectal cancer [16][17][18]. Along with that, the scarce consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may lead to a reduced intake of fiber or (poly)phenols, which have been identified as key players in microbiota modulation in addition to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [17,19,20].…”