Ultra-Processed Foods Are the Major Sources of Total Fat, Saturated and Trans-Fatty Acids Among Tunisian Preschool and School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Excessive intake of fat and fatty acids is associated with major health hazards such as obesity or chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to provide the first data on total fat, SFA and TFA intakes and their major food sources in Tunisian children. Methods: A total of 1200 children, aged 3 to 9 years old, were randomly selected from primary schools and kindergarten under a cross-sectional design. The 24hour recall method and food frequency questionnaire were used to assess dietary intake over a period of one week.Results: The energy percentages of total fat, SFA and TFA in Tunisian children were respectively 29.6, 11.4 and 0.15. No sex differences were found. The WHO recommendations for total fat, SFA and TFA were adopted by 58 %, 39 % and 89 % of the study population, respectively. The leading food groups of fat and fatty acids were ultra-processed foods, bread and cereals and dairy products. The meat, fish, eggs and fish alternatives were the fifth main contributors to the total fat and SFA intakes in Tunisian children.Conclusions: The implementation of a relevant strategy for fat reduction, especially from ultra-processed foods, considered as low nutrient energy-dense products, is needed to promote health among children and prevent diet-related chronic diseases.

Association between Overweight and Diet Diversity Score: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted among Tunisian Children

“…The progress of overweight is a public health concern in Tunisia and other North African countries. Nowadays, children are exposed to a more obesogenic environment, as they tend to consume more processed and ready-to-eat food with a high content of added sugar and fat [ 41 ]. An analysis of the most consumed industrial products by children as well as fast food revealed a high amount of trans-fatty acids [ 41 , 42 ].…”

“…Nowadays, children are exposed to a more obesogenic environment, as they tend to consume more processed and ready-to-eat food with a high content of added sugar and fat [ 41 ]. An analysis of the most consumed industrial products by children as well as fast food revealed a high amount of trans-fatty acids [ 41 , 42 ]. Moreover, while no official assessment of food advertisements has been conducted in Tunisia, similar countries from the Eastern and Mediterranean regions are frequently exposed to unhealthy food advertisements in mass media [ 43 ].…”