Geographical and Temporal Variability of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in the Spanish Population: Findings from the DRECE Study

Abstract

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased in recent decades, worldwide. Evidence on the negative impacts of food processing on health outcomes has also been steadily increasing. The aim of this study is to describe changes in consumption patterns of ultra-processed foods in the Spanish population over time and their geographical variability. Data from four representative cohorts of the Spanish population were used (1991–1996–2004–2008). Dietary information was collected using a validated frequency questionnaire and categorized using the NOVA classification. A total increase of 10.8% in UPF consumption between 1991 and 2008 was found in Spain (p-value < 0.001). The products contributing most to UPF consumption were sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, dairy products, and sweets. Those who consumed more ultra-processed foods were younger (p-value < 0.001) and female (p-value = 0.01). Significant differences between the different geographical areas of Spain were found. The eastern part of Spain was the area with the lowest UPF consumption, whereas the north-western part was the area with the highest increase in UPF consumption. Given the negative effect that the consumption of ultra-processed foods has on health, it is necessary to implement public health policies to curb this increase in UPF consumption.

Who consumes ultra-processed food? A systematic review of sociodemographic determinants of ultra-processed food consumption from nationally representative samples

“…UPF intake also varied across regions. In 2008, UPF intake was more than 30% of total energy in all regions, but 5% higher in North Spain (36•0% (SD: 18•3)) than South or Central South Spain (South: 31•3% (SD: 18•3), Central South: 30•2% (SD: 17•1)) (58) .…”

“…In the adjusted models, adolescents (aged 10-17) had the highest UPF intake, with female adolescents consuming 192 g (95% CI: 135, 249) more than female older adults, and male adolescents consuming 327 g (95% CI: 277, 377) more than male older adults (aged [45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64]. Female and male older adults (aged 45-64) consumed 63 g more (95% CI: 34, 91) and 51 g more (95% CI: 9, 93) than elderly females and males (aged [65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84].…”

“…Spain. In Spain, the average intake of UPF significantly increased from 1991 to 2008, accounting for 24•4% (SD: 14•0) of total energy in 1991, 25•6% (SD: 16•3) in 1996, 27•5% (SD: 19•2) in 2004, and 31•1% (SD: 19•0) in 2008 (58) .…”

“…In the adjusted model (adjusted for year of cohort, age, gender, BMI and total energy intake) across 1991 to 2008, a younger age (−0•15% (SE: 0•01) per year of age) and female gender (1•1% (SE: 0•3) greater UPF intake than males) had significantly higher UPF intakes (58) . UPF intake also varied across regions.…”

Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of cardiovascular events: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

“… 9 In different populations from multiple countries, individuals consume 16–67% of total energy per day with UPF, with the lowest intake among the Colombian population and the highest intake in among the younger population in the United States. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 Additionally, excessive consumption of UPF (added sugars, processed meats, and refined grains) means decreased adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns. 16 Thus, investigating whether UPF intake is associated with cardiovascular disease risk has important public health implications.…”