Sources of excessive saturated fat, trans fat and sugar consumption in Brazil: an analysis of the first Brazilian nationwide individual dietary survey

Abstract

Objective To examine the patterns of consumption of foods high in Solid Fats and Added Sugars (SoFAS) in Brazil. Design Cross-sectional study; individual dietary intake survey. Food intake was assessed by means of two non-consecutive food records. Foods providing >9.1% of energy from SAFA, or >1.3% of energy from TFA, or >13% of energy from added sugars per 100g were classified as high in SoFAS. Setting Brazilian nationwide survey, 2008-09. Subjects ≥10 years old individuals. Results Mean energy intake was 8,037 kJ [1,921kcal], 52% of calories came from SoFAS foods. Contribution of SoFAS foods to total energy intake was higher among women (52%) and adolescents (54%). Subjects in rural areas (43%) and in the lowest quartile of per capita family income (43%) reported the smallest contribution of SoFAS foods to total energy intake. SoFAS foods were large contributors to total SAFA (87%), TFA (89%), added sugar (98%), and total sugar (96%) consumption. The SoFAS food groups that contributed most to total energy intake were the meats and beverages. Top SoFAS foods contributing to SAFA and TFA intakes were meats and fats and oils. Most of the added and total sugar in the diet was supplied by SoFAS beverages and sweets and desserts. Conclusions SoFAS foods play an important role in the Brazilian diet. This study identifies options for improving the Brazilian diet and reducing nutrition-related non communicable chronic diseases, but also points out some limitations of the nutrient-based criteria.

Social and demographic inequalities in diet quality in a population-based study

“…According to a study using data from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey, 66.6% of 1,793 tested foods had high contents of solid fat (saturated and trans) and sugar. The mean contribution of these foods to total energy was higher in women (52.0%), adolescents (54.0%), and those with higher education levels (55.0%) and family income (57.0%) 43 . A study using BHBS 2008-2009 data has shown that the participation of meats, milk, cheese, animal fats, soft drinks, and pre-packaged meals in the diet increases with household income, and these foods contain sugar and saturated and trans fats 11 .…”

Daily intake of dairy products in Brazil and contributions to nutrient intakes: a cross-sectional study

“…that sweetened and full-fat dairy products such as flavoured milks are a contributor to intake of added sugars and solid fats, particularly among adolescents (35) . These processed dairy products are among the foods for which limited consumption is recommended in the 2014 Brazilian dietary guidelines.…”

Breakfast eating among Brazilian adolescents: Analysis of the National Dietary Survey 2008-2009

“…In the present study, the foods mentioned by the participants in the food record were divided into 58 groups, according to Pereira et al [18]. Briefly, this food grouping system, proposed by the Department of Nutrition of the University of North Carolina, considers nine major United States Departament of Agriculture food groups disaggregated into subgroups according to the nutritional characteristics of foods and beverages and usual consumption pattern.…”