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Mwesigwa CL, Naidoo S. Consumption frequency of ultra-processed foods and beverages among 6- to 36-month-olds in Kampala, Uganda. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024:e13724. [PMID: 39239673 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The nutrition transition in sub-Saharan Africa has led to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods in infancy, especially sweet foods. This has heightened the risk for nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, including dental caries and overweight/obesity, and promotes poor food choices later in life. The present study used a cross-sectional design to investigate the consumption frequency of ultra-processed foods and beverages among urban 6- to 36-month-olds attending four selected health facilities in Kampala using a standardised questionnaire and 24-h diet recall record. The primary outcome was the consumption of at least one ultra-processed food or beverage (UPFB) the previous day, and frequency of UPFB consumption of the week before was the secondary outcome. Four hundred and ten caregiver-child pairs were randomly recruited, 94% of caregivers being mothers with a mean age of 30.7 (±5.3) years. Fifty-nine per cent of mothers and 73% of fathers had attained a college education. The median age of children was 18 months and 51% were female. Most children (57%) consumed at least one UPFB the previous day. In the week before, 69% had consumed UPFB frequently (4-7 days) which was significantly positively associated with maternal education (odds ratio [OR] = 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-7.96, p = 0.045) and child's age ([OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.62-5.08, p < 0.001], [OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.88-7.20, p < 0.001]). In conclusion, the dietary habits of the surveyed Ugandan population were unhealthy, characterised by the frequent consumption of UPFB with added sugar. There is an urgent need to re-enforce existing Ugandan food regulation guidelines and policies and to build strong nutritional education programmes to enhance health-promoting environments in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L Mwesigwa
- School of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sudeshni Naidoo
- Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Robert M, Martin F, Xhonneux A, Mosser F, Favre E, Richonnet C. Nutritional Quality of Breakfast Cereals on the French, Belgian and Luxembourg Markets: Which Cereals for Children? Nutrients 2024; 16:2701. [PMID: 39203837 PMCID: PMC11357527 DOI: 10.3390/nu16162701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Analyse the breakfast cereal market to help to help healthcare professionals to guide parents in choosing healthy products for their children. Study design: Observational study of the breakfast cereals available in the biggest supermarkets, discount stores and organic chains in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Methods: An analysis of nutritional qualities using three indicators: Nutri-Score (initial and modified version), WHO Europe nutrient profile model, and Nova. Results: 645 products were listed; 559 excluding duplicates. A total of 28.8% are marketed to children and make up the group of "children's" cereals, 62.1% of cereals are Muesli, Oats and other cereal flakes (MOCF), and 54.9% are "organic". The study shows that "children's" cereals have a poorer nutritional profile: a higher proportion of Nutri-Score D, higher sugar content, lower fibre content, less conformity with the WHO Europe nutrient profile model and a higher proportion ofultra-processed. On the other hand, MOCF and "organic" products generally have a better nutritional profile: less sugar, more fibre, more Nutri-Score A, less Nutri-Score D and fewer ultra-processed products. Conclusions: Parents should therefore opt for cereals that do not bear any reference to children on the packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Celine Richonnet
- Club Européen des Diététiciens de l’Enfance (CEDE), Esplanade, 17-7800 Ath, Belgium
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Shinozaki N, Murakami K, Kimoto N, Masayasu S, Sasaki S. Highly Processed Food Consumption and its Association With Overall Diet Quality in a Nationwide Sample of 1,318 Japanese Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on 8-Day Weighed Dietary Records. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024:S2212-2672(24)00267-3. [PMID: 38852670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence regarding the association between consumption of highly processed foods (HPFs) and overall diet quality in children and adolescents from Asian countries. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between HPF consumption and overall diet quality in Japanese children and adolescents. DESIGN A cross-sectional analysis was conducted based on 8-day dietary record data collected from volunteers in 32 of 47 prefectures throughout Japan in 2016 to 2020. Foods were categorized into 1 of 4 processing levels using the framework developed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Food classification was performed under a low-estimate scenario (classifying mixed dishes consumed outside the home after disaggregation into ingredients) and high-estimate scenario (classifying them into HPFs without food disaggregation). PARTICIPANTS/SETTING A total of 1318 Japanese children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2020 and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Multiple regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics and the survey cycle were used to examine the association between tertiles of the energy contribution of HPFs and diet quality. RESULTS The mean energy contribution of HPFs was 27.3% and 44.3% in the low- and high-estimate scenarios, respectively. The top contributors to total energy intake from HPFs were confectioneries in the low-estimate scenario and cereals and starchy foods in the high-estimate scenario. Irrespective of the scenarios, participants in higher tertiles of energy contribution of HPFs had lower total scores for Healthy Eating Index-2020 and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (P for trend < .0001). CONCLUSIONS HPFs accounted for more than one-quarter of the energy intake of Japanese children and adolescents surveyed, and higher consumption of HPFs was associated with lower diet quality. Therefore, reducing HPF consumption may increase overall diet quality among Japanese children and adolescents. Further research is needed to explore the causal nature of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Shinozaki
- Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Murakami
- Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Nana Kimoto
- Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Satoshi Sasaki
- Department of Social and Preventive Epidemiology, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Brichacek AL, Florkowski M, Abiona E, Frank KM. Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods. Nutrients 2024; 16:1738. [PMID: 38892671 PMCID: PMC11174918 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods that are industrially processed and are often pre-packaged, convenient, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor. UPFs are widespread in the current Western diet and their proposed contribution to non-communicable diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease is supported by numerous studies. UPFs are hypothesized to affect the body in multiple ways, including by inducing changes in the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the available research on the effect of UPFs on the gut microbiome. We also review current usage of the NOVA food classification system in randomized controlled trials and observational studies and how its implementation effects UPF research. Despite some differences in methodology between studies, results often associate UPF consumption with a number of negative health consequences. There are attempts to standardize a UPF classification system; however, reaching and implementing a consensus is difficult. Future studies focusing on the mechanisms by which UPFs effect the body, including through the microbiome and metabolome, will be essential to refine our understanding of the effects of UPFs on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karen M. Frank
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Building 10, 10 Center Drive MSC 1508, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.L.B.); (M.F.); (E.A.)
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Khoury N, Martínez MÁ, Garcidueñas-Fimbres TE, Pastor-Villaescusa B, Leis R, de Las Heras-Delgado S, Miguel-Berges ML, Navas-Carretero S, Portoles O, Pérez-Vega KA, Jurado-Castro JM, Vázquez-Cobela R, Mimbrero G, Andía Horno R, Martínez JA, Flores-Rojas K, Picáns-Leis R, Luque V, Moreno LA, Castro-Collado C, Gil-Campos M, Salas-Salvadó J, Babio N. Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2411852. [PMID: 38758555 PMCID: PMC11102022 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in adults; however, the evidence in children is limited. Objective To investigate the association between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study (CORALS). Design, Setting, and Participants This baseline cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the data of CORALS participants recruited between March 22, 2019, and June 30, 2022. Preschool children (aged 3-6 years) were recruited from schools and centers in 7 cities in Spain. Inclusion criteria included informed consent signed by parents or caregivers and having a completed a set of questionnaires about the child's prenatal history at home. Exclusion criteria included low command of Spanish or unstable residence. Exposure Energy-adjusted UPF consumption (in grams per day) from food frequency questionnaires and based on the NOVA food classification system. Main Outcomes and Measures Age- and sex-specific z scores of adiposity parameters (body mass index [BMI], fat mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic parameters (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were estimated using linear regression models. Results Of 1509 enrolled CORALS participants, 1426 (mean [SD] age, 5.8 [1.1] years; 698 boys [49.0%]) were included in this study. Mothers of children with high UPF consumption were younger, had a higher BMI, were more likely to have overweight or obesity, and had lower education levels and employment rates. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of energy-adjusted UPF consumption, those in the highest tertile showed higher z scores of BMI (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.35), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.00-0.32), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.37) and lower z scores for HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.02). One-SD increments in energy-adjusted UPF consumption were associated with higher z scores for BMI (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.17), waist circumference (β coefficient, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15), fat mass index (β coefficient, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-1.18), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.17) and lower HDL cholesterol (β coefficient, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.00). Substituting 100 g of UPFs with 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with lower z scores of BMI (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01), fat mass index (β coefficient, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.00), and fasting plasma glucose (β coefficient, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that high UPF consumption in young children is associated with adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to promote the replacement of UPFs with unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Khoury
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Martínez
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tany E. Garcidueñas-Fimbres
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Pastor-Villaescusa
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosaura Leis
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Pediatric Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Pediatric Nutrition Research Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Unit of Investigation in Nutrition, Growth and Human Development of Galicia-Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara de Las Heras-Delgado
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María L. Miguel-Berges
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Santiago Navas-Carretero
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Nutrition Research, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Medical Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Olga Portoles
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Karla Alejandra Pérez-Vega
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Jurado-Castro
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rocío Vázquez-Cobela
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Pediatric Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Pediatric Nutrition Research Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Unit of Investigation in Nutrition, Growth and Human Development of Galicia-Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gisela Mimbrero
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Centre d’Atenció Primària, Institut Català de la Salut, Reus, Spain
| | - Raquel Andía Horno
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J. Alfredo Martínez
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Nutrition Research, Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Katherine Flores-Rojas
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rosaura Picáns-Leis
- Pediatric Nutrition Research Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Unit of Investigation in Nutrition, Growth and Human Development of Galicia-Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Verónica Luque
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Pediatrics, Nutrition, and Development Research Unit, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Luis A. Moreno
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Castro-Collado
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gil-Campos
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Metabolism and Investigation Unit, Maimónides Institute of Biomedicine Research of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nancy Babio
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició Humana, ANUT-DSM group, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, M. P. Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Kroker-Lobos MF, Morales-Juárez A, Pérez W, Kanda T, Gomes FS, Ramírez-Zea M, Siu-Bermúdez C. Efficacy of front-of-pack warning label system versus guideline for daily amount on healthfulness perception, purchase intention and objective understanding of nutrient content of food products in Guatemala: a cross-over cluster randomized controlled experiment. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:108. [PMID: 37328782 PMCID: PMC10273755 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01124-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-of-package warning labels (FOPWL) have been adopted in many countries aiming at reducing the consumption of unhealthy food and drink products and have also been considered in Guatemala. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of FOPWL versus Guidelines for Daily Amount (GDA) on products' healthfulness perception (HP), purchase intention (PI) and the objective understanding of the nutrient content (UNC) in Guatemala. METHODS Participants (children and adults) (n = 356) were randomly assigned to evaluate either FOPWL or GDA during a crossover cluster randomized experiment in rural and urban areas across 3 phases of exposure. During phase 1, participants evaluated mock-up images of single products (single task) and compared pairs of products within the same food category (comparison task) without any label. In phase 2, participants evaluated labels only (without any product), and during phase 3, they evaluated the same products and questions from phase 1, now depicting the assigned front-of-package label. We generated indicators for single-task questions and scores for comparison tasks, one for each HP, PI and UNC questions. We used intention-to-treat, difference-in-difference regression analysis to test whether exposure to FOPWL was associated with HP, PI and UNC, compared to GDA. We also tested models for children and adults and by area (rural/urban) separately adjusting for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS In single tasks, FOPWL significantly decreased the PI (β -18.1, 95%CI -23.3, -12.8; p < 0.001) and the HP (β -13.2, 95%CI -18.4, -7.9; p < 0.001) of unhealthy food products compared to GDA. In the comparison task, FOPWL significantly increased the UNC (β 20.4, 95%CI 17.0, 23.9; p < 0.001), improved PI towards healthier choices (OR 4.5, 95%CI 2.9, 7.0 p < 0.001) and HP (OR 5.6, 95%CI 2.8, 11.1; p < 0.001) compared to GDA. Similar results were found in children and adults and in urban and rural settings. CONCLUSIONS FOPWL reduces products' healthfulness perception and purchase intention, and increases understanding of products' nutrient content compared to GDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda Kroker-Lobos
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
| | - Analí Morales-Juárez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Wilton Pérez
- INCAP Unit Planning, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Tomo Kanda
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, Diagonal 6 10-50 zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Fabio S Gomes
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, 525 23rd St NW, 20037, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Manuel Ramírez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Carolina Siu-Bermúdez
- INCAP Unit Planning, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 zona 11, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
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Unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children on digital platforms in Aotearoa, New Zealand. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2407. [PMID: 36550491 PMCID: PMC9773428 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's exposure to unhealthy food and beverage marketing has a direct impact on their dietary preference for, and consumption of, unhealthy food and drinks. Most children spend time online, yet marketing restrictions for this medium have had slow uptake globally. A voluntary Children's and Young People's Advertising (CYPA) Code was implemented in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ) in 2017. This study explores the Code's limitations in protecting children from harmful food and beverage marketing practices on digital platforms accessible to children. METHODS A cross-sectional content analysis of company websites (n = 64), Facebook pages (n = 32), and YouTube channels (n = 15) of the most popular food and beverage brands was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in NZ. Brands were selected based on market share, web traffic analysis and consumer engagement (Facebook page 'Likes' and YouTube page views). Analysis focused on volume and type of food posts/videos, level of consumer interaction, nutritional quality of foods pictured (based on two different nutrient profile models), and use of specific persuasive marketing techniques. RESULTS Eighty-one percent of websites (n = 52) featured marketing of unhealthy food and beverages. Thirty-five percent of websites featuring unhealthy food and beverages used promotional strategies positioning their products as 'for kids'; a further 13% used 'family-oriented' messaging. Several websites featuring unhealthy products also had designated sections for children, 'advergaming,' or direct messaging to children. Eighty-five percent of all food and drink company Facebook posts and YouTube videos were classified as unhealthy. Twenty-eight percent of Facebook posts for unhealthy products featured persuasive promotional strategies, and 39% premium offers. Nearly 30% of YouTube videos for unhealthy food and beverages featured promotional strategies, and 13% premium offers. Ten percent of Facebook posts and 13% of YouTube videos of unhealthy food and beverages used marketing techniques specifically targeting children and young people. CONCLUSIONS The voluntary CYPA Code has been in effect since 2017, but the inherent limitations and loopholes in the Code mean companies continue to market unhealthy food and beverages in ways that appeal to children even if they have committed to the Code. Comprehensive and mandatory regulation would help protect children from exposure to harmful marketing.
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Two countries, similar practices: the political practices of the food industry influencing the adoption of key public health nutrition policies in Guatemala and Panama. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:3252-3264. [PMID: 35993181 PMCID: PMC9991768 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022001811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the corporate political activity (CPA) strategies used by food industry actors during the development of two public health nutrition policies in Central America: Law #570 (taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages) in Panama and Bill #5504 (labelling and food marketing regulations) in Guatemala. DESIGN We triangulated data from publicly available information from 2018 to 2020, (e.g. industry and government materials; social media material) with semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. SETTING Guatemala and Panama. PARTICIPANTS Government, academia and international organisations workers in health and nutrition. DESIGN CPA strategies were categorised according to an existing internationally used taxonomy into action-based, instrumental strategies (coalition management, information management, direct involvement and influence in policy, legal action) and discursive strategies. RESULTS Instrumental strategies included the establishment of relationships with policymakers and direct lobbying against the proposed public policies. Discursive strategies were mainly criticising on the unfounded ground that they lacked evidence of effectiveness and will imply negative impacts on the economy. The industry pointed at individuals for making their own food choices, in order to shift the focus away from the role of its products in contributing to ill health. CONCLUSION We provide evidence of the political practices used by the food industry to interfere with the development and implementation of public health nutrition policies to improve diets in Central America. Policymakers, public health advocates and the public should be informed about those practices and develop counterstrategies and arguments to protect the public and policies from the vested interests of the food industry.
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Costa CDS, Buffarini R, Flores TR, Neri D, Freitas Silveira M, Monteiro CA. Consumption of ultra-processed foods and growth outcomes in early childhood: 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Br J Nutr 2022; 129:1-8. [PMID: 36093936 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522002926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The current study aims to describe the consumption of ultra-processed foods, from 2 to 4 years old, and evaluate its association with growth outcomes during the same period. It is a prospective cohort study using data from the 2015 Pelotas-Brazil Birth Cohort. Outcomes assessed at the 2- and 4-year-old follow-ups were BMI-for-age Z-score and length/height-for-age Z-score. The exposure was a score of ultra-processed food consumption calculated at each follow-up by summing up the positive answers for the consumption of nine specific items/subgroups of ultra-processed foods: (i) instant noodles; (ii) soft drink; (iii) chocolate powder in milk; (iv) nuggets, hamburger or sausages; (v) packaged salty snacks; (vi) candies, lollipops, chewing gum, chocolate or jelly; (vii) sandwich cookie or sweet biscuit; (viii) juice in can or box or prepared from a powdered mix and (ix) yogurt. Crude and adjusted analyses between the score of ultra-processed foods and the outcomes were run using generalised estimating equations. Prevalence of consumption of ultra-processed foods increased from 2 to 4 years old, for all evaluated items/subgroups, except yogurt. In prospective analyses, higher scores of ultra-processed food consumption were associated with higher BMI-for-age Z-score and lower length/height-for-age Z-score, after adjustment for confounders. Ultra-processed food consumption, measured using a short questionnaire with low research burden, increased from 2 to 4 years old and was related to deleterious growth outcomes in early childhood. These results reinforce the importance of avoiding the consumption of these products in childhood to prevent the double burden of malnutrition and non-communicable chronic diseases throughout the life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dos Santos Costa
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP01246-904, Brazil
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Romina Buffarini
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaynã Ramos Flores
- Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniela Neri
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP01246-904, Brazil
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Augusto Monteiro
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP01246-904, Brazil
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the available data regarding the associations of Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption with food intake and possible underlying mechanisms relating UPF consumption to weight gain and co-morbidities. RECENT FINDINGS In primarily observational studies, UPF consumption is consistently associated with an increased risk for weight gain among adults and children and increased risk for adiposity-related co-morbidities in adults. In a single mechanistic study, consumption of UPFs led to increased energy intake and weight gain relative to whole foods. UPFs tend to be more energy-dense than nutrient-dense, and UPF consumption is associated with increased adiposity and co-morbidity risk. These data suggest that recommendations to limit UPF consumption may be beneficial to health - though further mechanistic studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Crimarco
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J Landry
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Christopher D Gardner
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Abstract
Dramatically increasing trends in consumption of ultra-processed foods have been reported across the globe. Public concern about the health consequences of ultra-processed foods is high. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of trends in global consumption of ultra-processed foods, dietary nutrient profile of ultra-processed foods, demographic, socioeconomic, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of ultra-processed food consumers, current evidence from longitudinal studies at the population level on the association between ultra-processed foods consumption and major health outcomes (including all-cause and cause-specific mortality, cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, body composition and fat deposition, diabetes, cancer, and gastrointestinal and other diseases), potential mechanisms linking ultra-processed foods with these outcomes (nutrient displacement, factors that influence adiposity, and processing), and challenges and future research directions. The global trends in consumption of ultra-processed foods, the generally unfavorable nutrient profile of ultra-processed foods, the characteristics of ultra-processed food consumers, the accumulating longitudinal studies associating ultra-processed foods with major health outcomes, and the uncertainties and complexities in putative mechanisms all highlight the need for future high-quality epidemiologic and mechanistic investigations on this topic. It is critical to interpret findings in the light of the totality of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edward L Giovannucci
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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The Associations between Caregivers' Emotional and Instrumental Feeding, Children's Emotional Eating, and Children's Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084439. [PMID: 35457306 PMCID: PMC9028148 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) increases the risks of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality in adulthood, and the risk of early childhood caries. Limited evidence about factors influencing children's consumption of UPF exists. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of UPF consumption among children less than three years of age, and identify its associations with caregivers' emotional and instrumental feeding, and children's emotional eating. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China. Caregivers caring for children aged 6-36 months (n = 408) were recruited. Caregivers' emotional and instrumental feeding practices and children's emotional eating were assessed by the Parents' Feeding Practices Scale for Infant and Young Child and Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, respectively. Children's UPF consumption was assessed by a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Of the children, 86.8% consumed UPF. The highest percentage of UPF consumed was pastries (63.5%), followed by solid or semi-solid dairy products (58.8%), and reconstituted meat products (56.4%). Caregivers' emotional and instrumental feeding was positively associated with children's consumption of UPF (OR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.49), a higher frequency of UPF consumption weekly (OR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.35, 2.39), and a larger amount of UPF consumption weekly (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.49). Children's higher frequency of emotional undereating was associated with their UPF consumption (OR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.42) and a higher frequency of UPF consumption weekly (OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.73). Children's emotional undereating significantly mediated the associations between caregivers' emotional and instrumental feeding and children's consumption of reconstituted meat products. Caregivers should be educated to avoid emotional and instrumental feeding practices, and cultivate children's good eating habits to improve children's diet quality.
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Ultraprocessed Products as Food Fortification Alternatives: A Critical Appraisal from Latin America. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071413. [PMID: 35406028 PMCID: PMC9002678 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultraprocessed products (UPPs), associated with obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are becoming predominant on the global market and a target for market-driven fortification initiatives. The aim of this article is to describe the implications of adding micronutrients to UPPs with excessive amounts of critical nutrients associated with NCDs and provide recommendations for legislation and policies. UPPs with added micronutrients such as breakfast cereals, sugar-sweetened beverages, powder beverages, fruit juices, sauces, and bouillon cubes, among others, are commonly available and heavily promoted in Latin American countries. Misleading advertising of UPPs with added micronutrients and with excessive content of sugar, fat, and salt might increase the consumption of such products, giving them a “health halo effect” that leads consumers to overestimate their nutritional quality and healthfulness. Although international collections of standards such as the Codex Alimentarius provide some guidelines on this matter, countries need to implement national legislations, through a food systems approach, to regulate the marketing and labeling of UPPs. Lastly, there is still the need to foster research to close knowledge gaps and help countries to guide the process of food fortification strategies from a regulatory standpoint.
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Marino M, Puppo F, Del Bo’ C, Vinelli V, Riso P, Porrini M, Martini D. A Systematic Review of Worldwide Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Findings and Criticisms. Nutrients 2021; 13:2778. [PMID: 34444936 PMCID: PMC8398521 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A debate is ongoing on the significance and appropriateness of the NOVA classification as a tool for categorizing foods based on their degree of processing. As such, the role of ultra-processed food (UPF) on human health is still not completely understood. With this review, we aimed to investigate the actual level of consumption of UPF across countries and target populations to determine the impact in real contexts. Suitable articles published up to March 2021 were sourced through the PubMed and SCOPUS databases. Overall, 99 studies providing data on the level of UPF consumption expressed as the percentage of total energy intake were identified, for a total of 1,378,454 participants. Most of them were published in Brazil (n = 38) and the United States (n = 15), and the 24 h recall was the most-used tool (n = 63). Analysis of the results revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom were the countries with the highest percent energy intake from UPF (generally >50%), whereas Italy had the lowest levels (about 10%); the latter was inversely associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. High variability was also observed based on sex, age, and body mass index, with men, young people, and overweight/obese subjects generally having higher levels of consumption compared to older subjects. Overall, our findings underline the large differences in UPF intake. Since most of the observations derived from studies conducted with food questionnaires are not specifically validated for UPF, further efforts are essential to confirm the results previously obtained and to investigate further the association between UPF consumption and health status, also considering the actual contribution within different dietary patterns, which has been less investigated to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristian Del Bo’
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20123 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (V.V.); (P.R.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
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