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Medina-Meza IG, Vaidya Y, Barnaba C. FooDOxS: a database of oxidized sterols content in foods. Food Funct 2024; 15:6324-6334. [PMID: 38726678 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00678j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Dietary oxidized sterols (DOxS) are cholesterol-like molecules known to exert pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and pro-apoptotic effects, among others. We present the FooDOxS database, a comprehensive compilation of DOxS content in over 1680 food items from 120 publications across 25 countries, augmented by data generated by our group. This database reports DOxS content in foods classified under the NOVA and What We Eat in America (WWEIA) systems, allowing a comprehensive and statistically robust summary of DOxS content in foods. Notably, we evaluated the efficacy of using NOVA and WWEIA classifications in capturing DOxS variations across food categories. Our findings provide insights into the strengths and limitations of these classification systems, enhancing their utility for assessing dietary components. This research contributes to the understanding of DOxS in food processing and suggests refinements for classification systems, holding promise for improved food safety and public health assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilce Gabriela Medina-Meza
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, 469 Wilson Rd. | Room 302C, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Yashasvi Vaidya
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, 469 Wilson Rd. | Room 302C, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Carlo Barnaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Dr. | Room 320D, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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2
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Mititelu M, Stanciu G, Licu M, Neacșu SM, Călin MF, Roșca AC, Stanciu TI, Busnatu ȘS, Olteanu G, Boroghină SC, Nicolescu TO, Suciu F, Lupu CE. Evaluation of the Consumption of Junk Food Products and Lifestyle among Teenagers and Young Population from Romania. Nutrients 2024; 16:1769. [PMID: 38892702 PMCID: PMC11174916 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111769] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term consumption of junk food products can lead to nutritional and metabolic imbalances, especially when it is associated with a lack of physical activity and the consumption of alcohol or other high-calorie products. METHODS The evaluation of junk food consumption among teenagers and young people in Romania was carried out with the help of a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire. RESULTS A total number of 1017 respondents participated in this study, comprising 470 males and 547 females aged between 16 and 25 years. Although the majority of young people fell into the normal-weight category (607 of them, p < 0.0001), some aspects can be noted that in the long term can produce a series of nutritional imbalances: an increased tendency toward sedentarism, with 553 (p = 0.613) of the respondents declaring that they performed sports rarely or not at all, and a tendency toward relatively high consumption of foods high in calories (fast food products and especially fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, pastries, and snacks, along with sweetened drinks and even alcoholic beverages). The respondents participating in this study even indicated a perceived addiction to the consumption of certain products: coffee (50.48%), fried potatoes (38.9%), hamburgers (37.05%), shawarma (31.65%), and snacks (30.08%). Many of these products are rich in calories, saturated fat, and even trans fat. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a series of aspects that can have long-term negative effects related to the excess weight associated with other imbalances: consumption preferences among young people for hypercaloric fast food products, sweetened drinks associated with reduced physical activity, and even the development of some forms of food addictions for a series of hypercaloric foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-6, Traian Vuia Street, Sector 2, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.)
| | - Gabriela Stanciu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Monica Licu
- Department of Ethics and Academic Integrity, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mariana Floricica Călin
- Faculty Psychology & Educational Sciences, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Adrian Cosmin Roșca
- Department of Drug Analysis, Biopharmacy and Biological Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | | | - Ștefan Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Gabriel Olteanu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-6, Traian Vuia Street, Sector 2, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (G.O.)
| | - Steluța Constanța Boroghină
- Department of Complementary Sciences, History of Medicine and Medical Culture, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Teodor Octavian Nicolescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Felicia Suciu
- Department of Drug Analysis, Biopharmacy and Biological Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Carmen Elena Lupu
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900001 Constanta, Romania;
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D’Angelo Campos A, Ng SW, McNeel K, Hall MG. How Promising Are "Ultraprocessed" Front-of-Package Labels? A Formative Study with US Adults. Nutrients 2024; 16:1072. [PMID: 38613105 PMCID: PMC11013171 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071072] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
High levels of food processing can have detrimental health effects independent of nutrient content. Experts and advocates have proposed adding information about food processing status to front-of-package labeling schemes, which currently exclusively focus on nutrient content. How consumers would perceive "ultraprocessed" labels has not yet been examined. To address this gap, we conducted a within-subjects online experiment with a convenience sample of 600 US adults. Participants viewed a product under three labeling conditions (control, "ultraprocessed" label, and "ultraprocessed" plus "high in sugar" label) in random order for a single product. The "ultraprocessed" label led participants to report thinking more about the risks of eating the product and discouraging them from wanting to buy the product more than the control, despite not grabbing more attention than the control. The "ultraprocessed" plus "high in sugar" labels grabbed more attention, led participants to think more about the risks of eating the product, and discouraged them from wanting to buy the product more than the "ultraprocessed" label alone. "Ultraprocessed" labels may constitute promising messages that could work in tandem with nutrient labels, and further research should examine how they would influence consumers' actual intentions and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline D’Angelo Campos
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
| | - Shu Wen Ng
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Katherine McNeel
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marissa G. Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA;
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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McClements DJ. Designing healthier and more sustainable ultraprocessed foods. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13331. [PMID: 38517032 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13331] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The food industry has been extremely successful in creating a broad range of delicious, affordable, convenient, and safe food and beverage products. However, many of these products are considered to be ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) that contain ingredients and are processed in a manner that may cause adverse health effects. This review article introduces the concept of UPFs and briefly discusses food products that fall into this category, including beverages, baked goods, snacks, confectionary, prepared meals, dressings, sauces, spreads, and processed meat and meat analogs. It then discusses correlations between consumption levels of UPFs and diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. The different reasons for the proposed ability of UPFs to increase the risk of these chronic diseases are then critically assessed, including displacement of whole foods, high energy densities, missing phytochemicals, contamination with packaging chemicals, hyperpalatability, harmful additives, rapid ingestion and digestion, and toxic reaction products. Then, potential strategies to overcome the current problems with UPFs are presented, including reducing energy density, balancing nutritional profile, fortification, increasing satiety response, modulating mastication and digestion, reengineering food structure, and precision processing. The central argument is that it may be possible to reformulate and reengineer many UPFs to improve their healthiness and sustainability, although this still needs to be proved using rigorous scientific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Julian McClements
- Department of Food Science & Bioengineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Moraes JMM, Sproesser G, Alvarenga MDS. Food healthiness judgements among Brazilian and German lay adults. NUTR BULL 2023; 48:482-499. [PMID: 37712882 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12638] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated which foods are most saliently judged as healthy and unhealthy in Brazil and Germany and the reasons for these judgements. Dietary guidelines in the two countries differ in that those in Brazil are based on a food processing classification rather than nutrient profiling, whereas dietary guidelines in Germany do not include the processing level of food. In an online study with 355 lay adults (Brazil n = 205, Germany n = 150), we explored which foods are listed as healthy and unhealthy using a free-listing method. The main reasons for these healthiness judgements were then identified with a one or two-word phrase and compared between countries. Saliency analysis was conducted to identify the 15 most salient healthy and unhealthy foods in each country. Principles of content analysis were used to assess the reasons why these 15 items were listed as most salient by the participants. Results showed that both Brazilians and Germans listed mostly natural or minimally processed food (e.g. fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and milk) as healthy, whereas types of convenience and fast food, sweets and other ultra-processed foods (e.g. chocolate, soda, French fries, pizza and hamburger) were the most salient unhealthy items listed in both countries. Differences in culturally relevant items listed in each country are discussed. Further, in both countries, despite differences in their dietary guidelines, food healthiness judgements for the most salient items listed relied heavily on the nutritional content of food, reinforced the 'good/healthy' and 'bad/unhealthy' dichotomy, and were centred on benefits or harms to the body (e.g. prevention or cause of diseases and weight control). The similarity of food healthiness judgements between the two countries, together with their agreement with conventional health claims and dietary guidelines, suggest that lay Brazilian and German adults are knowledgeable about the general concepts of 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' food. Finally, these findings suggest that rather than just providing more nutritional information, policymakers and health professionals need to take into account the multiple psychosocial and environmental determinants of eating in these countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maria Muniz Moraes
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition in Public Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gudrun Sproesser
- Institute of Psychology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marle Dos Santos Alvarenga
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition in Public Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Walls H, Pries A, Chotivichien S, Huynh P, Fahmida U, Blankenship J. Health first, convenience second: Caregiver perspectives of commercially produced complementary foods in five Southeast Asian capital cities. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023; 19 Suppl 2:e13600. [PMID: 38062001 PMCID: PMC10719061 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Caregivers in low- and middle-income countries increasingly feed commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) to older infants and young children-shaped by factors including industry promotion. The dynamics of CPCF consumption and caregiver knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding complementary feeding practices are poorly understood in these settings. We examined how caregiver knowledge/attitudes/behaviours about CPCF shape the feeding of older infants and young children in the capital cities of five countries in Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila). An online, web-based, cross-sectional panel survey was conducted among mothers of a child aged 6-23 months. One hundred participants were included in each of the five capital cities. Questionnaires were undertaken in the official language of each city. Data were analysed in Stata (version 17.0), using χ2 tests to examine difference between variables of interest. All mothers purchased CPCF for their youngest child aged 6-23 months at the time of survey. CPCF were commonly fed to children at least once per day, and in many of the five cities at most or every feeding. While factors such as convenience and affordability influenced CPCF purchase, mothers primarily purchased CPCF for nutritional reasons. The most common source of feeding information was health care professionals, followed by social media. CPCF are ubiquitous in the diets of older infants and young children of educated middle-upper socioeconomic status mothers in capital cities of Southeast Asia, with perceived healthiness a key driver in selecting CPCF. A strong governmental regulatory response to industry marketing/promotion will be critical to addressing CPCF appropriateness, including health and nutritional claim use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Walls
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health & PolicyLondonUK
- Helen Keller InternationalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | | | | | - Umi Fahmida
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Indonesia–Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General HospitalDepokIndonesia
- Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (SEAMEO RECFON)Pusat Kajian Gizi Regional Universitas IndonesiaJakartaIndonesia
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Maldonado-Pereira L, Barnaba C, Medina-Meza IG. Oxidative Status of Ultra-Processed Foods in the Western Diet. Nutrients 2023; 15:4873. [PMID: 38068731 PMCID: PMC10708126 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have gained substantial attention in the scientific community due to their surging consumption and potential health repercussions. In addition to their well-established poor nutritional profile, UPFs have been implicated in containing various dietary oxidized sterols (DOxSs). These DOxSs are associated with a spectrum of chronic diseases, including cardiometabolic conditions, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we present a comprehensive database documenting the presence of DOxSs and other dietary metabolites in >60 UPFs commonly consumed as part of the Western diet. Significant differences were found in DOxS and phytosterol content between ready-to-eat (RTE) and fast foods (FFs). Biomarker analysis revealed that DOxS accumulation, particularly 25-OH and triol, can potentially discriminate between RTEs and FFs. This work underscores the potential utility of dietary biomarkers in early disease detection and prevention. However, an essential next step is conducting exposure assessments to better comprehend the levels of DOxS exposure and their association with chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisaura Maldonado-Pereira
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Carlo Barnaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Ilce Gabriela Medina-Meza
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Ares G, Natero V, Gugliucci V, Machín L, Alcaire F, de León C, Otterbring T. Health-Washing of Ultraprocessed Products on Instagram: Prevalence and Strategies in an Emerging Market. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:815-822. [PMID: 37777932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of health-related cues as part of the digital marketing of ultraprocessed foods on Instagram among food companies in Uruguay. METHODS Cross-sectional exploratory study. All content posted by 118 Instagram accounts of companies promoting ultraprocessed foods in Uruguay over 6 months (from August 2020 to February 2021) was retrieved. The content of 1,893 Instagram posts was coded considering visual and textual cues conveying health-related associations. The number and percentage of posts, including cues within each category and theme, were calculated. RESULTS More than half of all posts contained at least 1 visual or textual cue conveying health-related associations. Three main themes emerged: i) product composition, ii) healthy lifestyle, and iii) health and health benefits. The prevalence of health-related cues differed dramatically across product categories, ranging from 100% to 1.5%. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Health-washing constitutes an integral part of the digital marketing of ultraprocessed foods on Instagram in Uruguay. The inclusion of health-related cues can potentially undermine public health efforts targeted at reducing consumption of these foods. These findings suggest that strict and comprehensive regulations on the digital marketing of such products are needed in policies promoting healthy eating habits globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Uruguay; Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Virginia Natero
- Departamento de Alimentos, Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Vanessa Gugliucci
- Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Uruguay
| | | | - Tobias Otterbring
- School of Business and Law, Department of Management, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway; Institute of Retail Economics, Stockholm, Sweden
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Alcaire F, Machín L, Curutchet MR, Giménez A, Ares G. Parent Experiences With Warning Labels After Policy Implementation in Uruguay. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:823-832. [PMID: 37804264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perception and experiences of parents of children and adolescents during the first year of the mandatory implementation of nutritional warning labels in Uruguay. DESIGN Qualitative research based on semistructured interviews. SETTING Montevideo, Uruguay. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-eight parents of children and adolescents. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Perception of and experiences with warning labels, a front-of-pack nutrition labeling scheme that has become increasingly popular in Latin America. ANALYSIS Content analysis of the transcripts based on a deductive-inductive approach. RESULTS Interview transcripts evidenced high awareness, acceptance, and understanding of warning labels among parents of children and adolescents. Most participants reported considering warnings for decision making and changing their purchase decisions because of their implementation, particularly when choosing foods for their children. They reported their children were aware of and understood warnings but did not tend to take them into account when choosing foods. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results from the present work contribute to the growing body of literature showing the effectiveness of warning labels. Lack of interest or perceived benefits and structural barriers emerged as key motives for not using the warnings when making purchasing decisions, suggesting the need to develop additional strategies to increase policy effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Ana Giménez
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay; Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Singh S, Vemireddy V. Transitioning diets: a mixed methods study on factors affecting inclusion of millets in the urban population. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2003. [PMID: 37833667 PMCID: PMC10576316 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16872-5] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing health challenge in urban India has led to consumers to change their diet preferences by shifting away from staple cereals and making way for healthier foods such as nutri-cereals like millets and other diverse food groups. Taking the case of millets, this study seeks to uncover the exact drivers for this shift of consumers away from a traditional cereal dense diet to a nutritionally more diverse diet that includes nutri-cereal. We also look at deterrents that dissuade consumers from shifting to millets. METHOD We use primary data by surveying respondents through interviews and focused group discussions and online questionnaires. A total of 20 personal consumer interviews and 4 focus group discussions having 8-12 members each were conducted to arrive at the measures for the study. We use logistic regression and Structural Equation Modeling for data analysis. Responses were obtained across major metropolitan cities and tier 2 cities of India thus ensuring representation of geographical, cultural and diet diversity. 875 participants' responses were analysed for results. RESULTS Health reasons and social networks are the major drivers for shift to millets while lack of awareness, lack of easy availability, high prices, lack of branded products, family being averse to switching to millets and lack of attractive promotional cashbacks and discounts are major deterrents to trying out millets. CONCLUSIONS Diet focussed interventions are urgently needed to curb rising diet related non communicable diseases. Government policies aimed at greater production of millets, running awareness campaigns on mass media and private sector initiatives aimed at generating better value added market offerings could lead the way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suruchi Singh
- Centre for Management in Agriculture, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, India.
| | - Vidya Vemireddy
- Centre for Management in Agriculture, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, India
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Challenges around Child-Feeding Practices with ‘Comida Chatarra’: A Qualitative Study to Understand the Role of Sociocultural Factors in Caregiver Feeding Decisions. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061317. [PMID: 36986041 PMCID: PMC10054330 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A massive incorporation of ultra-processed products into young children’s diets worldwide and in Mexico has been documented. The aim of this study is to understand the role of sociocultural factors in principal caregivers’ decisions to give a type of ultra-processed food to children under age five, called ‘comida chatarra’ (‘junk food’ in English), usually includes sugar-sweetened beverages, sweet and salty snacks, and sweet breakfast cereals. We conducted a descriptive, observational qualitative study. The research was conducted in urban and rural communities in two Mexican states. Twenty-four principal caregivers were equally distributed between the two states and types of communities. They were interviewed in person. Phenomenology underpinned this study. Results highlight the preponderant role of culture in food choices and feeding practices with junk food. Local culture influences child-feeding with ultra-processed products through social norms, knowledge, or socially constructed attitudes. These social norms, built in the context of abundant ultra-processed products and omnipresent marketing, ‘justify’ children’s consumption of junk food. They acquire these products from the principal caregivers, family members, and neighbors, among others, who reward and pamper them. These actors also define what amount (small amounts) and when (after meals as snacks) children are given these products. Cultural factors must be considered in the development of effective public policies and programs that aim to change the culture around ultra-processed products among children and avoid their consumption.
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Ares G, Antúnez L, Curutchet MR, Galicia L, Natero V, Giménez A, Otterbring T. Qualitative exploration of the reasons for not using nutritional warnings after policy implementation in Uruguay. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:6974787. [PMID: 36617288 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac174] [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: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional warnings have gained popularity, particularly in the region of the Americas, to facilitate the identification of products with excessive content of nutrients associated with non-communicable diseases and encourage healthier food choices. Although warnings have been shown to be effective, an in-depth understanding of the reasons why some consumers do not use them is still lacking. The aim of the present work was to explore self-reported use of nutritional warnings and to identify the reasons for not considering nutritional warnings for making food purchase decisions after policy implementation in Uruguay. A non-probabilistic sample of 858 Uruguayan participants was recruited using an advertisement on Facebook and Instagram. Through an online survey, self-reported use of nutritional warnings was asked using a closed-open ended questions. Participants who reported not considering warnings to make their purchase decisions were asked to explain the reasons why using an open-ended question. Responses were analysed using deductive coding, based on the Behavioural Drivers Model. Thirty seven percent of the participants stated that the warnings had not influenced their purchase decisions. Motives for not being influenced by the warnings were related to lack of interest, attitudes, lack of perceived self-efficacy, cognitive biases and limited rationality when making purchase decisions. In addition, structural barriers, such as availability, cost and trust in the food industry also emerged from participants' responses. Strategies to encourage the use of warnings should include communication campaigns and policies to address structural barriers related to the perceived availability and affordability of healthy foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. C.P. 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Antúnez
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. C.P. 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | | | - Luis Galicia
- Ministerio de Salud Pública, 18 de Julio 1892, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Virginia Natero
- Ministerio de Salud Pública, 18 de Julio 1892, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Giménez
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. C.P. 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Tobias Otterbring
- Department of Management, School of Business and Law, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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Gugliucci V, Machín L, Alcaire F, Otterbring T, de León C, Natero V, Ares G. The content of Instagram posts featuring ultra-processed products through the lens of the heuristic-systematic model. Appetite 2023; 181:106393. [PMID: 36427563 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106393] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Digital marketing has seen a rapid rise in the last decade as a consequence of the increased popularity of social media. However, few studies so far have analyzed the prevalence and persuasive power of digital marketing of ultra-processed products. The present study aimed at: (i) analyzing the content of Instagram posts of ultra-processed products through the lens of the heuristic-systematic model, and (ii) evaluating the influence of the content of the posts on user interactions. A search for Instagram accounts of ultra-processed products was performed using a master list of products commercialized in the two most popular online supermarkets in Uruguay. For each of the identified Instagram accounts, all the content posted in a 6-month period was recorded (August 15th, 2020 to February 15th, 2021). The posts were analyzed using content analysis based on inductive coding, and gradient boosting models (GBMs) were used to address the second study objective. A total of 2178 Instagram posts promoting specific ultra-processed products or brands were identified. The posts included a diverse set of cues to trigger both systematic and heuristic processing. References to the pleasure derived from product consumption as well as health-related cues were most prevalent. The GBM showed that references to contests and raffles and invitations to interact encouraged users to engage with the posts through posting comments. Taken together, results stress the need to implement comprehensive regulatory approaches to reduce exposure to and the power of digital marketing of ultra-processed products given the harmful health-related consequences associated with excessive consumption of such products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Gugliucci
- Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad de la República, José Enrique Rodó 1843, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Tristán Narvaja 1674, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Alcaire
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP 91000, Pando, Uruguay
| | - Tobias Otterbring
- School of Business and Law, Department of Management, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 17, 4630, Kristiansand, Norway; Institute of Retail Economics, Regeringsgatan 60, 103 29, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Virginia Natero
- Departamento de Alimentos, Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Ares
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Tristán Narvaja 1674, CP 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay; Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n, CP 91000, Pando, Uruguay.
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14
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Saulais L, Corcuff R, Boonefaes E. Natural and healthy? Consumers knowledge, understanding and preferences regarding naturalness and healthiness of processed foods. Int J Gastron Food Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2023.100662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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15
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Naturalness and healthiness in “ultra-processed foods”: A multidisciplinary perspective and case study. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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16
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de Camargo AM, Botelho AM, Irmão GB, Fiates GMR. Analysis of Recipes Shared as 'Healthy' in a Popular Brazilian Website: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13914. [PMID: 36360804 PMCID: PMC9653976 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cooking is crucial to the achievement of healthy eating habits, and the internet, as host of culinary recipes websites, is a medium for the dissemination of cooking-related content. Research has revealed that most recipes available on internet sites do not have healthy characteristics when compared to recommendations for healthy eating, even the ones promoted as 'healthy'. This study investigated culinary recipes available on the 'healthy eating' section of a popular Brazilian recipe-sharing website. Recipes (n = 814) were analyzed with a validated framework based on national dietary guidelines. Ingredients (n = 5887) were classified according to the extension and purpose of their industrial processing. The recipes' titles were content analyzed to identify the health-related words and phrases used. Recipes contained ultra-processed foods and not enough unprocessed or minimally processed foods, such as legumes (4.7%, n = 380), nuts and seeds (18.4%, n = 150), and fruits (n = 32.7%, n = 263). The recipes' titles mentioned 564 health-related terms, appealing to physical characteristics, including weight loss, and fads, such as gluten-free, dukan, low-carb, detox, fitness, ripped body, and belly burner. Therefore, the 'healthy' recipes available on the Brazilian recipe-sharing website presented many aspects not in accordance with national dietary guidelines.
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17
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Bolhuis D, Mosca AC, Pellegrini N. Consumer Awareness of the Degree of Industrial Food Processing and the Association with Healthiness-A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:4438. [PMID: 36297121 PMCID: PMC9610034 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) has been associated with lower diet quality, obesity, and adverse health effects. Not much is known about how consumers evaluate the degree of processing of a food product and how they relate this to healthiness. An online questionnaire was completed by a total of 277 Dutch, 204 Italian, and 181 Brazilian consumers. Consumers were aged 18-65 year, mean 38 ± 13 year, 31% were males, and 71% were highly educated. Pictures of several common food products were evaluated on the degree of industrial processing and healthiness. Thirteen food categories were included, each including one minimally processed food (MPF), one High NS_UPF (Nutri-Score A or B), and one Low NS_UPF (Nutri-Score D or E). Lastly, knowledge and attitude about UPFs were assessed. Ultraprocessing was perceived as unhealthy by the majority of consumers (Dutch, Italian: 55%; Brazilian: 75%) and contributed to weight gain according to: 38% Dutch, 51% Italian, and 70% Brazilian consumers. Low NS_UPFs were correctly rated toward "processed" and "not healthy" in all countries. High NS_UPF were rated as processed but showed large variations in healthiness scores. In conclusion, consumers rated UPFs relatively low in healthiness compared with MPFs with similar Nutri-Scores within the same food category. These preliminary findings suggest that consumers incorporate, to some extent, the degree of industrial processing while assessing the healthiness of food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwerke Bolhuis
- Food Quality and Design, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nicoletta Pellegrini
- Food Quality and Design, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 3310 Udine, Italy
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18
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Jaeger SR, Vidal L, Chheang SL, Ares G. Consumer conceptualisations of food-related wellbeing: An exploration of wellbeing-related terms in four industrialised countries. Appetite 2022; 179:106286. [PMID: 36038074 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106286] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Perceived (or subjective) wellbeing is regarded as key to understanding consumer food choices and the development of strategies to promote desirable eating habits. Yet, in-depth understanding of the specific factors that contribute to people's perceived wellbeing across cultures is lacking. These factors motivated the present research that used word associations to conduct an exploratory analysis of consumer conceptualisations of food-related wellbeing (WB). Adults (n = 4945) living in the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore or Germany, speaking respectively, English or German, took part in the study. Health, pleasure, food quality, positive emotions and social aspects of food consumption were the main associations with food-related wellbeing. Absence hereof was associated with unhealthiness, disgust, negative emotions and poor mental health. The differences in these main associations emphasised the importance of exploring wellbeing, as well as lack hereof. Not doing so leads to an incomplete understanding of this multidimensional construct. The research was conducted with four terms related to wellbeing (each in their positive and negative versions): 'sense of wellbeing' and 'lack of wellbeing', 'feeling good' and 'feeling bad/unhappy', 'satisfied with life' and 'dissatisfied with life' and 'fulfilled in life' and 'unfulfilled in life'. Because these different terms gave rise to different wellbeing associations, researchers in this area must choose their empirical approach with care. The terms 'sense of wellbeing' and 'feeling good' tended to more frequently give rise to health-related associations. Conversely, 'satisfied with life' and 'fulfilled in life' tended to more frequently give rise to positive spiritual and emotional associations of food-related wellbeing. The main conceptualisations of food-related wellbeing were cross-culturally similar, but extension of the present research to other Asian countries was recommended based on several differences between Singaporean participants and those from other countries. In ethnically diverse countries like Singapore, further within-country investigations of different cultures also have merit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Jaeger
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, 120 Mt Albert Road, Private Bag, 92169, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Leticia Vidal
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de La República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 S/n, CP 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Sok L Chheang
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, 120 Mt Albert Road, Private Bag, 92169, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de La República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 S/n, CP 91000, Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
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19
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Vidal L, Iragola V, Machín L, Brunet G, Girona A, Curutchet MR, de León C, Ares G. A Qualitative Exploration of Parents' Food Choices During Early Childhood. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:764-775. [PMID: 35643750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore parents' accounts of the goals they seek when choosing foods for their young children through the lens of goal-systems theory. DESIGN In-depth interviews with parents of children aged from 6 months to 5 years. SETTING Montevideo, Uruguay. PARTICIPANTS Forty-two parents (aged 19-44 years, 90% female). PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Parents' personal experiences, feelings, and opinions related to how they choose foods for their children. ANALYSIS Content analysis based on deductive-inductive coding. RESULTS Parents' accounts confirmed they intended to pursue different goals when choosing foods for their children. Health-related goals mainly motivated the selection of healthy foods, but they also drove the selection of some ultra-processed products because of misconceptions about their healthiness. Pleasure and enjoyment motivated the selection of ultra-processed products, whereas stress avoidance was associated with selecting convenient foods. The selection of unhealthy foods raised conflicts between goals, which were solved using goal shielding, changes in risk perception and/or compensatory health beliefs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results point to the need for communication campaigns and community-based interventions to introduce changes in how ultra-processed products are conceptualized and increase the associations between healthy foods and children's pleasure and enjoyment to promote healthier eating patterns during infancy and early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Vidal
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay.
| | - Valentina Iragola
- Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leandro Machín
- Centro de Investigación Básica en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gerónimo Brunet
- Espacio Interdisciplinario, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alejandra Girona
- Departamento de Nutrición Básica, Escuela de Nutrición, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Rosa Curutchet
- Instituto Nacional de Alimentación, Ministerio de Desarrollo Social, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carolina de León
- Núcleo Interdisciplinario "Alimentación y Bienestar", Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics and Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Canelones, Uruguay
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20
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Contreras-Rodriguez O, Solanas M, Escorihuela RM. Dissecting ultra-processed foods and drinks: Do they have a potential to impact the brain? Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:697-717. [PMID: 35107734 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09711-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) are formulation of ingredients, mostly of exclusive industrial use, that result from a series of industrial processes. They usually have a low nutrient but high energy density, with a high content of saturated and trans fats, and added sugars. In addition, they have characteristic organoleptic properties, and usually contain sophisticated additives, including artificial sweeteners, to intensify their sensory qualities and imitate the appearance of minimally processed foods. In addition, recent research has warned about the presence of chemicals (e.g., bisphenol) and neo-formed contaminants in these products. UPF production and consumption growth have been spectacular in the last decades, being specially consumed in children and adolescents. UPF features have been associated with a range of adverse health effects such as overeating, the promotion of inflammatory and oxidative stress processes, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic dysfunction including problems in glucose regulation. The evidence that these UPF-related adverse health effects may have on the neural network implicated in eating behavior are discussed, including the potential impact on serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, brain integrity and function. We end this review by placing UPF in the context of current food environments, by suggesting that an increased exposure to these products through different channels, such as marketing, may contribute to the automatic recruitment of the brain regions associated with food consumption and choice, with a detrimental effect on inhibitory-related prefrontal cortices. While further research is essential, preliminary evidence point to UPF consumption as a potential detrimental factor for brain health and eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Contreras-Rodriguez
- Department of Medical Imaging, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdIBGi), Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain.
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII) and CIBERSAM G17, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Solanas
- Physiology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rosa M Escorihuela
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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21
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Sadler CR, Grassby T, Hart K, Raats MM, Sokolović M, Timotijevic L. “Even We Are Confused”: A Thematic Analysis of Professionals' Perceptions of Processed Foods and Challenges for Communication. Front Nutr 2022; 9:826162. [PMID: 35284464 PMCID: PMC8904920 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.826162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Processed foods are increasingly under the spotlight since the development of classification systems based on proxies for food processing. Published critical reviews and commentaries suggest different views among professional disciplines about the definition and classification of processed food. There is a need to further understand perspectives of professionals on the conceptualisation of processed food and the agreements and disagreements among experts, to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and aid communication to the public. The aim of this research was to elicit views and understandings of professionals on processed food, their perceptions of lay people's perceptions of the same, and their perspectives on the challenges of communicating about processed foods to the public. The online discussion groups brought together a range of professionals (n = 27), covering the fields of nutrition, food technology, policy making, industry, and civil society, mixed in 5 heterogenous groups. Through thematic analysis the following themes relating to the conceptualisation of processed food and challenges for communication were identified: (1) Broad concepts that need differentiation; (2) Disagreements on scope and degree of processing; (3) The role of food processing within the food system: the challenges in framing risks and benefits; and (4) The challenge of different perspectives and interests for risk communication. Throughout the discussions blurred lines in the characterisation of processing, processed foods, and unhealthy foods were observed. Participants agreed that consensus is important, but difficult. Participants identified a need for further interdisciplinary dialogue, including public engagement, to break down the observed issues, and work towards a mutual understanding and develop clear communication messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R. Sadler
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- European Food Information Council, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Christina R. Sadler
| | - Terri Grassby
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Hart
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Monique M. Raats
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lada Timotijevic
- Food, Consumer Behaviour and Health Research Centre, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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22
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Richetin J, Caputo V, Demartini E, Conner M, Perugini M. Organic food labels bias food healthiness perceptions: Estimating healthiness equivalence using a Discrete Choice Experiment. Appetite 2022; 172:105970. [PMID: 35150793 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals perceive organic food as being healthier and containing fewer calories than conventional foods. We provide an alternative way to investigate this organic halo effect using a mirrored method to Choice Experiments applied to healthiness judgments. In an experimental study (N = 415), we examined whether healthiness judgments toward a 200g cookie box are impacted by the organic label, nutrition information (fat and sugar levels), and price and determined the relative importance of these attributes. In particular, we assessed whether food with an organic label could contain more fat or sugar and yet be judged to be of equivalent healthiness to food without this label. We hoped to estimate the magnitude of any such effect. Moreover, we explored whether these effects were obtained when including a widely used system for labeling food healthiness, the Traffic Light System. Although participants' healthiness choices were mainly driven by the reported fat and sugar content, the organic label also influenced healthiness judgments. Participants showed an organic halo effect leading them to consider the organic cookie as healthy as a conventional one despite containing more fat and sugar. Specifically, they considered the organic cookie as equivalent in healthiness to a conventional one, although containing 14% more of the daily reference intake for sugar and 30% more for fat. These effects did not change when including the Traffic Light System. This effect of the organic label could have implications for fat and sugar intake and consequent impacts on health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzina Caputo
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, Italy
| | - Eugenio Demartini
- Department of Veterinary Science for Health, Animal Production and Food Safety, University of Milano, Italy
| | - Mark Conner
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Italy
| | - Marco Perugini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
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23
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Ares G, Velázquez AL, Vidal L, Curutchet MR, Varela P. The role of food packaging on children's diet: Insights for the design of comprehensive regulations to encourage healthier eating habits in childhood and beyond. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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24
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Velázquez AL, Alcaire F, Vidal L, Varela P, Næs T, Ares G. The influence of label information on the snacks parents choose for their children: Individual differences in a choice based conjoint test. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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25
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Vidal L, Brunet G, Bove I, Girona A, Fuletti D, Ares G. Parents’ mental associations with ultra-processed products for their infant children: Insights to improve complementary feeding practices. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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Associated factors to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and its relation with dietary sources in Portugal. J Nutr Sci 2021; 10:e89. [PMID: 34733501 PMCID: PMC8532074 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are common worldwide and associated with poorer health outcomes. This work aimed to explore the UPF consumption associated factors and its main dietary sources, by sex, in Portugal. Participants from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF) 2015-2016, aged 3-84 years, were included (n 5005). Dietary intake was assessed through two 1-day food diaries/24 h recalls. UPFs were identified using the NOVA classification. Associations were evaluated through linear regression models. Median UPF consumption was 257 g/d (10⋅6 % of total quantity; 23⋅8 % of total energy). Adolescents were those with higher consumption (490 g/d). Compared to adults, younger ages were positively associated with UPF consumption (e.g. adolescents (-females: 192, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 135, 249; -males: 327, 95 % CI: 277, 377)). A lower educational level was associated with lower UPF consumption (-females: -63; 95 % CI: -91, -34; -males: -68; 95 % CI: -124, -12). Also, a lower UPF consumption was observed in married males/couples compared to singles (: -48, 95 % CI: -96, -1). Furthermore, female current/former smokers were associated with a higher UPF consumption v. never smokers (: 79, 95 % CI: 41, 118; : 42, 95 % CI: 8, 75, respectively). Main UPF sources were yoghurts, soft drinks and cold meats/sausages differing strongly by sex, age and education level. Yoghurts containing additives were the main contributors to the UPF consumption in children and adult females from all education (~20 %). Soft drinks were leaders in adolescents (females: 26⋅0 %; males: 31⋅6 %) and young male adults (24⋅4 %). Cold meats/sausages stood out among low-educated males (20⋅5 %). Males, younger age groups, higher education, children with less-educated parents, married/couple males and smoking females were positively associated with UPF consumption.
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27
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Marketing of commercial foods for infant and young children in Uruguay: sugary products, health cues on packages and fun social products on Facebook. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:5963-5975. [PMID: 34176550 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021002780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the content of the marketing of commercial foods for infants and young children on packages and social media. DESIGN Commercial foods targeted at children, regarded as potential breast-milk substitutes according to the Uruguayan breast-feeding standard, were considered: dairy products; teas, juices and bottled waters; glucose solutions; cereals and mixtures of fruits and vegetables. All the products sold at forty-four retail outlets were purchased. A Facebook search was performed to identify accounts of these products. For each account, all the content posted by the brands between July 2017 and July 2019 was recorded. The visual and textual information included in the packages and Facebook posts was analysed using content analysis. Products were classified using the nutrient profile model of the Pan American Health Organization. SETTING Montevideo, Uruguay. RESULTS Seventy-six unique commercial foods targeted at infants and young children were identified, 96 % of which were excessive in sugar. Packages frequently included textual and visual elements to convey health-related associations, including images of fruits and vegetables, nutrient content claims and endorsement logos. Ten Facebook accounts were identified, which generated 302 posts. Parents and caregivers were the main target audience of the posts, which mainly included content related to fun and social aspects of food consumption. Additionally, the posts frequently conveyed the idea that products would contribute to children's growth and development. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the need to implement comprehensive regulations on the marketing of commercial foods targeted at children, regarded as potential breast-milk substitutes according to the Uruguayan breast-feeding standard.
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Healthy snacking in the school environment: Exploring children and mothers' perspective using projective techniques. Food Qual Prefer 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.104173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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