Abstract

IGNACIO, Mgtr. Mendez  and  HANNA, Lic. Fritz Heck. Nutrient profile of processed and ultra-processed foods consumed by women attending a state hospital in La Plata. Diaeta [online]. 2021, vol.39, n.174, pp.13-21. ISSN 1852-7337.

Introduction: the increase in processed and ultra-processed food products (APUP) in diets at a global level is related to the epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCD) as they usually contain high concentrations of salt, sugar and fat and low fiber , micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Aim: to analyze the nutrient profile of processed and ultra-processed foods frequently consumed by women attending the state children´s hospital “Sor Maria Ludovica” in La Plata, Argentina.

Materials and methods: from November 2018 to February 2019, 24-hour reminders were given to 202 women. Processed and ultra-processed foods consumed by at least 2 women were identified and their nutrient profile was analyzed according to PAHO Nutrient Profile Model.

Results: out of 102 food items analyzed, 91% had excess of critical nutrients. Excess of sodium was found in 58.2% of the items, followed by excess of sugar (52%), other sweeteners (32.4%), saturated fat (29.4%), total fat (26.4%). %) and trans fats (8%).

Conclusion: the majority of processed and ultra-processed foods consumed by women attending this state hospital had excess of critical nutrients, mainly sodium.

Keywords : Industrialized Foods; Fast Foods; Food Analysis; Food Quality. (DeCS).

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