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Ultra-processed foods drive to unhealthy diets: Evidence from Chile
In this study by Cediel et al. (2020), the authors investigated the impact of consuming ultra-processed foods on the Chilean diet’s nutrient content in relation to non-communicable diseases (NCD). They also assessed the level of contribution of ultra-processed foods on the unhealthy dietary nutrient content in general. Through analysing dietary data extrapolated from a national survey in 2010 (collected from 4,920 participants aged 2 years and above), the authors discovered that ultra-processed foods accounted for approximately 30% of total energy intake, and a substantial positive relationship between dietary consumption of ultra-processed foods and NCD-promoting nutrient factors (namely, dietary energy density, content of free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium-to-potassium ratio). Furthermore, a substantial negative relationship was demonstrated between dietary intake of ultra-processed foods and NCD-protective nutrient factors (such as potassium and fiber intake). Sodium content presented no substantial impacts in terms of observed NCDs. The results showed an overall reduction of recommended nutrient intake (WHO recommendations) with an increase in prevalence of ultra-processed food consumption. The authors comment that reducing ultra-processed foods consumption to a level contributing to less than 10% of total energy intake would decrease the observed nutrient derangements in the study population (75% reduction in trans fats, 50% reduction in energy density, around 33% for saturated fats, energy dense beverages, free sugars and total fats, and around 20% of fiber, sodium to potassium ratio and 13% for potassium). In conclusion, the authors state that reducing ultra-processed foods consumption may be an effective intervention to attain WHO nutrient standards for the prevention of dietary-related NCDs. [NPID: Diet quality, NOVA food classification, National Dietary Survey, Non-communicable chronic diseases, Ultra-processed foods]
Year: 2020
