Ultra-processed food consumption in children from a Basic Health Unit

Objectives to evaluate the contribution of ultra-processed food (upf) on the dietary consumption of children treated at a basic health unit and the associated factors. methodology cross-sectional study carried out with a convenience sample of 204 children,aged 2-10 years old,in southern brazil. children's food intake was assessed using a 24-h recall questionnaire. food items were classified as minimally processed,processed for culinary use,and ultra-processed. a semi-structured questionnaire was applied to collect socio-demographic and anthropometric variables. overweight in children was classified using a z score >2 for children younger than 5 and z score >+1 for those aged between 5 and 10 years,using the body mass index for age. results overweight frequency was 34% (95% ci: 28-41%). mean energy consumption was 1672.3 kcal/day,with 47% (95% ci: 45-49%) coming from ultra-processed food. in the multiple linear regression model,maternal education (r = 0.23; p = 0.001) and child age (r = 0.40; p < 0.001) were factors associated with a greater percentage of upf in the diet (r = 0.42; p < 0.001). additionally,a statistically significant trend for higher upf consumption was observed when data were stratified by child age and maternal educational level (p < 0.001). conclusions the contribution of upf is significant in children's diets and age appears to be an important factor for the consumption of such products. © 2015 sociedade brasileira de pediatria. published by elsevier editora ltda. all rights reserved.