Consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods by a young population of Ecuador. An analysis in light of the PAHO model

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to characterize the habitual consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, as well as to analyze their nutritional composition in relation to the Nutrient Model proposed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). 2 125 young people participated, with prior informed consent; A food consumption and frequency questionnaire was applied to each participant (=0,784), including 75 foods and beverages classified into 13 categories. On the other hand, the labels of 89 brands of products purchased by the respondents were reviewed; the analysis included the presence of critical nutrients and the calculation of the percentage of energy contribution. The results revealed that 95 % of the population purchased in the last month: desserts (99,1 %); candy (95,1 %), non-alcoholic beverages (84,8 %), among others, with a significant difference in gender, area of residence, and economic income (P<0,050). The amounts of sodium, free sugars, total fats, saturated fats, and trans fats exceed what is indicated in the PAHO Model, by 69,0 %, 54,0 %, 35,0 %, 23,0 %, 15,0 % respectively. The daily energy contribution per serving was 10,3 % ±3,1 %, this comes mainly from pre-cooked dishes (soups, broths, creams, instant noodles), 13,6 %; beverages (soft drinks, juices, soft drinks, beer, juices and nectars) 13,1; french fries, 12,5 %; sausages, 12,4 %; pastries, 12,4 %; snacks, 10,5 %. Concluding that there is a high prevalence in the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, with levels of critical nutrients that exceed PAHO recommendations. These findings highlight the need to strengthen policies aimed at reducing the supply and demand of these products