Prevalence of processed and ultra-processed food intake in Brazilian children (6-24 months) is associated with maternal consumption and breastfeeding practices

The aim of this study is to identify maternal consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods and to verify the factors associated with the supply of these foods to Brazilian children. This is a cross-sectional study with 231 mothers and children aged from 6 to 24 months. The mother's and children's food consumption was measured using three 24-hour recalls. The foods consumed were categorised according to the NOVA classification. The data were analysed by multinomial logistic regression. The supply of processed and ultra-processed foods to children was associated with the child's age (T2: OR = 1.17, p<.001; T3: OR = 1.23, p<.001), the absence of breast milk consumption (T3: OR = 3.82, p=.006) and the greater consumption of these foods by mothers (T2: OR = 3.15, p=.018; T3: OR = 4.59, p=.004). We conclude that mothers who consume processed and ultra-processed foods also include them in complementary feeding, and the consumption of these foods by the child increases with age, absence of breastfeeding, and with increased maternal consumption.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate maternal consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods and its impact on the supply of these foods to Brazilian children. The results indicated that the supply of processed and ultra-processed foods to children was influenced by the child's age, absence of breastfeeding, and greater consumption of these foods by mothers.