Associated factors to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and its relation with dietary sources in Portugal

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are common worldwide and associated with poorer health outcomes. This work aimed to explore the UPF consumption associated factors and its main dietary sources, by sex, in Portugal. Participants from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF) 2015-2016, aged 3-84 years, were included (n 5005). Dietary intake was assessed through two 1-day food diaries/24 h recalls. UPFs were identified using the NOVA classification. Associations were evaluated through linear regression models. Median UPF consumption was 257 g/d (10.6 % of total quantity; 23.8 % of total energy). Adolescents were those with higher consumption (490 g/d). Compared to adults, younger ages were positively associated with UPF consumption (e.g. adolescents ((beta) over cap -females: 192, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 135, 249; (beta) over cap -males: 327, 95 % CI: 277, 377)). A lower educational level was associated with lower UPF consumption ((beta) over cap -females: -63; 95 % CI: -91, -34; (beta) over cap -males: -68; 95 % CI: -124, -12). Also, a lower UPF consumption was observed in married males/couples compared to singles ((beta) over cap: -48, 95 % CI: -96, -1). Furthermore, female current/former smokers were associated with a higher UPF consumption v. never smokers ((beta) over cap: 79, 95 % CI: 41, 118; (beta) over cap: 42, 95 % CI: 8, 75, respectively). Main UPF sources were yoghurts, soft drinks and cold meats/sausages differing strongly by sex, age and education level. Yoghurts containing additives were the main contributors to the UPF consumption in children and adult females from all education (similar to 20 %). Soft drinks were leaders in adolescents (females: 26.0 %; males: 31.6 %) and young male adults (24.4 %). Cold meats/sausages stood out among low-educated males (20.5 %). Males, younger age groups, higher education, children with less-educated parents, married/couple males and smoking females were positively associated with UPF consumption.

Automated summary

This study found that in Portugal, adolescents and males had higher consumption of UPFs, while those with lower educational levels and married males had lower consumption. The main sources of UPFs included yoghurts, soft drinks, and cold meats/sausages, which varied significantly by sex, age, and education level.