Food consumption by young adults living in Ribeirão Preto, SP, 2002/2004

Author(s)

M.C. Molina ^[1] ; H. Bettiol ^[2] ; M.A Barbieri ^[3] ; A.A.M. Silva ^[4] ; S.I.O. Conceição ^[5] ; J.E. Dos-Santos ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Clínica Médica

^[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Puericultura e Pediatria - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Puericultura e Pediatria - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Federal do Maranhão. Departamento de Saúde Pública - Brasil

^[5] Centro Universitário do Maranhão. Coordenação de Nutrição - Brasil

^[6] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Clínica Médica

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 40, n. 9, p. 1257-1266, 2007-07-17.

Abstract

There is evidence showing a close relationship between diet and the occurrence of non-communicable chronic diseases. The present study assessed food consumption in a 2002/2004 cohort of young adults born in 1978/79 in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. The composition of the habitual diet consumed by a sample of 2063 individuals aged 23-25 years was analyzed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire based on studies of prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. The Dietsys software was used for dietary calculations. In terms of WHO/2003 recommendations, there was a high mean daily consumption of energy from fat (consumption: 35.4%; recommendation: 15-30%), a low mean intake of energy from carbohydrates (47.5%; 55-75%) and a low mean consumption of total fibers (15.2 g; >25 g). Mean intake of energy from fatty acids (10%; <10%) and protein (15.6%; 10-15%) was within recommended limits. When compared to the recommendations of the food pyramid adapted to the Brazilian population, adequate intake was observed only regarding the meat group (consumption: 1.9 portions; recommended: 1-2). There was a low consumption of vegetables (2.9; 4-5), fruits (1.2; 3-5), breads (3.6; 6-9), and dairy products (1.7; 3), with excessive fat and sugar intake (5.7; 1-2). We conclude that the inadequate food consumption observed in this young population may be associated with the development of excess weight and may contribute to the triggering of non-communicable chronic diseases. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 00/09508-7 - From perinatal health to health of the young adult: study of cohort born in 1978/79 in the hospitals of Ribeirão Preto, SP
• Grantee: Marco Antonio Barbieri
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants