Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e sua associação com a hipertensão arterial e nutrientes preditores em mulheres socialmente vulneráveis de Maceió-Alagoas

Abstract

The growth in consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in Brazil is linked to the emergence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Representing around 20% of calories consumed in the country, UPFs are convenient and palatable. The 2019 Vigitel recorded a consumption frequency of 18.2%, varying between genders and ages. Studies in other countries also confirm this trend, influenced by socioeconomic factors. This national dietary pattern is driven by affordable prices and the presence of large companies in the sector. NCDs represent a global challenge, with UPF consumption being a contributing factor to their development. In the first section of this academic text, a literature review was carried out, locating the interconnection between the consumption of UPF and the dietary pattern of the Brazilian population and the development of NCDs. Subsequently, a scientific article was developed with the purpose of evaluating the consumption of UPF and identifying its association with hypertension and nutrients that predict hypertension in socially vulnerable Brazilian women. The results indicated an association between the dietary profile related to NCDs and the caloric contribution from UPF. Associations were also found between age, race/skin color, years of education, marital status and poverty with hypertension, high consumption of cholesterol (mg), sodium (mg) and potassium (mg).