Consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados por lactantes do Tocantins

Abstract

The consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods by breastfeeding mothers has become problematic due to their high caloric content, low nutritional value, and the presence of additives. During lactation, women's nutritional needs increase, making the choice of appropriate foods more relevant to ensure maternal health and milk production. To analyze the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods by breastfeeding mothers in Tocantins. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with breastfeeding mothers attending Community Health Centers in Palmas-TO, selected by convenience during postpartum consultations. Data collection included a socioeconomic and health questionnaire, as well as a 24-hour Dietary Recall administered by trained researchers. Energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intakes were estimated using DietBox, and foods were classified according to NOVA. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 29.0, employing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, reaching a significance level of 5%. The results showed inadequate energy, carbohydrate, folate, and vitamin A intake among breastfeeding women. Although unprocessed and minimally processed foods predominate in the diet, ultra-processed foods still represent a significant portion of daily intake. Older women were observed to have a higher consumption of processed foods, while late initiation of prenatal care was associated with a higher consumption of unprocessed foods. The study showed a significant presence of ultra-processed foods and nutritional inadequacies in the diet of breastfeeding women, as well as associations between maternal characteristics and dietary patterns. The use of a single 24- hour dietary recall was a limitation of the research.