# Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods Among Brazilian Pregnant Women Attended in Primary Healthcare

## TL;DR

This study examines how much ultraprocessed food Brazilian pregnant women eat, finding that these foods make up nearly a quarter of their daily energy intake.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the dietary patterns of pregnant women in Brazil, focusing on the role of ultraprocessed foods in primary healthcare settings.

## Key findings

- Unprocessed or minimally processed foods accounted for 62.1% of energy intake, while ultraprocessed foods contributed 23.8%.
- Ultraprocessed food consumption was higher when eaten outside the home, especially in urban areas and among younger, higher-income women.
- The consumption patterns varied significantly based on age, race, income, and location of consumption.

## Abstract

The objective of the study was to describe the dietary intake of Brazilian pregnant women assisted by primary healthcare, focusing on the degree of food processing. Data from the cross-sectional multicenter study of iodine deficiency were analyzed. Participants were selected from basic health units in 11 research centers and completed questionnaires regarding socioeconomic status, demographics, and health. Dietary intake information was collected through 24 h recall and analyzed using GloboDiet software. Descriptive analyses estimated the average energy contribution and confidence interval (%) of NOVA food groups in total energy intake, considering the research center, sociodemographic factors, health status, and pregnancy characteristics. The analysis included 2247 pregnant women without history of thyroid disease or surgery, hypothyroidism, or hypertension. Unprocessed or minimally processed foods accounted for 62.1% of total energy intake, while ultraprocessed foods accounted for 23.8%. Food consumption predominantly occurred at home across all NOVA food groups. Ultraprocessed food consumption was lower during lunch and dinner but higher after dinner and when consumed outside the home, particularly in street settings, markets, parks, and/or beaches, compared with other food groups. This pattern was more prevalent among younger pregnant women (p < 0.001), those of white or yellow race (p=0.007), residing in urban areas (p=0.03), and with higher monthly household income (p=0.001). These findings indicate a significant impact on the overall nutritional quality of the diet among pregnant women, with variations based on factors such as age, place of residence, race, income, place of consumption, and occasion of consumption.