ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE O CONSUMO DE ULTRAPROCESSADOS E O ESTADO NUTRICIONAL DE IDOSOS COM DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 2

Summary

This cross-sectional study of 144 older adults (≥60 years) with type 2 diabetes in southern Brazil investigated whether excessive ultra-processed food consumption was associated with poor nutritional status. Using 24-hour dietary recall and BMI measurement, the authors quantified ultra-processed foods as a percentage of daily energy intake (using ≥15% as the threshold for excessive consumption). Contrary to expectations based on the established link between ultra-processed food and obesity risk, the study found no statistically significant association between ultra-processed food consumption and nutritional status in this clinical population.

Regional applicability

This Brazilian study may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom contexts due to differences in food systems, dietary patterns, and the nutritional composition of ultra-processed products available locally. However, the methodological approach and null finding warrant consideration in UK clinical practice, particularly when assessing whether ultra-processed food consumption is a robust predictor of poor nutritional outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Key measures

Body Mass Index (BMI), 24-hour dietary recall, ultra-processed food energy contribution (≥15% of daily energy intake defined as excessive consumption)

Outcomes reported

The study examined the association between ultra-processed food consumption (quantified as percentage of daily energy intake) and nutritional status (BMI) in older adults with type 2 diabetes. No significant association was found between ultra-processed food consumption and nutritional status in the study population.

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