FOOD CONSUMPTION BY DEGREES OF FOOD PROCESSING IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN TOCANTINS

Abstract

Introduction: During pregnancy, profound physiological transformations occur that increase nutritional needs. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for the health of the mother and fetus, although emotional, socioeconomic and cultural factors can influence food consumption, distancing the behavior of pregnant women from health recommendations. Objective: to evaluate the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes by pregnant women in Tocantins and to analyze energy and macronutrient intake according to the degree of processing of the food consumed. Methodology: 93 pregnant women, living in urban and rural areas, assisted by the public health network of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, participated in the study. A 24-hour food recall was applied, whose data were tabulated and processed in the GloboDiet software. The daily nutrient intake of the participants was compared to that proposed by the Dietary Reference Intakes. Energy and macronutrient intakes were also estimated by food group, according to the NOVA classification. Descriptive statistical analysis was used, and for the association between energy intake from ultra-processed foods and the daily intake of macro and micronutrients, Linear Regression Analysis was used. The analyses were performed using the R software. Results: most of the pregnant women had daily energy intake below the recommended for the period of gestation in which they were. Daily carbohydrate and lipid intakes were inadequate for 34.5% and 49.4% of the pregnant women, respectively. Natural and minimally processed foods were responsible for most of the daily energy intake. The consumption of ultra-processed foods negatively influenced the daily protein intake of pregnant women and was associated with a higher daily consumption of total and saturated fats. Conclusion: the consumption of ultra-processed foods by the population studied reinforces the need for nutritional interventions in prenatal care, with the aim of educating and supporting pregnant women in the selection of foods that contribute positively to maternal and fetal health.