Effects of consumption of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy: an integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/nb.v24i1.3058Keywords:
Processed; And Nutrition; Pregnant Women.Abstract
Introduction: Consumption patterns among pregnant women in Brazil follow the trends of nutritional transition. Thus, there is an increase in the intake of added sugars and fats, as well as the consumption of sweets and ultra-processed foods. Such eating patterns favor the emergence of chronic non-communicable diseases and reduce the quality of the diet (nutritional and dietary), in addition to directly affecting the health of the mother and fetus. Objective: To analyze the evidence that addresses the consequences of the presence of ultra-processed foods in the diet of pregnant women and its relationship with the adequate supply of essential nutrients for this stage of life. Methods: Integrative literature review carried out by searching the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) databases. Results: Ten articles were selected, divided into three categories: The harms of consuming ultra-processed foods during pregnancy; Risk factors associated with high consumption of ultra-processed foods by pregnant women; Consumption of ultra-processed foods by Brazilian pregnant women and its association with nutritional quality. Conclusion: There is a high consumption of ultra-processed foods among pregnant women. Risk factors include low education level, sedentary lifestyle, younger age and low family income. This scenario is a concern for public health, as diets rich in ultra-processed foods can cause several harms to maternal and fetal health, in addition to implying higher costs for health systems in the future.
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