Journal of Nutrition and Health Surveillance

Body image dissatisfaction among students in situation of high social and health vulnerability

2025-03-24T08:44:18-03:00

Dissatisfaction with body image has been identified as a relevant risk factor for the development of eating disorders, psychological distress and low self-esteem, especially in young populations exposed to contexts of social vulnerability.This cross-sectional study assessed body image dissatisfaction and its associated factors among students aged 6 to 15 years from public schools in a Brazilian capital located in areas of high health vulnerability.

The sample consisted of 291 students, randomly selected based on proportional sample calculation. Data were obtained through individual interviews, using a structured questionnaire and a body silhouette scale. Socioeconomic, anthropometric (weight and height) and self-image-related information were collected. Body dissatisfaction was categorized as “due to thinness” or “due to excess weight”. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze associated factors, with a significance level of 5%. Among 291 students (mean age: 10.9 ± 2.5 years), 62.9% reported body dissatisfaction, with 36.8% dissatisfied due to overweight and 26.1% due to thinness. Male sex and thinness (BMI) increased the risk of dissatisfaction due to thinness (OR: 1.81 and 2.27, respectively). Students with overweight/obesity had a higher risk of dissatisfaction due to overweight (OR: 3.57). No significant differences were observed in dissatisfaction between children and adolescents (p>0.05). The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions considering sex and nutritional status to minimize body dissatisfaction and promote health. The findings reinforce the importance of intervention strategies in the school environment that consider the dimensions of gender and nutritional status, promote a positive body image and contribute to the emotional well-being of children and adolescents in vulnerable social contexts.

Compliance with the NBCAL in retail establishments in rural Minas Gerais: challenges, conformity, and necessity

2025-04-23T14:30:28-03:00

Breastfeeding is essential for the health of both mother and baby, protecting them against various illnesses. However, aggressive marketing practices of products that compete with breastfeeding have contributed to early weaning. Therefore, legal protection measures for breastfeeding, such as the Brazilian Code of Marketing of Foods for Infants and Young Children, Nipples, Pacifiers, and Bottles (NBCAL), are crucial. This study aimed to assess compliance with NBCAL between 2022 and 2024 in municipalities located in the interior of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This was a longitudinal study, with data collection conducted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 through the monitoring of pharmacies, supermarkets, and baby product stores, based on NBCAL criteria. Violations were recorded using the electronic form provided by the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 15.0). A total of 50 establishments were evaluated in 2022, 32 in 2023, and 48 in 2024. Of these, 40.0%, 28.1%, and 45.8%, respectively, were found to be in violation of NBCAL. The absence of the required warning statement was the most common violation across all three years, accounting for 60.0% of infractions in 2022, 67.7% in 2023, and 72.7% in 2024. In terms of products, infant formulas for newborns had the highest number of violations in 2022 (25.0%), follow-up formulas for infants in 2023 (33.0%), and follow-up formulas for young children in 2024 (36.4%). The data reveal concerning levels of noncompliance with NBCAL, highlighting the need to strengthen enforcement and implementation of the legislation, especially in rural municipalities, to ensure effective and lasting protection of breastfeeding.

Making a serial album as a tool of encouragement of health eating habits for illiterate individuals

2025-04-15T13:16:44-03:00

The term “Inclusive Nutrition” refers to a professional approach grounded in the use of tailored strategies and resources aimed at promoting inclusion, health, and healthy eating among vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, those deprived of liberty, and illiterate individuals. The objective of this study was to develop a flip chart containing nutritional guidance on healthy eating, to be used as an educational tool by nutritionists working in Primary Health Care (PHC) during individual or group-based educational activities targeting illiterate populations. This is a methodological study with a developmental design. The study encompassed the stages of planning and material development; however, the validation phase was not included. The final version of the flip chart, entitled “Nutritional Guidelines for Illiterate Individuals”, comprises 56 pages and addresses the following topics: food choices based on processing levels, illustrative meal models, portion sizes, and water intake recommendations. The tool was designed to support educational interventions aimed at illiterate individuals, in both individual and group settings. Its application seeks to foster autonomy in dietary choices and enhance adherence to nutritional recommendations, thereby contributing to health promotion and the prevention and management of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

Additives in processed foods present in elementary school students snacks

2025-05-04T16:54:08-03:00

The objective of the study was to analyze the food additives present in industrialized snacks consumed by first-year elementary school students in private schools in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Seven private schools in a city in RS participated in the study, where data collection was carried out. A total of 139 foods that had packaging with a label were counted and analyzed according to the list of ingredients. The most frequently found additives were flavorings (59%), followed by citric acid (44.6%) and soy lecithin (38.1%). It was observed that 36% of the snacks contained four to six additives and 11% more than 10. According to the classification of technological need, the most commonly found additives in snacks were for manufacturing technology (46.9%), followed by additives for sensory characteristics (34.7%) and additives for preservation (18.5%). The most frequent functions were emulsifiers (12.9%) and stabilizers (8.7%) used for manufacturing technology, and acidulants (7.4%) and preservatives (5.3%) used in food preservation. The snacks consumed by elementary school children had an excessive number of ultra-processed foods, which in their composition, had several chemical additives, which can cause several adverse reactions and health complications. It is important to note the importance of reducing the consumption of these foods and greater encouragement of the consumption of minimally processed or natural foods, as the latter are considered healthy and positive for the growth and development of children.

Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of amateur ultramarathon runners

2025-05-07T11:10:35-03:00

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric and physiological profile of amateur ultramarathon athletes. The sample consisted of 13 male amateur athletes aged 21 to 60. Anthropometric, biochemical and ventilatory assessments were performed. Regarding the anthropometric assessment, the average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the sample was classified as overweight, while the body fat percentage (%BF) of the sample was considered above the recommended range. The sample presented, at rest, mean values of Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) and Oxygen Consumption (VO₂) within normal limits. Biochemical analyzes resulted in lactate, glucose, cortisol and creatinine within recommended parameters. In this study, the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of amateur ultramarathon runners correspond to the profile obtained in other studies with similar samples.

The metabolic and anti-adiposity effects of oral Copaiba-oil supplementation are influenced by sex and obesity

2024-10-25T13:34:28-03:00

Copaiba oil (CO-oil) is commonly used as a topical healing and anti-inflammatory product in Brazil. However, recent data indicate that oral ingestion of CO-oil has anti-adiposity effects. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of oral CO-oil supplementation on body weight (BW), food intake (FI), adiposity and metabolism in male and female obese and non-obese rats. Monosodium glutamate (MSG; 4g/Kg) was administered during the first week after birth to induce hypothalamic obesity; control (CON; non-obese) rats received equimolar saline. After weaning (30 days of life), MSG and CON males and females were randomly subdivided into CO-oil supplemented (0.5mL/Kg; 3 times/week/8 weeks) and non-supplemented (NS) groups (n = 10-15 rats/group). BW, FI, feed efficiency (FE) and adiposity were registered, as well as fasting glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TGL) and total cholesterol (TC) values. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed using the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG). Integrative principal component analysis (PCA) showed that chronic CO-oil supplementation alters FI and FE in MSG-obese and non-obese male rats, without modifying adiposity or metabolism. However, CO-oil supplementation of MSG-obese females reduced adiposity, TGL and improved IR, in relation to non-obese females. Thus, our data indicate that CO-oil oral supplementation influences males and females differently, having greater anti-adiposity effects and benefits on the metabolic state of obese female rats.

Nutritional profile and food consumption of type II diabetic patients pre and post pandemic: a longitudinal analysis

2024-12-15T10:13:43-03:00

Diabetes mellitus results from insufficient insulin production or the inability to utilize it, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 90% of cases, is associated with aging, sedentary lifestyle, and increased food intake, causing severe complications. This study analyzed changes in the eating habits of diabetic patients served by the Family Health Strategy in Governador Valadares, MG, between 2019 and 2022, highlighting the prevalence of sarcopenia in the post-pandemic period. Eighteen patients with type 2 diabetes were followed through interviews and nutritional assessments. The results showed an increase in the percentage of overweight and sedentary behavior, common among the participants. Dietary changes during the pandemic resulted in higher consumption of lipids and lower intake of calcium and fiber. The presence of sarcopenia was significant, highlighting the negative impact of social isolation on muscle health and the need for interventions to improve cardiovascular health. These results underscore the importance of strategies focused on nutritional education, the adoption of healthy eating habits, and weight control, aiming to minimize the impacts on patient health and improve type 2 diabetes control in primary care and health emergencies.

Food consumption and (in)food security of children enrolled in two daycares in Santos

2025-04-06T08:27:22-03:00

Food and nutritional security is defined as the right of everyone to regular and permanent access to quality food, in sufficient quantity, without compromising access to other essential needs. Objective: to evaluate food (in)security and food consumption in children enrolled in two daycare centers in Santos. This is a case study that evaluated families of children enrolled in two daycare centers in Santos in different locations, one necessarily belonging to the area of social vulnerability and the other not. The collection was done through questionnaires applied to parents/guardians. Food (In)Security was measured using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale and food consumption was assessed using food markers from the National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. The assessment of the difference between the study variables and the level of insecurity was through the Chi-Square test.In the vulnerable region, 78.6% of households were found to have some degree of food insecurity, while in the other region, 62.2% of families were food secure. In children over 24 months of age, it was possible to identify that the consumption of foods that indicate an unhealthy diet was more prevalent in children experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity was more prevalent in the vulnerable region and children's food consumption was directly linked to their level of food (in)security. Therefore, investment in policies and programs to combat hunger and food insecurity is essential.

Food and Nutrition Education in school: a study on the meanings of basic education teachers

2025-04-06T08:28:54-03:00

Food and nutrition education (FNE) is an important strategy for promoting adequate, healthy, and sustainable eating, and the school environment is a suitable space for FNE actions. This study aimed to identify and discuss the meanings attributed to FNE by teachers working in basic education. This is a qualitative study conducted with teachers from municipal schools in the interior of Minas Gerais. Six teachers working in the early years of elementary education were interviewed to produce data, using a script specifically developed for this purpose, containing questions related to FNE and the teachers' practices with this topic in education. The data analysis process employed the thematic nuclei strategy, based on Socio-Historical Psychology. The results showed, through thematic nuclei, that the predominant approach to FNE was largely limited to the biological aspect of food, often taught in a punctual manner and confined to the science subject. However, despite the broader approach to the theme still being a challenge, it was observed that there is potential for the re-signification of FNE practices by teachers in the school environment. This study emphasizes the need to overcome existing limitations, particularly regarding the training of basic education teachers in food and nutrition education, in order to increase the effectiveness of actions for the broader inclusion of FNE in teaching.

Primary Care and the human right to food in the context of food and nutrition insecurity: the entry into the national agenda

2025-03-31T08:01:33-03:00

Estudo transversal com objetivo de analisar informações sobre má nutrição e consumo alimentar disponíveis nos sistemas da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) para crianças e gestantes nos últimos 5 anos, relacionar com a insegurança alimentar (IA), realizar análise crítica sobre o papel da APS na oferta de ações e serviços direcionados a essa agenda e registrar o processo de incorporação da agenda como recomendação nacional. Em 2021, apenas 28% das crianças entre 2 e 4 anos, 28,9% das crianças entre 5 e 9 anos e 35,7% das gestantes realizaram no mínimo as 3 refeições principais no dia anterior. Em 2020 e 2021, foram registrados 39.355 e 18.823 casos classificados como problemas sociais relacionados à água/ alimentação. Entre as crianças maiores de 2 anos, não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas prevalências de má nutrição ao longo dos últimos 5 anos. Diante do contexto de fome e com vistas a apoiar as equipes da APS, foram apresentadas as primeiras orientações nacionais de apoio para organização da atenção às pessoas em situação de IA a partir da triagem das famílias vulneráveis a essa condição. São necessárias políticas públicas estruturantes para garantia efetiva do direito à saúde e à alimentação, e a APS é um espaço oportuno para identificar famílias em IA e realizar a coordenação do cuidado e a articulação de ações intersetoriais.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods in children aged 6 to 23 months in the mesoregions of Minas Gerais: analysis of SISVAN data (2015-2022)

2025-03-04T09:19:14-03:00

Food plays a fundamental role in human health, especially in childhood, being crucial for growth and development. However, high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is associated with negative health impacts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of UPF consumption among children aged 6 to 23 months monitored by the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) in the mesoregions of the state of Minas Gerais, between 2015 and 2022. This is an ecological time series study, carried out based on the analysis of SISVAN data. The municipalities were grouped into mesoregions as proposed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). UPF consumption was measured using food consumption markers from the previous day. Throughout the analyzed period, 468,175 children were monitored. An increase in SISVAN coverage was observed, reflected both by the growth in the number of municipalities analyzed and by the increase in the number of children monitored throughout the period investigated. A reduction in the prevalence of UPF consumption was also observed in all mesoregions over the specific years. The results obtained indicate that innovative public policies generated positive results in child nutritional health, with the expansion of SISVAN coverage and the reduction in UPF consumption.

Tendência temporal da prevalência da desnutrição e do excesso peso na Atenção Primária no Brasil - 2012 a 2021

2025-02-20T13:30:35-03:00

O presente estudo teve como objetivo nalisar as tendências das prevalências de desnutrição, excesso de peso e obesidade em crianças, adolescentes, adultos, idosos e gestantes acompanhados na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Brasil no período de 2012-2021. Trata-se de estudo de análise de série temporal realizado a partir de dados do Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) no período de 2012 a 2021. Foi realizada regressão linear generalizada pelo método de Prais-Winsten. Observou-se aumento no número de indivíduos com acompanhamento do estado nutricional na APS, sendo em 2021, 33,2 milhões de acompanhamentos. O Brasil apresentou diminuição das prevalências de baixo peso, exceto para crianças menores de 5 anos e adolescentes, e aumento significativo nas taxas de excesso de peso e obesidade em crianças maiores de 5 anos, adolescentes, adultos, idosos e gestantes. Reforça-se a necessidade de políticas públicas que foquem nos determinantes sinérgicos de todas as formas de má nutrição.

Health promotion practices by Primary Care Teams in Brazil - PMAQ-AB (2017-2018)

2025-02-15T10:21:48-03:00

The objective was to verify the relationship between health promotion actions in primary care, the provision of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICs) services, the use of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population by the Ministry of Health, and sociodemographic factors, as well as the coverage of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, using open-access data from 38,865 primary care teams that participated in the 3rd cycle of the External Evaluation of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ-AB). Health promotion actions aimed at supporting self-care were the most frequent. Municipalities in the Northeast region had the highest proportions of health promotion actions and the use of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population compared to other regions. Additionally, municipalities with larger populations and moderate municipal development also stood out in the provision of these actions. Higher ESF and primary care coverage rates were observed in municipalities with 100% coverage. Health promotion actions in primary care are linked to sociodemographic contexts and the implementation of the Family Health Strategy. The continuous evaluation of the PMAQ-AB should be emphasized as a valuable tool for promoting more comprehensive and equitable health for the Brazilian population.

Multiple Sclerosis: association of nutritional status and quality of life

2024-12-22T16:32:32-03:00

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, neurodegeneration, and can lead to physical disability, and cognitive impairment. The aim of the study was to analyze the nutritional status and quality of people live with MS, and observe whether there is an association between these factors. This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, with 110 patients undergoing outpatient treatment. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to assess sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, clinical conditions, quality of life (Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Instrument, FAMS) and nutritional status (body mass index, BMI; waist circumference, WC; waist-to-hip ratio, WHR; and % body fat, %BF). The average age was 37.17 (10.60) years, the duration of illness was 6.28 (4.65) years, with a predominance of females, and level of disability (EDSS = 1.92). The group was overweight (BMI, 55.4%), high WC (51.8%), and high %BF, according to BIA (56.4%). Quality of life was significantly lower in malnourished patients (BMI, p = 0.009), in those with higher WC (p = 0.003), WHR (p = 0.020), and %BF (BIA, p = 0.002; US, p = 0.011). WC (p = 0.009), WHR (p = 0.003), and %BF obtained by BIA (p = 0.013) and US (p = 0.004) increased significantly with increasing EDSS. Therefore, it becomes essential to track these conditions in different MS treatment centers so that nutritional guidelines can be established.

Nutritional monitoring improves eating habits among athletes

2025-03-24T08:40:40-03:00

To evaluate dietary practices and associated factors among athletes from different sports. The Dietary Practices Scale was applied to athletes from different sports and from different regions of Brazil. Mann-Whitney, Student's t-test and linear regression models were used to evaluate differences between groups and the association of dependent variables with EPA scores. A total of 114 athletes from 16 sports were evaluated, 52.6% of whom were female. The average score on the Dietary Practices Scale (EPA) by the athletes was 45.96 points. Female athletes had a higher final score on the scale compared to male athletes (47.28 vs 44.44; Cohen's d = 0.31; P<0.05). The variable “having nutritional monitoring” was associated with total EPA (p<0.001) and for dimensions 1 and 2 (p<0.001 and p<0.05). Athletes who have nutritional monitoring have an average increase of 5.9 points in the final score, 3.7 points in the dimension 1 score and 2.1 points in the dimension score in relation to individuals who do not have nutritional monitoring. Monitoring with a nutritionist is associated with better eating practices among athletes, mainly in domestic organization and planning.

Nutritional quality and regional valorization of the vegetarian menu at a university restaurant in northeast brazil

2025-04-06T08:29:34-03:00

This study assessed the quality of the vegetarian menu offered by the University Restaurant of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), based on the online menu available on the university's website, considering its nutritional adequacy, dietary diversity and the presence of regional foods. The quality of the menu was verified using the Qualitative Evaluation of Menu Preparations, the food classification of the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population (2014) and the identification of the presence of regional foods, considering the months between August and November 2023. To systematize the collected data, a database was created in an electronic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel®) and, subsequently, the absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. The results of the Qualitative Evaluation indicated a high supply of fruit and leafy greens, but identified a frequent presence of sulphur-rich foods (72.5%), a factor that can impact the acceptance of the preparations. The Dietary Guidelines analysis showed a predominance of fresh foods (78.5%), a low supply of ultra-processed foods (10.8%) and no fried foods, factors that favor the nutritional quality of meals. Regarding regional representation, 44.4% of the fruits offered were part of the Northeast region's biodiversity; however, vegetables and tubers from the South and Southeast regions were predominant. The conclusion is that, despite the positive aspects of the menu, there are opportunities for improvement, such as diversifying vegetable protein sources, reducing the supply of sulphur-rich foods and strengthening the use of regional ingredients in the composition of dishes.

Correlation between the physicochemical attributes and caseinomacropeptide (CMP) of refrigerated raw milk from farmers in Rio Grande do Sul

2024-12-06T20:47:52-03:00

The Brazilian dairy sector plays an essential role in the economy and is driven by small producers who contribute to regional development. However, challenges related to milk quality and adulteration reinforce the need for strict control measures. This study aimed to assess the quality of 300 samples of refrigerated raw milk from producers in Rio Grande do Sul between 2021 and 2023, exploring the correlation between the caseinomacropeptide (CMP) index and the milk's physicochemical parameters. The CMP analysis was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while the other physicochemical analyses followed the protocols established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), with samples collected and analyzed on site. The results revealed significant correlations between CMP and attributes such as acidity (-0.881), temperature (0.754) and reductase (-0.668), suggesting that increased CMP is associated with proteolytic action in milk. The findings of this study highlight the importance of the dairy industry maintaining strict control of quality parameters at all stages of the production chain, from production on the farm to industrial processing, in order to ensure the standards set by Brazilian legislation and the quality of the products.

Sensory profile of a plant-based burger analog made from babassu byproducts and vegetable proteins

2025-01-01T16:27:58-03:00

The growing concern about environmental impact and the search for sustainable food alternatives has driven the development of plant-based products. This study aimed to create plant-based burgers using babassu coconut byproducts and other regional ingredients, exploring their sensory profile and acceptance. Four formulations were developed with varying proportions of babassu coconut fiber and coconut oil. The burgers were evaluated through sensory analyses, including Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) and Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) methods and acceptance and purchase intention tests. Results showed that fiber and coconut oil proportions significantly influenced color and flavor. The formulation with the highest oil content (15F25G) was associated with attributes like "softness" and "juiciness," while the formulation with the highest fiber content (35F5G) exhibited denser and more fibrous characteristics. The "coconut aroma" was unanimously identified and well-accepted across all formulations. The "spicy flavor" stood out in intermediate formulations, such as 20F20G and 30F10G, highlighting the positive impact of a balanced fiber-to-oil ratio on sensory attributes. Purchase intention analysis revealed a greater preference for the 35F5G and 15F25G formulations, suggesting that firm texture and softness appeal to different consumer profiles. It is concluded that leveraging babassu coconut byproducts in plant-based burgers fosters innovation and sustainability and meets sensory and market expectations, demonstrating their potential to strengthen the circular economy and add value to regional resources.

Centesimal and sensory analysis of edible ice cream based on the hydrosoluble extract of babassu kernel (Attalea speciosa), banana, and peanut free of saccharose

2025-04-22T11:32:45-03:00

Lactose intolerance, restricted consumption of added sugars and vegetarianism are all aspects that have gradually expanded, limiting the choices available. This study aimed to produce an edible ice cream based on water-soluble extracts of babassu kernels, banana and peanuts, free from sucrose, and to carry out a centesimal and sensory analysis of this formulation. The product was subjected to centesimal analysis to determine calories using Atwater coefficients, carbohydrates were described according to Resolution RDC No. 360/2003 and proteins, lipids, moisture and ash according to the analytical standards of the Official Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Sensory acceptance tests were carried out using a 9-point hedonic scale ("I very much disliked it" to "I very much liked it") and purchase intention tests using a 5-point hedonic scale ("I would certainly not buy it" to "I would certainly buy it"). The centesimal analysis of the ice cream revealed the following percentages: moisture (71.87%), ash (0.08%), carbohydrates (20.88%), proteins (5.45%), lipids (1.72%), and caloric value of 120.80 Kcal/100g. As for sensory acceptability, the formulation achieved significant acceptability in all the attributes evaluated (color, appearance, aroma, texture, creaminess, taste and general acceptability). In addition, 47.1% of the evaluators showed a positive intention to buy. Thus, the ice cream proved to be a good alternative, offering benefits not only to lactose-intolerant and/or casein-allergic consumers or those looking for vegan options, but also to the general public interested in healthier and more sustainable choices.

Profile and satisfaction of consumers of the vegetarian menu at the university restaurant of a public university in Fortaleza, CE.

2025-03-06T17:57:05-03:00

Vegetarianism is gaining relevance in the university context, driven by concerns about health, the environment and animal welfare. The aim of this study was to characterize the profile, frequency of consumption and consumer satisfaction with the vegetarian menu at the University Restaurant of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). The survey was carried out in the first semester of 2024, with 118 participants who consumed vegetarian meals. The data was collected using an electronic questionnaire containing objective and subjective questions, and analyzed using descriptive statistics in the software R (version 4.4). The results indicated that the majority of vegetarian consumers in the RU are female students. The main factor for choosing the RU was the affordable price, followed by practicality. The frequency of consumption was higher at lunchtime, with a significant number of customers eating five meals a week. The evaluation of the menu's satisfaction with regard to portioning, color and maintenance suggests that these aspects meet the public's expectations. However, variety and presentation were the criteria with the highest levels of dissatisfaction. Lentil-based dishes were the least accepted, while vegan vatapá, vegetable pie and soy escondidinho were the most highly rated. The findings indicate the need to improve vegetarian preparations by diversifying the menu. It is concluded that the RU plays an essential role in offering accessible and inclusive food, and it is essential to implement improvements to increase satisfaction and adherence to vegetarian meals.

Characterization of dark kitchens in Fortaleza and verification of their hygiene and sanitary requirements

2025-02-18T09:47:33-03:00

The term “dark kitchen” refers to spaces dedicated to the production of meals, without a physical location for consumption, depending on delivery apps to reach customers. This model gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic as an alternative to traditional restaurants. The objective of this study was to analyze the number, categorization and hygienic-sanitary requirements of dark kitchens in Fortaleza (CE). Qualitative research was carried out on social networks and delivery apps, in addition to an assessment of sanitary conditions in accordance with Municipal Ordinance No. 31/2005. 34 dark kitchens were identified, 92% of which were owned and 8% were coworking kitchens. The majority of them are dedicated to producing hamburgers and sandwiches (31%), followed by pizzas, regional food and cakes (23%) and other types of food (15%). Only one operates with different brands and types of food, being a pioneer in the city. Assessment of the health requirements of eight establishments revealed that 75% were within the required standards, while 25% were below the level of compliance. The study concludes that dark kitchens represent a growing trend, benefiting both entrepreneurs and customers. However, the need for improvements in hygienic-sanitary aspects to guarantee food safety and consumer health stands out.

Contractual compliance in outsourced hospital food services: analysis of compliance with the provisions of the terms of reference

2025-03-24T08:47:42-03:00

Hospital Food and Nutrition Units are complex, as they are composed of several interdependent activities, which makes the outsourcing process advantageous from an organizational point of view. Strict control during the execution of the contract is crucial to ensure that quality standards are maintained, in addition to enabling the continuous identification of areas for improvement. The research aimed to evaluate compliance with the obligations described in the Terms of Reference by the outsourced company responsible for the meal production service at a university hospital. This is a quantitative and descriptive study, carried out between November and December 2024. The data were analyzed through a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet, using descriptive statistics. Based on the analysis of the terms of reference, 270 criteria were identified, arranged in 09 categories: general standards; health license; acquisition of inputs, receipt, storage and inventory control; adaptation of menus; preparation and distribution of meals; quality control; and human resources, which obtained compliance of over 85%. The inadequacies were observed in the categories of equipment, utensils, materials and physical facilities, and good environmental practices. Despite the high percentage of geral compliance (84.1%), the unsatisfactory items are considered critical, representing a risk to food safety and the health of diners. The study concludes that establishing the necessary procedures clearly in the bidding processes is not sufficient for the feasibility of these standards, which demonstrates the importance of this analysis and of new studies that contribute to the implementation of improvements in these processes.

Evaluation of good practice procedures in hospital Nutrition and Dietary Services

2024-11-20T20:42:44-03:00

The hospital Nutrition and Dietetics Service (NDS) must be attentive to the production of safe meals, since they are intended for patients with low immunity, who are more likely to develop foodborne illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate good practices in two hospital NDSs, regarding food preparation and storage, hygiene of fruit and vegetables and collection of samples of food prepared and served to patients and employees of these locations. Observational cross-sectional study, carried out on five consecutive days in September 2024, in the initial stage of the mandatory curricular internship in Institutional Food of the nutrition course at a university in Rio Grande do Sul, which involves the observation of the functioning of the place, carried out by two interns in two small hospital SNDs, called SND 1 and SND 2 for the present study, located in Serra Gaúcha/Rio Grande do Sul. For data collection, the following criteria were evaluated: pre-prepared and prepared products, hygiene of fruit and vegetables, and collection of samples of prepared foods contained in Ordinance No. 799, of September 6, 2023, of the Health Department of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The results showed that SND 1 obtained 90.00% compliance in relation to the evaluated criteria. SND 2, on the other hand, had a 70.00% compliance rate. It is concluded that both SNDs demonstrated good hygienic-sanitary conditions, as they met most of the inspection criteria evaluated, with SND 1 showing greater compliance with the legislation in relation to SND 2. This study demonstrates the importance of applying the checklist in food services, as a way of inspecting inadequacies, which must be corrected so that they do not compromise good food handling practices in these services and enable the provision of safe food to patients and employees at these locations.

Evolução humana e o impacto do estilo de vida moderno na saúde

2025-02-16T22:38:28-03:00

O texto trata de um assunto - "Ponto de Vista" desenvolvido pelo autor. Conclui que é essencial determinar o nível adequado de atividade física que mantém a boa capacidade funcional e combate a obesidade em seres humanos, sem acelerar a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio e o envelhecimento fisiológico. Além disso, frisa que é necessário investigar mais profundamente e entender melhor as consequências fisiológicas do consumo de oxigênio e seu impacto no organismo. Quanto é o quantum ideal de movimento a ser realizados por crianças, adultos, velhos, homens, mulheres, subnutridos, obesos, pessoas com diferentes tipos de enfermidades entre outros? Como se comporta a defesa orgânica antioxidante nestes indivíduos? A ciência do esporte e a medicina esportiva ainda têm muito a avançar para responder sobre a quantidade ideal de movimento para cada indivíduo em diferentes fases da vida e com comportamento metabólicos distintos.

Prevalence, determinants and clinical outcomes associated with hospital malnutrition in Brazil: integrative review

2025-04-06T08:30:46-03:00

Hospital malnutrition has been associated with worse clinical outcomes, such as increased length of hospital stay, greater complications, and mortality. In Brazil, the prevalence and determinants of this condition are still poorly documented. Given this, the objective of this article was to analyze the prevalence, associated factors, and clinical outcomes of hospital malnutrition reported in Brazilian studies through an integrative literature review. The bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases using the descriptors “malnutrition,” “nutritional status,” “hospital,” “prevalence,” and “risk factors.” Observational studies published between 2019 and 2024 in English, Spanish, and Portuguese that evaluated hospital malnutrition in adult and elderly patients in Brazil were included. A total of 16 articles were selected, encompassing 8.238 participants. The prevalence of hospital malnutrition ranged from 15,3% to 65,1%, depending on the diagnostic method and the analyzed region. The main associated factors included advanced age, low food intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, and prolonged hospital stay. Malnutrition was linked to a higher risk of clinical complications, transfer to the ICU, and mortality. The results indicate that hospital malnutrition is highly prevalent in Brazil, and its early identification may reduce negative outcomes. However, the heterogeneity of methods used to identify malnutrition across studies highlights the need for standardization of diagnostic criteria. Screening strategies and nutritional management should be incorporated into hospital routines to minimize the impact of malnutrition on patient care.

Flaxseed and hormonal health: review of effects and therapeutic potentials

2025-03-24T08:35:51-03:00

The consumption of flaxseed and derived products rich in bioactive compounds can bring benefits for hormonal health. These effects include hormonal regulation during the menopause and protection against conditions or diseases associated with hormonal imbalances, such as breast cancer. This study aims to describe the potential benefits of flaxseed and its bioactive components for hormonal health. This is a systematic literature review with a qualitative analysis of the level of evidence, carried out in February 2025, following the PRISMA-P guidelines and the Agency for Healthcare and Research and Quality (AHRQ) classification of evidence. The search strategies were applied to Google Scholar, Lilacs, SciELO, Elsevier, Web of Science and the Semantic Scholar database, using the Consensus academic search engine . Thus, 22 articles were included in this review. The results suggest that flaxseed can promote hormonal balance, improving the associated biochemical indicators capable of reducing: the risk of cancer, the psychosomatic, somatic and vasomotor symptoms of menopause and insulin resistance, contributing to improved well-being and quality of life. Therefore, the consumption of linseed and its derivatives can bring significant benefits to hormonal health through the presence of its bioactive compounds capable of modulating the concentrations of human hormones associated with the development of diseases or health problems.

The benefits of physiotherapist in home care for the beed-bed elderly: a integrative review

2025-01-25T16:30:53-03:00

In recent decades, attention focused on health problems related to aging has increased significantly, following the growth in life expectancy at a global level. The option for home physiotherapy is often motivated by factors such as physical-functional disability, bed restrictions or the convenience that this type of care offers. Therefore, this work aims to describe the benefits of physiotherapy in home care for bedridden elderly people, analyzing its contribution to maintaining functionality and preserving the autonomy of these patients. This study used a literature review of a descriptive nature as a research method, in which the search for articles was carried out in the SciELO and PubMed databases. Articles in Portuguese and English that were published between 2019 and 2024 were included. Research that did not meet the recent publication criteria, as well as duplicate articles and those that were not aligned with the scope, were excluded. of the study. Theoretical essays, editorials, letters, reviews and expanded summaries were also discarded, prioritizing scientific works that presented solid and relevant evidence for the investigation in question. Initially, 78 articles were located according to the established criteria and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria 06 articles were selected to compose this review. The findings show that this type of care not only improves functionality and reduces the need for hospitalizations, but also provides more humanized care that is closer to the individual needs of patients.

Eating behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazil: an integrative review

2025-02-20T13:16:59-03:00

One of the pillars of treatment for chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), including type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), is a healthy diet. However, for a balanced diet, various individual and cultural conditions determine the patient's choices. Eating behavior, which can be understood as the individual's relationship with food, becomes fundamental in the approach to T2DM. This study aims to identify in the literature aspects related to the eating behavior of patients with DM2 in Brazil. It is an integrative review based on the following guiding question: “What is in the literature about aspects related to the eating behavior of patients with DM2 in Brazil?”. The data was collected from Scielo, Lilacs via the Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed (MEDLINE) and Oasisbr. After reading the titles and abstracts, those that were included in the analysis were read in full and the exclusion criteria were applied, and a total of 5 articles and 1 doctoral thesis were selected. Our findings show that, despite the geographical and temporal diversity, there is a consensus in the literature on the impact of dietary restrictions on the daily lives, emotional health and adherence to treatment of patients with DM2. In addition, it reinforces the need for integrated strategies in the management of eating behavior in DM2, considering not only nutritional guidelines, but also cultural, socio-emotional and economic aspects of these individuals.

Food as a possible transmitter of SARS-CoV-2: an integrative review

2024-12-12T21:51:25-03:00

The COVID-19 Pandemic highlights and in particular the issue of the food chain, its health security. Based on the knowledge available so far, SARS-CoV-2 will be part of the “repertoire” of respiratory viruses for quite some time. Thus, the objective of this study was to raise evidence of SARS-CoV-2, through a review from 2020 to 2022. A search was carried out for full articles that covered the chosen theme, in portuguese and english, from 2020 to 2022, in two recognized databases; a critical evaluation was performed to analyze the quality of the methods; and the available evidence was summarized, outlined by the guiding question “Is it possible to transmit SARS-CoV-2 via the oral/digestive route?” Six scientific evidences were found, based on epidemiological, microbiological and experimental data that reinforce the possibility of this SARS-CoV-2 transmission route and five control steps were proposed with their preventive measures to reduce the potential risk of COVID-19 by the oral/digestive route. Thus, the results of independent studies on the subject in question, therefore, contribute to a possible repercussion on the quality of practice, concerning the sanitary aspect of food and indicate that further, more in-depth investigations to determine the mechanisms of this SARS-CoV-2 transmission route and the possible confirmation of this virus as a pathogen associated with Foodborne Disease.