Ultra-Processed Foods Are the Major Sources of Total Fat, Saturated and Trans-Fatty Acids among Tunisian Preschool and School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Children

Myriam El Ati-Hellal¹  Radhouene Doggui²  Jalila El Ati²  Darine Dogui²  Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh³ 

[1] Laboratory Materials Molecules and Applications, Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies, University of Carthage, Tunis 2070, Tunisia;Nutrition Surveillance and Epidemiology in Tunisia Research Laboratory, National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Tunis 1007, Tunisia;Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), World Health Organization (WHO), Cairo 7608, Egypt;

关键词: trans fatty acids;    saturated fatty acids;    ultra-processed foods;    children;    Tunisia;   

DOI  :  10.3390/children9020126

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Excessive fat and fatty acids intake are associated with significant health hazards such as obesity or chronic diseases. This study aimed to provide the first data on total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA) intakes and their major food sources in Tunisian children. A total of 1200 children, aged 3 to 9 years old, were randomly selected from primary schools and kindergartens under a cross-sectional design. The 24-h dietary recall method and diet history for the month preceding the survey were used to assess dietary intake. The energy percentages of total fat, SFA and TFA in Tunisian children were 29.6%, 11.4% and 0.15%, respectively. No sex differences were found. The WHO recommendations for total fat, SFA and TFA were adopted by 58%, 39% and 89% of the study population, respectively. The leading food groups of fat and fatty acids were ultra-processed foods, breakfast cereals and dairy products. The meat, fish, eggs, and fish alternatives were the fifth main contributors to Tunisian children’s total fat and SFA intakes. The implementation of a relevant strategy for fat reduction, especially from ultra-processed foods, considered as low nutrient energy-dense products, is needed to promote health among children and prevent diet-related chronic diseases.

【 授权许可】

Unknown