Browsing by Author "Carvalho, Catarina"
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- Factors associated with the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods with micronutrients by the Portuguese populationPublication . Pimenta-Martins, Ana; Correia, Daniela; Carvalho, Catarina; Lopes, Carla; Gomes, Ana Maria; Torres, DuarteThis study aimed to identify the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with the consumption of voluntarily fortified foods with micronutrients (Mn-FF) by the Portuguese population, using data from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015–2016). Food consumption, sociodemographic and other health-related factors, and physical activity data were computerised using the You Eat & Move e-platform. Foods consumed by participants and labelled foods reported as consumed were included in the database. Mn-FF were considered all foods containing added micronutrients legally authorised, and MN-FF users were those who consumed at least one Mn-FF on at least one of the dietary recall days. Approximately 57% of the population consumed at least one Mn-FF. Children and adolescents consumed significantly more Mn-FF than older age groups. The primary contributors to Mn-FF consumption were breakfast cereals and fat spreads. Being a child (female OR 2.07 [95% CI: 1.52, 2.83]; male OR 4.80 [95% CI: 3.23, 7.14]) or adolescent (female OR 1.62 [95% CI: 1.78, 2.22]; male OR 4.59 [95% CI: 3.26, 6.47]), having a higher level of education (female OR 1.52 [95% CI: 1.17, 1.99]; male OR 1.85 [95% CI: 1.42, 2.42]) and engaging in regular physical activity (female OR 1.31 [95% CI: 1.09, 1.58]; male OR 1.36 [95% CI: 1.11, 1.68]) were factors positively associated with Mn-FF consumption. Conversely, obesity (female OR 0.76 [95% CI: 0.60, 0.96]), living in predominantly rural areas (male OR 0.70 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.91]) and eating fewer mid-meals per day (female OR 0.60 [95% CI: 0.48, 0.76]; male OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.84]) were associated with lower Mn-FF consumption. Younger age, higher education and physical activity practice were positively associated with Mn-FF consumption. These findings provide important insights on priority factors to be considered when deciding on nutrient fortification policies from both public health and food industry perspectives.
- Guia eu exploro – Parte IPublication . Alves, Ana Margarida; Sampaio, Célia; Carvalho, Catarina; Silva, Ana Daniela; Oliveira, Íris M.
- Guia eu exploro – Parte IIPublication . Sampaio, Célia; Carvalho, Catarina; Silva, Ana Daniela; Oliveira, Íris M.
- Health and environmental impacts of shifting to plant-based analogues: a risk-benefit assessmentPublication . Carvalho, Catarina; Correia, Daniela; Costa, Sofia Almeida; Pereira, Rita; Oliveira, Andreia; Pinto, Elisabete; Lopes, Carla; Torres, DuartePurpose: Plant-based analogues (PBAs) simulate animal-based foods’ attributes and can facilitate adherence to flexitarian and vegetarian dietary patterns, which have been associated with health benefits. However, possibly classifying PBAs as ultra-processed (UPF) and excluding healthy animal-based foods (e.g., fish) can result in unintended health risks. This study aims to quantify the health and environmental impact of replacing animal-based foods with PBAs. Methods: Using data from the Portuguese National Dietary Survey (n = 3852 adults; 2015–2016), three substitution scenarios of animal-based foods with PBAs were modelled: vegan (replacing all animal-based foods with PBAs), ovolactovegetarian (replacing meat and fish with PBA), and pescatarian (replacing meat with PBA). Varying degrees of substitution (33%, 50%, 67%, 100%) and two classification approaches for PBAs were explored: UPF or non-UPF. The overall health impact was estimated considering several health outcomes (cancer, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic outcomes) combined through Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). The environmental impact was measured through greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Results: Environmental benefits were evident, especially for the vegan scenario. Regarding health impact, the 100% substitution of all animal-based foods (vegan scenario) might represent a risk if PBAs are classified as UPF (∆DALY average = 72,109 years). The highest overall benefit was found for 100% substitution of meat only (pescatarian scenario) independently of considering PBAs as UPF or not (UPF: ∆DALY average = − 40,202 years; non-UPF: ∆DALY average = − 88,827 years). Conclusion: PBAs can be considered feasible alternatives to animal-based foods, and the results emphasise meat substitution as a crucial factor for health and environmental benefits.