Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity of Brazilian Adults and the Elderly: An Analysis Based on the Degree of Food Processing (NOVA Classification).

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) of Brazilian adults and elderly and to identify the foods that contributed the most to antioxidant intake and their degree of processing.

Methods: Data were collected from the National Dietary Survey of the 2017-2018 Household Budget Survey. DTAC was estimated using a database based on the Ferric-Reducing Ability Power (FRAP) assay, evaluating 1,335 food items consumed by Brazilians, and the degree of processing was identified according to the NOVA Classification.

Results: The estimated average DTAC/1000Kcal was 4.27 mmol, and women (4.36mmol), elderly individuals (4.65mmol), black, mixed-race, and indigenous individuals (4.15mmol), residents in rural areas (4.61mmol), and those living in the South region (4.98mmol) had significantly higher DTAC when compared to other groups. DTAC decreased with the increase in income and education levels. Non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 58.84% of DTAC, followed by legumes (16.38%) and fruits (8.17%). Regarding the degree of processing, in natura and minimally processed foods contributed 92% of DTAC (3.93mmol), while ultra-processed foods accounted for 5.5% (0.235mmol).

Conclusions: The findings of this study reinforce the importance of consuming in natura and minimally processed foods, in the line with the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population, particularly with respect to antioxidant intake.