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To describe the methodology of development of a protocol for application of the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines by primary healthcare professionals in individual dietary advice. A five-step approach was followed: (1) format definition; (2) definition of the instrument for assessment of individuals’ food consumption; (3) Dietary Guidelines’ content extraction; (4) protocol content development; (5) content and face validity. An example from Brazil was displayed with the development of a protocol to guide healthcare professional decision-making when providing nutrition advice based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines. The instrument of the Brazilian Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) was chosen to the food consumption assessment, which contains questions about the consumption of seven healthy or unhealthy food groups and one question about eating modes. The Guidelines’ content extraction process led to the identification of recommendations related to the food consumption markers assessed by the SISVAN questionnaire. Then, a protocol was developed in a flowchart format, in which the professional’s conduct is guided by the answer given to each question of the SISVAN instrument. For each ‘non-compliant’ answer (unhealthy eating practice), the professional is instructed how to provide recommendations and identify obstacles. Lastly, experts and healthcare professionals highlighted pertinence, clarity and usability of the protocol. This study provides the blueprint for the phase-wise development of protocols of application of the Dietary Guidelines and may contribute to promote healthier eating and ending malnutrition in all its forms.

To analyze the convergent validity and invariance of a scale to measure adherence to eating practices recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population.A subsample (n=1309) of the NutriNet-Brasil cohort (self-filled web-based study) answered the 24-items scale based on the Guide, as well as socioeconomic and dietary questionnaires. The score in the scale (eGuia) was compared by Spearman's correlation with scores of fresh and minimally processed foods (eG1) and ultra-processed foods (eG4) consumption, both composed of the average number of food items consumed in three random days. Correlations' direction and strength were observed to infer convergent validity. A multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess scale invariance at the configural, factorial and metric levels, between subgroups of sex (men/women), age (≤37/37, being 37 the median) and years of schooling (≤11/11). The model was invariant when the goodness-of-fit indices varied within acceptable ranges compared to the previous level.Participants were on average 39 years old (sd=13.7), 53% were women and 69% had more than 11 years of education. Correlations between eGuia and eG1, and between eGuia and eG4 were 0.56 and -0.51 (p0.001), respectively. In all sociodemographic groups, the goodness-of-fit indices varied within acceptable ranges.The correlations show that the eating practices measured by the scale are aligned with a healthy food consumption, showing its convergent validity. In this sample, the scale measured the same dimensions, showed equivalence of items' factor loadings, and generated comparable scores between subgroups of sex, age, and education.Avaliar a validade convergente e a invariância de uma escala de adesão a práticas alimentares recomendadas pelo Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira.Uma subamostra (n=1.309) da coorte NutriNet-Brasil (estudo online autopreenchido) respondeu à escala baseada no guia (24 itens) e a questionários socioeconômicos e alimentares. O escore na escala (eGuia) foi comparado por meio de correlação de Spearman a escores de consumo de alimentos in natura e minimamente processados (eG1) e ultraprocessados (eG4), compostos do número médio de alimentos desses grupos consumidos em três dias aleatórios. Para inferência de validade convergente, observaram-se o sentido e a magnitude das correlações. Empregou-se análise fatorial confirmatória com múltiplos grupos para avaliar a invariância nos níveis configural, fatorial e escalar, entre subgrupos de sexo (homens/mulheres), idade (≤37/37, sendo 37 a mediana) e anos de estudo (≤11/11). Considerou-se o modelo invariante quando os índices de ajuste variaram nos limites aceitáveis ante o nível anterior.Os participantes tinham em média 39 anos (desvio padrão — DP=13,7), 53% eram mulheres e 69% tinham mais de 11 anos de estudo. As correlações entre eGuia e eG1 e eGuia e eG4 foram 0,56 e -0,51 (p0,001), respectivamente. Em todos os subgrupos, os índices de ajuste variaram nos limites aceitáveis.As correlações mostram que as práticas alimentares medidas pela escala estão associadas ao consumo alimentar saudável, demonstrando validade convergente. Nessa amostra, a escala mediu as mesmas dimensões, apresentou equivalência nas cargas fatoriais dos itens e gerou escores comparáveis entre diferentes subgrupos de sexo, idade e escolaridade.

This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to assess Brazilian adults' knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors (KPB) toward salt and sodium. Based on a PAHO/WHO questionnaire, a new instrument was developed and evaluated by 11 experts, generating item and scale-level content validity indexes (I-CVI and S-CVI, respectively). Face validity was verified through a focus group with eight participants, followed by an operational test with 36 interviewees. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine the construct validity, and Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated to analyze instrument's reliability, using data collected via telephone from a probabilistic sample of 422 adults. The generated solutions were analyzed from theoretical and statistical significance perspectives, which supported the determination of the best model. Remaining items were scored, with higher scores related to healthier practices. A descriptive analysis was performed considering the data from the 422-adult sample. I-CVIs (0.73-1), S-CVIs (0.93; 0.97) and the interviewees' analysis indicated that items are representative and clear, in addition to being suitable for application to the target audience. Tests confirmed sample adequacy to perform the EFA (KMO = 0.82; Bartlett's sphericity test, p .001). The final validated model, with 16 items, sufficiently explained the variance and presented good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.81; 95% CI 0.79 - 0.84). Women, older individuals, and with higher education had significantly higher scores, regardless of chronic diseases diagnosis (p .001). This instrument is ready to be applied and easily reproduced, contributing to the assessment of KPB toward salt and sodium in Brazil.

This study objective was to describe the distribution of food consumption markers in Brazil per sociodemographic characteristics and its evolution from 2013 to 2019. Healthy food consumption markers (regular consumption of beans, fruits, vegetables, and fish, recommended consumption of red meat, and never replacing meals with snacks) and unhealthy food consumption markers (regular consumption of sweetened beverages and confectionery and excessive salt intake) were studied for adult participants of the Brazilian National Health Survey. The prevalence of food consumption markers was estimated according to sociodemographic characteristics and compared to data of 2013 and 2019. Most of the population regularly consumes beans, fruits, and vegetables, they also follows the recommendation to limit red meat consumption, and never replaces meals with snacks. The percentage of people who regularly consume sweetened beverages and perceive their salt intake as excessive is relatively low. The distribution of food consumption markers was associated with sex, age, income, race/skin color, area of dwelling, and schooling level. From 2013 to 2019, the prevalence of most food consumption markers declined, except for the regular consumption of fruits and recommended consumption of red meat, that increased 8.5% and 18.5%, respectively, and the regular consumption of vegetables, which did not vary. Healthy and unhealthy food consumption markers should be monitored to evaluate the effect of healthy eating policies implemented in the country.

In the past, food industry actors tried to delay and weaken public health efforts to promote adequate and healthy diets in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the political strategies used by food industry actors in Brazil. We undertook a document analysis of publicly available information and interviews with eighteen key informants in public health nutrition. Data collection and analysis were carried between October 2018 and January 2019. In Brazil, food industry actors interacted with health organizations, communities, and the media. They disseminated information on nutrition and physical activity by scientific events and schools. The food industry also had allies within the government and lobbied high ranking officials. Finally, food industry actors intimidated some public health professionals, including by threats of litigation, which had the effect of silencing them. These strategies were facilitated by the use of arguments, such as the crucial role that the food industry plays in the economy and its support to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Personal responsibility, moderation, and education were cited as solutions to the obesity epidemic, and there was little discussion on the broader issue of inadequate and unhealthy diets. Food industry actors in Brazil used a diverse range of political strategies, which have the potential of negatively influencing public policy, research, and practice in the country. Learning about these strategies is an essential first step, and in response, it is crucial to develop robust mechanisms to address undue influence from corporations. En el pasado, agentes de la industria alimentaria intentaron retrasar y debilitar los esfuerzos de la salud pública para promover dietas adecuadas y saludables en Brasil. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las estrategias políticas usadas por los agentes de la industria alimentaria en Brasil. Realizamos un análisis documental de la información disponible públicamente y entrevistas con 18 informantes clave en nutrición dentro de la salud pública. La recolección de datos y análisis se llevaron a cabo entre octubre de 2018 y enero de 2019. En Brasil, los agentes de la industria alimentaria interactuaron con organizaciones de salud, comunidades y medios. Ellos diseminaron información sobre nutrición y actividad física mediante eventos científicos y en las escuelas. La industria alimentaria tenía también aliados dentro del gobierno y funcionarios de alto rango que hacía lobby a su favor. Finalmente, los agentes de esta industria intimidaron a algunos profesionales públicos de salud, incluso con amenazas de litigios, que tuvieron el efecto de silenciarlos. Estas estrategias se facilitaron mediante el uso de argumentos tales como el papel crucial que desempeñaba la industria alimentaria en la economía y en su apoyo para los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas. Se citaron la responsabilidad personal, moderación, y educación como soluciones para la epidemia de obesidad, y hubo una pequeña discusión sobre un tema tan amplio como el de las dietas inadecuadas e insanas. Los agentes de la industria alimentaria en Brasil usaron un repertorio diverso de estrategias políticas, que tienen el potencial de influenciar negativamente políticas públicas, investigaciones, así como prácticas en el país. Como primer paso es esencial aprender de estas estrategias, y en respuesta, es crucial desarrollar mecanismos robustos para abordar la influencia indebida de las corporaciones alimentarias. No passado, os agentes da indústria alimentícia tentaram atrasar e enfraquecer os esforços de saúde pública para promoção de dietas adequadas e saudáveis no Brasil. O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar as estratégias políticas utilizadas pelos agentes da indústria alimentícia no Brasil. Realizamos uma análise documental das informações disponíveis ao público, bem como entrevistas com 18 informantes-chave em saúde pública e nutrição. A coleta e análise de dados foi realizada entre outubro de 2018 e janeiro de 2019. No Brasil, os agentes da indústria alimentícia interagiram com organizações de saúde, comunidades e com a mídia. Difundiram informações sobre nutrição e atividade física em eventos científicos e escolas. A indústria alimentícia também apresentava aliados dentro do governo e fazia lobby junto a altos funcionários. Por fim, os agentes da indústria alimentícia intimidaram alguns profissionais da saúde pública, inclusive com ameaças de litígio, o que teve o efeito de silenciá-los. Essas estratégias foram facilitadas por argumentos como o papel crucial desempenhado pela indústria de alimentos na economia e seu apoio aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Organização das Nações Unidas. Responsabilidade pessoal, moderação e educação foram citadas como soluções para a epidemia de obesidade, e houve pouca discussão sobre a problemática mais ampla de dietas inadequadas e insalutares. Os agentes da indústria alimentícia no Brasil utilizaram uma gama diversificada de estratégias políticas com o potencial de influenciar negativamente as políticas públicas, mas também a pesquisa e a prática no país. Conhecer essas estratégias é um primeiro passo essencial e, em resposta, é crucial desenvolver mecanismos robustos para lidar com a influência indevida das corporações.

The aim of the study was to analyze the association between the urban geographic space and the regular consumption of fruit and vegetables in Brazil. It involved a population-based and cross-sectional study using data from the 2013 National Health Survey, considering 60,202 adults ≥18 years old. The dependent variables were regular fruit consumption (RFC) and regular vegetable consumption (RVC). The independent variable was the urban geographic space divided into three categories: capital, metropolitan region (MR) and interior. The Odds Ratio was calculated, adjusted by sociodemographic variables. Among women, the RFC was lower in MR (OR= 0.83; 95%CI: 0.73-0.94) and in the interior (OR= 0.68; 95%CI: 0.61-0.76), the same in men (RM: OR= 0.84; 95%CI: 0.75-0.93; Interior: OR= 0.78; 95%CI: 0.71-0.85). In most subcategories, the same was observed in the interior and the capital. There was no association with RVC and the urban geographic space in general, and when stratified in the subgroups even contradictory results were observed, because in some subgroups the RVC was higher in the capitals and lower elsewhere. Local aspects of production and distribution of these food products are considered when planning public policies that seek to promote consumption in the population.O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a associação entre o espaço geográfico urbano e o consumo regular de frutas e hortaliças no Brasil. Estudo de base populacional, transversal, com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (2013), considerando 60.202 adultos ≥18 anos. As variáveis dependentes foram o consumo regular de frutas (CRF) e o consumo regular de hortaliças (CRH). O espaço geográfico urbano foi a variável independente, dividida em: capital, região metropolitana (RM) e interior. Foi calculado o Odds Ratio ajustado pelas variáveis sociodemográficas. Entre as mulheres o CRF foi menor na RM (OR= 0,83; IC95%: 0,73-0,94) e no interior (OR= 0,68; IC95%: 0,61-0,76), o mesmo aconteceu entre os homens (RM: OR= 0,84; IC95%: 0,75-0,93; Interior: OR= 0,78; IC95%: 0,71-0,85). Na maioria das subcategorias o mesmo foi observado na comparação interior x capital. Não houve associação do CRH com o espaço geográfico urbano de maneira geral, e quando estratificado nos subgrupos foram observados resultados contraditórios, pois em alguns subgrupos o CRH foi maior nas capitais e em outros menor. Aspectos locais de produção e distribuição desses alimentos devem ser considerados no planejamento de políticas públicas que busquem a promoção de seu consumo.

to describe the adequacy of dietary practices in relation to the Dietary guidelines for the brazilian population, and to analyze associated factors among Brazilian adults.this was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of 900 adults (18-60 years old) resident in Brazil; a dietary practices scale (24 items; score 0-72) based on the Guideline recommendations was administered using an online panel; multiple linear regression analysis was used.participants' mean age was 33.5 years and 52.0% of them were women; the mean score on the scale was 36.4 points (SD=8.5); scores were directly associated with age (linear trend p0.001), and were higher among people from the North-Northeast regions (37.8), compared to those from the Midwest-Southern regions (35.8) (T-test p=0.001).the adequacy of dietary practices in keeping with Guideline recommendations was associated with age and region of residence.descrever a adequação de práticas alimentares às recomendações do Guia alimentar para a população brasileira e analisar fatores sociodemográficos associados, entre adultos.estudo transversal, com amostra de conveniência de 900 adultos (18-60 anos) residentes no território brasileiro; uma escala de práticas alimentares (24 itens; escore 0-72), baseada nas recomendações do Guia, foi aplicada por meio de um painel on-line; análises de regressão linear múltipla foram empregadas.os participantes do estudo tinham, em média, 33,5 anos; 52,2% eram mulheres; o escore médio na escala foi de 36,4 pontos (DP=8,5), e mostrou-se diretamente associado à idade (p tendência linear0,001), e maior entre indivíduos residentes nas regiões Norte-Nordeste (37,8) comparados aos das regiões Centro-Sul (35,8) (p T-teste=0,001).a adequação das práticas alimentares às recomendações do Guia esteve diretamente associada à idade, e foi maior entre indivíduos das regiões Norte e Nordeste do país.describir la adecuación de las prácticas alimentarias a la ‘Guía alimentaria para la población brasileña’ y analizar la asociación con variables sociodemográficas entre adultos brasileños.se aplicó una escala (24 ítems; score 0-72) basada en las recomendaciones de la Guía a una muestra por conveniencia de 900 adultos que viven en territorio brasileño (panel online); también se obtuvieron datos de género, lugar de residencia, nivel socioeconómico y edad; se efectuaron los análisis estadísticos con regresión lineal múltiple.la edad promedio de los participantes fue de 33,5 años; el 52,0% era mujeres; el score promedio fue de 36,4 (SD=8,5); la puntuación se asoció directamente con la edad (p tendencia lineal0,001) y fue mayor entre las personas del Norte-Nordeste (37,8) que entre las del Centro-Sur (35,8) del país (p T-test=0,001).la adecuación de las prácticas alimentarias a la Guía fue asociada a la edad y a la región de residencia de los individuos.

Food and nutrition are basic requirements for the promotion and protection of health. Nutrition monitoring and dietary recommendations are included in the mission of the Unified Health System (SUS, in its Portuguese acronym), as established by the Organic Health Law no. 8,080 of 1990. This article presents and discusses the food and nutrition agenda of the SUS and its interface with Food and Nutrition Security, its benchmarks, progress and challenges. This essay was guided by biographical and documentary research and, above all, by the experiences and perceptions of the authors, who, at various times and in various contexts, have been and continue to be actors of Brazil's food and nutrition agenda. We emphasise the idea of the SUS, with its accomplishments and shortcomings, as a living system derived from the technical, ethical and political commitments of its administrators, workers, academics and society as a whole. Thus, we seek to contribute to the debate about the Brazilian path to the construction of a public social welfare system committed to health and adequate nutrition as a human rights.A alimentação e a nutrição são requisitos básicos para a promoção e a proteção da saúde. A vigilância nutricional e a orientação alimentar estão inclusas no campo de atuação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), conforme estabelecido na Lei Orgânica da Saúde nº 8.080 de 1990. O presente artigo apresenta e discute a agenda de alimentação e nutrição no SUS e sua interface com a Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional, seus marcos históricos, avanços e desafios. Este ensaio foi orientado por pesquisa biográfica e documental e, sobretudo, no resgate das experiências e percepções das autoras que, em diferentes momentos e contextos, foram e são sujeitos da agenda de alimentação e nutrição no Brasil. Reforçamos assim a ideia do SUS, com suas conquistas e imperfeições, como um sistema vivo e derivado do compromisso técnico-ético-político dos gestores, dos trabalhadores, da academia e da sociedade como um todo. Desta forma, buscamos contribuir com o debate sobre a trajetória brasileira de construção de um sistema público de proteção social que se comprometeu com o direito humano à saúde e à alimentação adequada.

This study aims to describe and analyze nationwide coverage of the assessment of nutritional status in the user population of public health services recorded in Brazil's Online Food and Nutritional Surveillance System SISVAN) from 2008 to 2013. This was an ecological study of secondary data from information systems. The indicators were: percentages of registration in and utilization of the system; total coverage and coverage of data from the Bolsa Família Program, corrected according to the user population of the Brazilian Unified National Health System SUS) and described according to the states of Brazil and Federal District, major geographic regions, and/or life cycle phases. The analysis used descriptive statistics, linear regression for estimation of temporal variation, and Spearman's correlation between total coverage and social, demographic, and health variables. From 2008 to 2013, more than 99% of Brazil's municipalities counties) had individuals enrolled and monitored in the system, and the highest frequencies and total variations in coverage appeared in the Northeast and North. Nationwide coverage ranged from 9.78% to 14.92%, with a statistically significant upward trend. The largest volume of data was for children and adolescents. The Bolsa Família Program's share of data in SISVAN increased from 57.17% to 85.78%. The municipal human development index and per capita gross domestic product in the states were inversely correlated with coverage, and family health teams were directly correlated. The results indicate persistently low coverage for a system that is intended to be universal. The study showed a significant increase in coverage during the period analyzed and revealed factors related to this increase.Este estudo tenciona descrever e analisar a cobertura nacional da avaliação do estado nutricional da população usuária de serviços públicos de saúde registrada no Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional Web SISVAN), entre 2008 e 2013. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico com dados secundários de sistemas de informação. Os indicadores construídos foram: percentuais de cadastramento e utilização; cobertura total e de dados provenientes do Programa Bolsa Família, corrigidos pela população usuária do Sistema Único de Saúde SUS) e descritos segundo as Unidades da Federação UF), macrorregiões e/ou fases do curso da vida. A análise foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva, regressão linear para a estimativa da variação temporal e correlação de Spearman entre a cobertura total e variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde. Entre 2008 e 2013, mais de 99% dos municípios possuíam indivíduos) cadastrados) e acompanhados) no sistema e as maiores frequências e variações totais de cobertura foram alcançadas no Nordeste e Norte. A cobertura nacional variou de 9,78% a 14,92%, com tendência estatisticamente significativa de aumento. O maior volume de informações advém de crianças e adolescentes. A participação do Programa Bolsa Família no SISVAN passou de 57,17% para 85,78% dos dados. O Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal e o Produto Interno Bruto per capita das UF mostraram-se inversamente correlacionados à cobertura, e as equipes de saúde da família, positivamente. Os resultados apontam para uma cobertura ainda baixa para um sistema que se pretende universal. Observa-se aumento significativo da cobertura no período e desvelam-se fatores relacionados a esse aumento.Este estudio pretende describir y analizar la cobertura nacional de la evaluación del estado nutricional de la población usuaria de servicios públicos de salud, registrada en el Sistema de Vigilancia Alimentaria y Nutricional Web SISVAN), entre 2008 y 2013. Se trata de un estudio ecológico con datos secundarios de sistemas de información. Los indicadores construidos fueron: porcentajes de registro y utilización; cobertura total y de datos, provenientes del Programa Beca Familia, corregidos por la población usuaria del Sistema Único de Salud SUS) y descritos según las Unidades de la Federación UF), macrorregiones y/o fases de la trayectoria de vida. El análisis se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva, regresión lineal para la estimativa de la variación temporal y correlación de Spearman entre la cobertura total y variables sociodemográficas y de salud. Entre 2008 y 2013, más de un 99% de los municipios contaban con individuos) registradoss) y acompañados) en el sistema y las mayores frecuencias y variaciones totales de cobertura se alcanzaron en el Nordeste y Norte. La cobertura nacional varió de 9,78% a 14,92%, con una tendencia estadísticamente significativa de aumento. El mayor volumen de información proviene de niños y adolescentes. La participación del Programa Beca Familia en el SISVAN pasó de 57,17% a un 85,78% de los datos. El Índice de Desarrollo Humano Municipal y el Producto Interno Bruto per cápita de las UF se mostraron inversamente correlacionados a la cobertura, y a los equipos de salud de la familia, positivamente. Los resultados indican una cobertura todavía baja para un sistema que pretende ser universal. Se observa un aumento significativo de la cobertura en el período y se desvelan factores relacionados con este aumento.

Food is one of the determinants and conditions of health and an inherent right of all people. The consequences of food and nutrition insecurity in the population, such as obesity, malnutrition and specific nutritional deficiencies, impact the health sector and have historically meant that it has assumed the responsibility for food and nutrition programs and policies in Brazil. However, ensuring food and nutrition security requires a combination of public policies, among which the National Food and Nutrition Policy of the Unified Health System (SUS) plays a fundamental role. This paper seeks to contribute to the debate on intersectoriality and health promotion based on presenting the National Food and Nutrition Policy and discussing its role as interface between the SUS and the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and System. This perspective strongly suggests the combination of efforts to promote health and food and nutrition security in order to optimize initiatives developed in different sectors and accompanied by different policy councils that are not interrelated, enabling enhanced government and civil society action on the determinants of health and nutrition.

To review and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the relationship between dietary intake and dyslipidemias in HIV-infected patients in combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). A systematic review of literature was carried out. Original and published studies were investigated and two categories of dietary exposure were considered: energy and nutrient intake, and consumption of a test diet. A narrative review of included studies was conducted. The findings were summarized according to category of metabolic outcomes (effect on total cholesterol and LDL-c, effect on HDL-c and effect on triglycerides). Twenty original studies were included in this review, being 13 clinical trials and 7 observational studies. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation led to a significant decrease in triglycerides. There was very little evidence on the effectiveness of dietary interventions for the prevention and control of dyslipidemias in HIV-infected patients receiving ART.

Recent studies have shown that sodium intake restrictions may increase insulin resistance (IR) and induce changes on serum lipoproteins and on inflammation markers that are similar to those found in metabolic syndrome (MS). We performed a systematic review of literature regarding the effects of restricting sodium intake on MS or on IR. Nine articles were included in the review. Restriction of sodium consumption was associated with increase insulin resistance in two articles and with decrease in three others. In seven of nine articles, salt intake restriction determined blood pressure reduction, and in two articles adverse effects on markers of MS were found. Most studies showed beneficial effects of moderate sodium intake restriction, associated or not to others nutritional modifications or increased physical activity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of moderate sodium consumption reductions on MS and IR.

To estimate the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and associated factors.A total of 54,369 individuals agedor = 18 years living in Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District in 2006 were interviewed through the system Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL--telephone-based surveillance of risk and protective factors for chronic diseases). The food consumption indicators used were regular intake of fruits and vegetables (or = 5 days/week) and adequate intake (or = 5 times/day). The prevalence of the indicators and their confidence intervals, stratified according to sex, were calculated. To analyze associations between sociodemographic variables, crude odds ratios were calculated and then adjusted for sex, age, schooling level and marital status.Less than half of the individuals said that they regularly consumed fruits (44.1%) or vegetables (43.8%), while 23.9% said they regularly consumed both fruits and vegetables. Adequate intake was reported by 7.3% of the interviewees. Fruit and vegetable consumption varied between the cities studied, was greater among women and increased with increasing age and schooling level.Initiatives for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption need to address both the whole population and, especially, cities in the Northern and Northeastern regions of Brazil, young people, men and the population strata of low schooling level.

To describe the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake by adults and to assess factors associated with this frequency.Cross-sectional study, carried out between October and December 2003 in the municipality of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. Telephone interviews were conducted on a probabilistic sample of the adult population (18 years) living in the city of Sao Paulo and with access to land telephone lines, totaling 1,267 women and 855 men. Frequency of fruit and vegetable intake was obtained by means of a questionnaire containing short, simple questions. Association of different factors with fruit and vegetable intake was assessed by multivariate linear regression using a hierarchic model with sociodemographic variables in the first hierarchical level, behavioral variables in the second, and diet--related variables in the third.Frequency of fruit and vegetable intake was higher among women. For both sexes, frequency of intake increased with age and schooling. Intake was also higher among women who reported having been on a diet during the last year. Consumption of foods indicative of an unhealthy diet such as sugars and fats was--inversely associated with fruit and vegetable intake among subjects of both sexes.Fruit and vegetable intake in the adult population of Sao Paulo was higher among women, and was influenced by age, schooling, and diet.