ULTRAPROCESSED FOOD CONSUMPTION AND NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF PREGNANT WOMEN DIET IN A MUNICIPALITY OF NORTHEAST BRAZIL.

Therefore, adequate nutrient availability and a balanced diet are essential. Objective: This study evaluated the food consumption of nutrients and fresh, minimally processed, processed, ultra-processed food by pregnant women attended by the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the city of Picos-PI. Materials and Methods: Therefore, 50 pregnant women from 8 different FHS units were included. The assessment of food consumption was carried out by applying two 24-hour food recalls on alternate days. The recalls were analyzed based on different table composition and the foods were grouped according to the NOVA classification and the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. Results and Discussion: The pregnant women evaluated were between 18 and 42 years old. The average caloric consumption were 11962 kcal / day, however it was identified inadequacies in consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin E, folate, calcium and iron. As for the food groups consumed, ultra-processed food presented expressive contribution, corresponding to 21,05% of the total average caloric consumption. Higher intake of lipids, saturated fat, thiamine, calcium and sodium was observed in the ultra-processed group. However, pregnant women who receive government aid consumed less ultra-processed foods. Conclusion: We concluded that pregnant women have an inadequate consumption of macronutrients and micronutrients during pregnancy, including significant consumption of ultra-processed foods that directly influence the higher intake of lipids, saturated fat and sodium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]