Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Is Associated With an Unfavorable Nutrient Profile and a Higher Likelihood of Hypertension Among Women Living in Brazilian Favelas

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and cardiovascular risk-related nutrient intake among women living in favelas. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,702 adult women of reproductive age (20-44 years) residing in 40 favelas in a capital city in Northeast Brazil. The presence of SAH was determined based on a previous medical diagnosis. Food consumption was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations. Results: SAH was present in 11.5% of the participants. A total of 33.8% of total caloric intake was derived from UPF, with mean sodium and potassium intakes of 1,747.9 mg and 1,507.6 mg, respectively. Women with SAH had a 14% higher odds of consuming greater amounts of UPF. Higher UPF consumption was characterized by increased intakes of cholesterol, sodium, and potassium, with each 100 mg increment associated with 15%, 37%, and 33% higher odds of higher UPF consumption, respectively. In contrast, increases of 10% in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acid intake were associated with reductions of 23%, 10%, and 9%, respectively, in the odds of higher UPF consumption. Conclusion: Higher UPF consumption was associated with an unfavorable nutrient profile, characterized by increased intakes of cholesterol, sodium, and potassium and decreased intakes of protein, and monounsaturated and PUFAs, reflecting a dietary pattern linked to increased cardiovascular risk in socioeconomically vulnerable populations.