How to evaluate ultra-processed food intake in pediatrics? UPF score: an easy alternative
2025
Laura Fernanda Rosales-Arreola | Citlali Ayala-Galván | Estefany Villa-Aguilar | Analí Villegas-González | Rosa E. Soriano-Rosales | Beatriz Pérez-Guillé | José Francisco González-Zamora | Ailema González-Ortiz
Abstract Background The rising intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among the pediatric population poses challenges due to the lack of precise and easily accessible tools to quantify such intake. This complicates understanding its effects on dietary quality and hampers the design of interventions to prevent the negative impact of UPF consumption on health. Given these challenges, it is essential to establish reliable methods to assess UPF consumption and its effect on diet. Objective This study aims to determine the relationship between the UPF score and dietary characteristics. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 353 participants aged 3 to 17. The methods included (1) collection of a three-day food record; (2) an evaluation of intake across five food groups; (3) categorization of intake frequency (0, 1, 2, or up to 3 times weekly); and (4) scoring by cumulative intake. Principal component analysis and regression models were utilized to assess diet associations with UPF score. Results Higher cumulative UPF score groups were associated with increased intake of energy, fats, and sodium (p < 0.01); decreased fiber intake (p = 0.03), vegetables, fruits, and cereals (p < 0.05); higher sugar intake (p < 0.01); and reduced intake of vitamins A and C (p < 0.05). Four principal components, representing over 65% of sample variability, identified two healthy and two less healthy dietary patterns. Linear regression indicated higher fiber intake at lower UPF scores, declining with higher UPF scores. Conclusions The UPF score represents a useful tool for assessing UPF intake and dietary characteristics in pediatric populations.
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