Food Intake According to Food Insecurity among Older People in Brazil: National Food Survey 2017-2018

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the dietary intake of Brazilian older adults based on their level of food insecurity (FI). A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using secondary data from the 2017-2018 Household Budget Survey (POF). FI was assessed with the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), while dietary intake was measured using two nonconsecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. The data represent a nationwide sample of 26,220 individuals aged 60 or older. Overall, 32% of participants experienced some level of FI. Older adults with moderate or severe FI reported lower average consumption of fruits, natural juices, vegetables, beef, pork, and alcoholic beverages, and higher consumption of fish and seafood compared to those with food security (FS). We identified regional differences: in the North, those with moderate/severe FI consumed twice as much fruit; lower consumption of beef and pork was noted in the Southeast, Midwest, and South; and lower consumption of vegetables and oils was found among food-insecure older adults in the South. Overall, older Brazilians with moderate or severe FI consumed fewer markers of a healthy diet, particularly fruits and vegetables. They also had lower intake of protein sources such as beef and pork. These findings underscore the nutritional vulnerability of this population and highlight the need for public policies to promote access to healthy foods for food-insecure Brazilian older adults.