Availability of ultraprocessed foods as a latent threat in the nutrition of Latin American children

Abstract

The food industry widely produces ultra-processed foods, with a high content of empty calories, that is, their nutritional contribution is limited to providing energy and they lack nutrients such as proteins, minerals, fibers, and vitamins. This type of food has considerable amounts of additives, preservatives, colorings and, consequently, has a low nutritional quality. Some examples of these foods are cereals, sugary drinks, instant and/or frozen foods, sausages, and fried foods. Ultra-processed foods are attractive, long-lasting, pleasant tasting, highly profitable, and displace the consumption of natural and appropriate foods for the human diet. This occurs especially in children, who are in a vital stage of growth and development.