Abstract

Author(s): Tureck, C.1; Gesser Correa, V. G.1; Peralta, R. M.2; Koehnlein, E. A.1,2

Objective: Estimate the consumption of antioxidant vitamins and minerals of the Brazilian population and check which food sources have higher contribution to this consumption.

Methods: We analyzed data relating to the first day of food record of 34,003 individuals aged 10 years or older, from all regions of the country, who responded to the National Dietary Survey for the Household Budget Survey 2008-2009. The levels of antioxidant vitamins and minerals de 188 food items were evaluated in accordance with its usual form of consumption, using national and international tables of food composition.

Results: The average daily intake of antioxidants was 309µg of vitamin A, 93mg of vitamin C, 5.3mg of vitamin E, 11.7mg of zinc, 107.6µg of selenium, 1.35mg of copper and 2.9mg of manganese. We observed a higher intake of vitamin A in the northeast and south of the country and selenium in the north and in males. The highest income classes showed higher intakes of vitamins A and C. The foods that most contributed to the intake of vitamins A, C, zinc and selenium were those known sources of these, such as fruits and meats. For vita min E, copper and manganese, foods that have high per capita consumption stood out, especially rice and beans.

Conclusion: Highlights the need to increase consumption of fruits, vegetables and oilseeds to improve the supply of antioxidants, as well as to maintain or restore the typical preparation “beans and rice” which is an important source of minerals antioxidants in the Brazilian diet.