CHANGING DIET PATTERNS IN BRAZIL (1962-19 88)

Contemporary changes in food consumption patterns in urban areas of Br azil are described. The main data sources are two national food expend iture surveys undertaken in the early 60's and late 80's (1961-62 and 1987-88) and one national food intake survey undertaken in the mid-70' s (1974-75). The analysis is restricted to the seven metropolitan area s represented in the three surveys. Food patterns are described on the basis of the relative consumption of different food groups, proportio n of energy from carbohydrates, protein and lipids, proportion of anim al and vegetable protein and fats, proportion of complex and simple ca rbohydrates, ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids a nd relative consumption of cholesterol. Main food changes were similar in the Northeastern and Southeastern cities and involved: 1) reductio n in the relative consumption of cereals, beans, roots and tubercles; 2) replacement of lard, bacon and butter by vegetable oils and margari ne: and 3) increase in the relative consumption of eggs, milk and dair y products. As a net result of these changes there was, simultaneously , a decrease in the carbohydrate content of the Brazilian diet and an increase in its fat content. Total protein content of the diet remaine d at around 12% in the three surveys but animal protein increased. Cha nges in the fat content of the diet involved an increased proportion o f vegetable fat, an increased ratio of poly-unsaturated/saturated fatt y acids and a reduction in cholesterol intake. Health implications of dietary changes are discussed based on the World Health Organization's dietary guidelines.