Fortification of grain foods and NOVA: the potential for altered nutrient intakes while avoiding ultra-processed foods

• Published in: European journal of nutrition 2022-03, Vol.61 (2), p.935-945
• Main Authors: Estell, Madeline L., Barrett, Eden M., Kissock, Katrina R., Grafenauer, Sara J., Jones, Julie Miller, Beck, Eleanor J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Australia; Cereals; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chronic illnesses; Diet; Eating; Edible Grain; Energy Intake; Fast Foods; Folic acid; Food; Food Handling; Food processing; Grain; Humans; Iodine; Nutrient requirements; Nutrients; Nutrition; Original Contribution; Physical activity; Processed foods; Public health; Risk groups
• ISSN: 1436-6207; 1436-6215
• DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02701-1

Purpose NOVA is a food classification system describing a hierarchy from minimally processed to ultra-processed foods (UPF). Research has associated intake of UPF with chronic diseases. In Australia, the primary sources of grains, both refined and whole, are breads and breakfast cereals, which are typically fortified. Most are classified as UPF, yet are recommended core foods according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG). This research aimed to identify if avoidance of ultra-processed grain foods would alter nutrient intakes in an Australian population and whether sample diets using substitute (non-UPF) foods would be likely to meet nutrient requirements. Methods Quantitative analysis of usual nutrient intake from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011–12 ( n  = 12,153) for all foods including and excluding UPF. Dietary modelling examined the nutritional adequacy of sample diets aligned with the ADG and another containing replacements for UPF. We particularly focused on grain foods and meeting whole-grain intake targets. Results There was a significant decrease (all p