Abordagem do guia alimentar para a população brasileira em livros de ciências do ensino fundamental

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the content approach of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population in elementary school science books. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. The 13 8th grade science books from collections approved by the Ministry of Education for use in the 2017-2019 triennium were analyzed. By reading the chapters on nutrition and diet, the presence and absence of content related to the ten-steps theme for proper and healthy eating of the Food Guide was identified, as well as the mention of the Guide and the food pyramid. When present, the content was categorized considering the approach from the perspective of nutritional rationality or the expanded concept of food. Results: The topics related to the consumption of natural, ultra-processed foods and culinary ingredients were present in all books. The approach of commensality was frequent but punctual and the other themes that can stimulate the adoption of adequate and healthy eating were little explored. Few mentions of the Food Guide were identified and a broad approach to the food pyramid, which is not the official Brazilian guideline. There has been a tendency in science books to maintain the biological focus of the eating process. Conclusions: The approach to the contents of the Food Guide in science books is superficial, especially when considering the non-biological dimensions of food. Direct mention of the Guide in these books can be further explored as a means of expanding it's dissemination.