Associações do ambiente alimentar no entorno alterações em parâmetros bioquímicos de adolescentes

Abstract

Discussions about the influence of school meals on the health of students who receive them have been widely disseminated. Nutrition is a fundamental pillar for the healthy development of adolescents, influencing not only their physical health but also their academic performance and emotional well-being. In this context, the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) plays a crucial role by providing nutritious meals to millions of students in public schools throughout Brazil. However, for this program to effectively fulfill its mission, it is essential to ensure not only its existence but also the quality of the food offered. The present study aimed to establish associations between the school food environment in public schools in the city of Juiz de Fora, MG, and the biochemical indicators of the students who receive it. Findings showed that girls tend to be more adherent to consuming school meals. In this context, 42.82% of participants reported consuming school meals at least three times a week. Regarding biochemical analyses, 45.70% of participants showed at least one alteration. It was identified that the age group of 16 and 17 years presents higher rates of biochemical alterations. Considering the relationship between sex and the evaluated biochemical parameters, it can be observed that being a boy is a protective factor against the development of biochemical alterations. Observing the evaluated indices, it is possible to perceive a low risk in the Plasma Atherogenic Index among girls (59.6%) and black or brown individuals (65.1%). Finally, among the individuals who presented at least one biochemical alteration, 27.09% of them never consumed school meals. The findings illustrate the importance of developing public policies that focus on school nutrition and, most importantly, are directed and developed for the target audience studied. Adolescents with good health indicators result in a healthier adult population with a lower risk of developing Non-Communicable Diseases.