OBJECTIVE: To describe the dietary patterns of adolescents in relation to energy intake, distribution of macronutrients in diet and consumption of portions of sweets, soft drinks and sugar-added beverages. METHODOLOGY: A sample of adolescents enrolled in public schools in Piracicaba, São Paulo, was evaluated. A Food Frequency Questionnaire evaluated dietary intake. The Dietary Reference Intakes was used to compare energy and macronutrient intake. The analysis of sweets intake was based on the recommendations of North-American guidelines. Information about intake of soft drinks and sugar-added beverages was evaluated and compared to previous studies. RESULTS: The study included 390 adolescents. Only 6.2% of them complied with the recommended energy intake and 83.8% presented consumption above the estimated level. Most of the adolescents presented carbohydrate and protein intake between recommended levels, but 36.7% showed a high fat intake. Average intake of sweets was 3.8 portions a day and 78.2% of the adolescents interviewed exceeded the maximum recommended. The daily average intake reached approximately 230mL of soft drinks and 550mL of sugar-added beverages. CONCLUSION: Due to the alarmingly inadequate dietary practices observed among adolescents, educational measures must be taken in order to emphasize the reduction in sugar intake and the benefits gained from following a balanced diet.
Adolescents; Sugar added beverages; Sweets; Soft drinks; Dietary intake
