Food insecurity and consumption of foods and nutrients in a low-income population in Rio Grande do Norte
Food Insecurity; Food Intake; Health Policies.
Food insecurity refers to the limitation or uncertainty in accessing food that is sufficient in quantity, safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate. It compromises diet quality, both nutritionally and in terms of dietary adequacy, and, consequently, the health and well-being of individuals, with greater impact on those in situations of social and economic vulnerability. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of food insecurity on food and dietary intake among a low-income population in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with prospective data collection using multi-stage sampling of low-income individuals served at Social Assistance Reference Centers in Rio Grande do Norte. Inclusion criteria were living in poverty or extreme poverty, defined as a monthly income ≤ R$178.00, or being a beneficiary of an income-transfer program. Demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary intake data were collected using a 24-hour dietary recall. A total of 54 data collections were carried out throughout 2024 and 2025, yielding information from 117 individuals. The results showed the effect of food insecurity on the dietary intake of these 117 low-income individuals. Most participants were women (94.87%), identified as mixed race/brown (60.68%), and had low educational attainment. Food insecurity affected 94.87% of the sample, with 41.88% classified as mild, 22.22% as moderate, and 30.77% as severe. Mean energy intake was low (1,341 ± 664 kcal/day), with insufficient consumption of protein (65.7 ± 36.8 g/day), lipids (38.4 ± 24.5 g/day), and carbohydrates (151.7 ± 95 g/day). Individuals with moderate/severe food insecurity had lower energy intake (1,192.7 kcal/day) compared to those with food security or mild insecurity (1,508.5 kcal/day). Participation in income-transfer programs did not significantly modify dietary patterns.