Ponto médio de jejum noturno e sua relação com padrões crononutricionais, ingestão energética e de alimentos ultraprocessados: análise da POF 2017-2018

Abstract

Introduction: Fasting promotes metabolic adaptations, such as gluconeogenesis and the use of ketone bodies as an energy source. The timing of fasting influences metabolic responses, highlighting the relationship between circadian rhythm and metabolism. Chrononutrition, the field that links biological rhythms to meal timing, demonstrates that late eating patterns impair energy homeostasis. Moreover, the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) negatively impacts metabolic health and increases the risk of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the midpoint of nocturnal fasting and chrononutritional patterns, energy intake, macronutrients, and processed foods in the Brazilian population, based on data from the 2017–2018 Household Budget Survey (POF).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 29,717 adults from POF 2017–2018. Chrononutritional patterns, including the timing of the first meal, timing of the last meal, midpoint of intake, caloric midpoint, and total calories consumed after 6:00 PM, were assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls. The midpoint of nocturnal fasting was calculated as the central time between the last meal of the previous day and the first meal of the following day, described using the median and categorized as early fasting (PMF ≤ 2:14 AM) and late fasting (PMF ≥ 2:15 AM). Regression models were used to analyze associations with energy intake, macronutrients, and degree of food processing.Results: Individuals with a later fasting midpoint (≥ 2:15 AM) had a significantly later start of the first meal (08:36 vs. 07:01; p < 0.001), later end of the last meal (22:01 vs. 19:41; p < 0.001), and higher caloric intake after 6:00 PM (849.0 kcal vs. 732.8 kcal; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a later fasting midpoint was positively associated with total energy intake (β = 22.9 kcal; 95% CI: 7.6, 38.3), carbohydrate intake (β = 13.8 g; 95% CI: 6.2, 21.4), and lipid intake (β = 8.7 g; 95% CI: 4.1, 13.3), as well as UPF consumption (β = 1.6%; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1). Conversely, negative associations were observed with consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (β = -0.9%; 95% CI: -1.2, -0.5) and processed culinary ingredients (β = -0.3%; 95% CI: -0.4, -0.2). Conclusion: Individuals with a later fasting midpoint exhibited later eating patterns, higher caloric and UPF consumption, and lower intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods.