Saudi Arabian Sales of Ultra-processed Food and Drinks in Correlation with the Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (2005–2017).

Abstract

Background Consumption of ultra-processed food and drinks (UPFD) tis one of the significant risk factors contributing to the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). UPFD items sold in Saudi Arabia for the period from year 2005 to 2017 are identified by NOVA classification system. This study aims to describe the trends of UPFD sales/capita in Saudi Arabia. In addition, it aims to examine the correlation between the UPFD sales/capita of UPFD items and the prevalence of NCDs.

Methods The paper used a secondary data analysis of UPFD sales in Saudi Arabia and NCDs prevalence from 2005 to 2017. Pearson correlation was applied for four NCDs (breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and colorectal cancer) versus ten UPFD sales/capita (carbonates, energy drinks, sauces, RTD tea, sweet spreads, chocolate confectionery, sugar confectionery, savoury snacks, sweet biscuits, breakfast cereals).

Results The most purchased UPFD item is carbonates (87 kg/capita/year), next are sauces (10 kg/capita/year), then energy drinks (2.5 kg/capita/year). RTD tea is the least purchased item (0.23 kg/capita/year). The study found that there is a positive correlation between seven out of ten UPFD items (RTD tea, sweet spreads, chocolate confectionery, sugar confectionery, savoury snacks, sweet biscuits, and breakfast cereals) and the NCDs. However, carbonates were found to be protective against NCDs. Furthermore, energy drinks and sauces had not significant correlation with NCDs prevalence.

Conclusion This study highlights the need for actions to reduce UPFD. Such actions include restriction of UPFD marketing and prohibiting their sale in schools. Future researchers should investigate the relationship between UPFD and NCDs by using different study designs with longer study periods.