OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to adapt the North American Healthy Eating Index according to the Dietary Guide of the Brazilian Population recommendations and the Adapted Food Pyramid. METHODS: Food intake of 502 individuals of both genders (mean age of 54 years, standard deviation of 10 years) was assessed in the city of Botucatu (SP) in 2006. Food intake was determined by the 24-hour recall and the reported foods were converted into portions according to the energy content and food groups of the Adapted Food Pyramid. Moreover, nutrients (cholesterol, total and saturated fat) and diet variety were also assessed. Descriptive statistical analysis was done and the intermediate values of the component scores were calculated by ratio and proportion. RESULTS: The number of food portions was modified according to the Adapted Food Pyramid, besides including the groups of legumes, sweets and sugars, oils and fats in the Adapted Healthy Eating Index score and excluding sodium. An intermediate score was established for nutrients and diet variety. The Adapted Healthy Eating Index scored a total of 12 components, classifying the diets as good quality (more than 100 points), needs improvement (from 71 to 100 points) and poor quality (under 71 points). The diet of 15% of the individuals was classified as good, 71% needed improvement and 14% was poor. CONCLUSION: The Adapted Healthy Eating Index is an instrument that can be used to assess population eating habits but it is specific for the adult Brazilian population. However, these indices need constant reviews and adaptations to new dietary recommendations.
Nutritional assessment; Food habits; Nutrition; Diet records
