Profile of polyphenol intake by women with different classes of obesity: Consumption of these compounds does not reflect healthy eating

The aim of this study was to evaluate polyphenol intake in women with different classes of obesity and identify which are consumed more frequently and what the food sources are. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 women with obesity. The study evaluated polyphenol intake via a 3-d food record using Phenol-Explorer. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietetic variables were evaluated. The women's habitual food intake was low calorie and adequate in macronutrients. Mean polyphenol intake by the group was 573 ± 490, 614 ± 475, and 379 ± 25 mg/d for class I, class II, and class III obesity (P = 0.002), respectively. The most frequent food or beverage consumed by the group was coffee and caffeoylquinic acid, its phenolic compound. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts contributed the least to the intake of polyphenols. Although the diets of the study participants did include some food sources of polyphenols, they were not of sufficient quality to significantly contribute to a healthy diet; instead, they sometimes were foods may have that contributed to weight gain. Women with class III obesity consumed the most calories; however, they had low fruit, vegetable, and whole foods intake. •Obesity is a growing public health problem.•Food sources of polyphenol intake do not reflect a healthy diet in women with obesity.•Women had a greater intake of coffee, chocolate (beverage), grape juice, orange, and black beans.•Caffeoylquinic acid, (3- and 4-) caffeoylquinic acid, and (4-, 5-) feruloylquinic acid were the main compounds consumed.