OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the sodium and lipid contents of lunch meals consumed in a food and nutrition unit. METHODS: Flame photometry and total lipid extraction with organic solvents were used to determine the amount of sodium and lipids, respectively, per average-size meal. The results were compared with the amounts recommended by the World Health Organization and Brazilian Worker's Food Program. RESULTS: Sodium and lipid contents were above those recommended by the Brazilian Worker's Food Program. The mean sodium content was 2435mg (SD=518mg) and mean energy provided by lipids was 329kcal (SD=40kcal) per average-size meal (745g, SD=60g). CONCLUSION: Changes are needed to reduce the amounts of sodium and lipids present in these meals, such as using fewer high-fat and/or high-sodium foods. Furthermore, nutrition education should be made available for users of these food and nutrition units in order to improve the quality of life of those who are the driving force of a company.
Food consumption; Lipids; Sodium, dietary; Workers
