Angel Daniel Jimenez Sanchez

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) now dominate global diets, yet evidence on their impact in countries facing a double burden of malnutrition is sparse. Ecuador presents a unique case, having pioneered mandatory traffic-light nutritional labeling while confronting persistent child stunting and rising adult obesity. This scoping review maps the epidemiological evidence and policy effectiveness regarding UPF consumption and the risk of non-communicable disease in Ecuador. Following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Nine original studies met inclusion criteria. The synthesis reveals a consistent link between high UPF intake and adverse outcomes across the life course, including reduced linear growth in rural children and increased overweight in school-aged populations. Individual-level associations showed moderate-to-large effect sizes, whereas front-of-package labeling showed little to no immediate impact on purchasing behavior. The pervasive presence of additives in over 84% of packaged goods indicates high structural exposure. Isolated policy measures are insufficient to counteract Ecuador's double burden of malnutrition. Strategies must evolve into comprehensive packages that combine fiscal measures, marketing curbs, and food environment reforms.

Las inequidades sanitarias o del sector salud, son aquellas desigualdades que existen en el acceso a la salud, las cuales son injustas y que afectan a aquellas comunidades que se encuentran en situaciones vulnerables, que no le permite a consecuencia de factores sociales, económicos, clase social, educación, raza, entre otros, a tener acceso a los servicios de salud, lo cual afecta su calidad de vida y por ende a sufrir enfermedades sin poder tratarlas. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar las repercusiones sanitarias en la carga de morbilidad y el acceso de los servicios de salud. Como metodología se utilizó la documental bibliográfica, la cual permitió la consulta de diversas fuentes a través de la plataforma de Google Académico. Como conclusión se evidencia que la inequidad sanitaria sin duda repercute en la carga de morbilidad y el acceso a los servicios de salud, puesto que, al existir desigualdades económicas, sociales y ambientales, que impiden que un gran número de individuos de una población no tengan acceso al sector salud.

Introduction: This study systematically reviewed 21 scientific articles published between 2002 and 2024 to examine the role of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) in promoting health, healthy aging, and overall well-being among older adults with chronic diseases.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining bibliometric and qualitative analyses to identify patterns of use, regional approaches, cultural dimensions, and proposals for the institutional integration of TCM.Results: The findings revealed that the adoption of TCM was influenced not only by the perceived efficacy of interventions but also by sociocultural, spiritual, and structural factors. TCM emerged as a significant alternative in primary care, particularly in contexts with limited access to biomedical services, supporting autonomy, community resilience, and health equity. The review also identified potential benefits of integrating TCM into healthcare systems, alongside risks related to the lack of regulation, especially for older adults with polypharmacy. Additionally, regulatory gaps, institutional resistance, and insufficient cultural competency training among healthcare professionals were observed.Conclusions: The study proposed the development of intercultural care models to recognize the value of traditional knowledge and ensure its ethical and safe incorporation into healthcare systems. Future research should evaluate the clinical and sociocultural impacts of TCM, explore the role of healthcare personnel in its implementation, and promote participatory policy-making to strengthen inclusive and comprehensive care for older adults.or unstructured, no longer than 250 words; written in the past tense and in the third person singular.