New findings suggest a correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an elevated risk of mortality.
Conducted by researchers and recently published in The BMJ, the study involved an analysis of over 100,000 U.S. adults without a history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Over a period spanning from 1986 to 2018, participants completed a comprehensive food questionnaire every four years.
Results indicated that individuals who consumed the highest amount of ultra-processed foods – approximately 7 servings per day – exhibited a 4% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those consuming the lowest amount, which averaged around 3 servings per day.
Ultra-processed foods encompass items such as "packaged baked goods and snacks, fizzy drinks, sugary cereals, and ready-to-eat or heat products," as highlighted in a news release accompanying the study. These products are often laden with colors, emulsifiers, flavors, and other additives, while being rich in energy, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt, but deficient in essential vitamins and fiber.
The study identified specific foods with the strongest links to heightened mortality risk, including:
- Ready-to-eat meat, poultry and seafood-based products
- Sugary drinks
- Dairy-based desserts
- Highly processed breakfast foods
The study involved a significant number of participants over an extended period, although it had its limitations. Being an observational study, it does not allow for definitive cause-and-effect conclusions. Additionally, the participants were predominantly White, non-Hispanic health professionals, which the authors noted may restrict the generalizability of the findings.
Nevertheless, the authors stated that the results "support the idea of limiting the intake of certain types of ultra-processed foods for long-term health."
"Further research is needed to refine the classification of ultra-processed foods and validate our findings in diverse populations," they remarked.
This study builds on previous research from earlier this year, which revealed that diets rich in ultra-processed foods are linked to a higher likelihood of 32 adverse health outcomes, including an elevated risk of cancer, major heart and lung conditions, digestive problems, obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances, mental health disorders, and premature death.
