How is ultra-processed food linked to premature death? Research results

The use of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and premature death.

According to the results of the study, published in the journal The BMJ, ultra-processed foods have been linked to 32 harmful health effects, writes The Guardian.

Scientists note that such foods (snacks, carbonated drinks, sweet cereals and semi-finished products) undergo numerous industrial processes and often contain dyes, emulsifiers, flavorings and other additives.

These products are mostly high in sugar, fat and salt. In addition, they are low in vitamins and fiber, say scientists.

Previously, scientists have already proven that ultra-processed food is associated with deterioration of health, but they did not know what exactly has a negative effect.

Experts from a number of institutions, including the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in the USA, the University of Sydney and the Sorbonne University in France, set out to find out.

They summarized 45 meta-analyses (a statistical analysis that combines the results of many scientific studies) conducted on nearly 10 million people over the past three years. Currently, this is the largest such review in the world.

All research results demonstrated the harmful effects of ultra-processed food on the human body.

It is noted that none of the studies were funded by companies that produce such products.

To assess the impact of ultra-processed foods, scientists combined data on:

▲ frequency of eating,

▲ feedback on diet and nutrition;

▲ increasing portions for consumption.

The researchers classified all data as:

▲ very convincing;

▲ convincing;

▲ weakly convincing;

▲ unproven.

In addition, they rated the quality of the evidence as high, moderate, low, or very low.

In the end, scientists discovered the connection of UHP with 32 harmful consequences for health.

Strong evidence has shown that a higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with an approximately 50% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a 48-53% higher risk of anxiety and general mental disorders, and a 12% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes type

“This is, in particular, about the risk of developing cancer, mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases.

There is evidence of a link between UHP and asthma, gastrointestinal health, some cancers, common mental disorders, and cardiometabolic risk factors such as high blood fat and low “good” cholesterol”– write the authors of the study.

At the same time, scientists note that it cannot be ruled out that the results were influenced by other unmeasured factors.

According to some experts who were not involved in the research, much of the research used in the paper was weak. The scientists also cautioned that the obtained results do not prove a causal relationship.

We used to reportedthat not all ultra-processed foods are harmful to health.