Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods may decrease lifespan by over 10%, according to a recent unpublished study involving more than 500,000 individuals monitored for nearly three decades.
After adjustments, the risk escalated to 15% for men and 14% for women, as reported by Erikka Loftfield, the study’s lead author and a researcher at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.
The preliminary study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago earlier this month.
Participants who ranked in the top 90th percentile for ultra-processed food consumption highlighted that their intake was primarily dominated by excessively processed beverages. Diet soft drinks were the primary contributors, followed closely by sugary soft drinks. According to Loftfield, beverages play a significant role in ultra-processed food consumption.
The study noted that refined grains, such as ultra-processed breads and baked goods, were also popular choices among participants, shedding light on the specific food choices contributing to the observed health outcomes.
Carlos Monteiro, an emeritus professor of nutrition and public health at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, known for coining the term ultra-processed food and developing the NOVA food classification system, emphasised the significant link between ultra-processed food intake and mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Defining ultra-processed
The NOVA classification system categorises foods from unprocessed or minimally processed (e.g., fruits and vegetables) to ultra-processed items like deli meats. Ultra-processed foods contain additives rarely used in home cooking aimed at enhancing taste and attractiveness.
The study presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting analyzed data from the mid-90s, featuring approximately 541,000 Americans aged 50 to 71.
Researchers correlated dietary habits with mortality rates over the subsequent 20 to 30 years. Individuals consuming the most ultra-processed foods faced a higher likelihood of succumbing to heart disease or diabetes compared to those with lower consumption levels.
Certain ultra-processed foods, particularly highly processed meats and soft drinks showed a stronger association with mortality risk. Diet drinks, deemed ultra-processed due to artificial sweeteners and additional additives, have been linked to various health issues.
To mitigate the intake of ultra-processed foods in one’s diet, opting for minimally processed foods is advised. Loftfield suggests prioritizing whole foods and evaluating sodium and added sugar content by reviewing nutrition labels carefully.