According to a report from CNN, a 30-year study found that consumption of ultraprocessed foods is linked to an increased risk of early death. The study was led by Dr. Mingyang Song from Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health.
Higher intake of ultraprocessed foods increased risk of all-cause mortality by 4% and increased risk of neurodegenerative deaths of 9%.
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Ultraprocessed foods are defined as containing specific additives, such as some sodas, chips, and packaged meals.
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However, processed meats and sugary items do not share the same risk level.
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The study examined data from over 100,000 people between 1986 to 2018.
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Dr. Mingyang Song said the correlation between the increased risk and ultraprocessed foods is “moderate.”
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“The positive association is mainly driven by a few subgroups including processed meat and sugar sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages,” Dr. Song said.
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“Cereals, whole grain breads, for example, they are also considered ultraprocessed food, but they contain various beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals,” he said.
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“On the other hand, I do think people should try to avoid or limit the consumption of certain ultraprocessed foods, such as processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and also potentially artificially sweetened beverages.”
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“If people maintain a generally healthy diet, I don’t think they need to be like scared or be freaked out,” he said.
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“The overall dietary pattern is still the predominant factor determining the health outcomes,” Dr. Song said. “If you are worried about food additives, then choose foods that have low levels of additives. Just be mindful of the nutritional content of (the ultraprocessed foods) that you do choose to consume.”
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Dr. Peter Wilde from Quadram Institute Bioscience said further research is necessary into different components of ultraprocessed foods, such as additives and emulsifiers.
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“This is not black and white,” Dr. Wilde said. “A particular food is not either good or bad, it will contain elements of both, and the balance between the two may depend on how much you eat.”
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