Neurobiological insights into the effects of ultra-processed food on lipid metabolism and associated mental health conditions: a scoping review

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) comprise approximately 38% of the adult diet, coinciding with a global rise in mental illnesses. Understanding the link between UPF consumption and mental health is essential for public health and clinical practices. Objectives: This review aims to investigate the association between UPF consumption, dysregulated lipid metabolism, and heightened risk of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), eating disorders (ED), and food addiction (FA). It also examines potential biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying these associations.

Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. English-language studies published between 2020 and 2025 involving participants without significant comorbidities were screened using Covidence. Relevant data on associations and proposed mechanisms were extracted and synthesized narratively.

The findings indicate that UPF consumption is linked to dysregulated lipid metabolism and an increased risk of anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, ED, and FA. Dose-dependent increases in risk were observed for all mental illnesses, except autism. Proposed mechanisms include systemic low-grade inflammation, alterations in neuronal signaling—particularly in dopamine and serotonin pathways—and the impact of UPF additives on neurochemical regulation.

A robust association exists between UPF consumption, disrupted lipid metabolism, and increased risk of mental disorders in populations without significant comorbidities. Diets rich in minimally processed foods may confer protective benefits. These findings advocate for public health initiatives aimed at reducing UPF consumption to alleviate the mental health burden. Future research should focus on mechanistic pathways and dietary patterns concerning UPF and minimally processed foods to inform targeted interventions that enhance health outcomes. [NPID: Ultraprocessed foods, UPF, metabolism, mental disorders, depression, anxiety]

Year: 2026

Reference: Poon, E., Li, C., Schweitzer, D., & Akefe, I. (2026). Neurobiological insights into the effects of ultra-processed food on lipid metabolism and associated mental health conditions: A scoping review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, 1754492. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1754492

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