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The Association between ultra‐processed foods and depression, anxiety and sleep in adults: A cross‐sectional study in Iran
The rising intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has sparked growing concerns about their effects on overall health, particularly mental well-being. This study by Abdollahpour et al. (2025) explored the connection between ultra-processed foods consumption and sleep quality, along with the severity of anxiety and depression, among Iranian adults. Utilizing data from 5,476 participants aged 35–65 years in the MASHAD study, researchers evaluated dietary habits through a validated food frequency questionnaire and classified UPFs using the NOVA system. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, while sleep adequacy was defined as getting more than seven hours of sleep per night, based on self-reports. Findings indicated that higher ultra-processed foods consumption was initially associated with a greater likelihood of severe depression; however, this link became statistically insignificant after adjusting for other factors. A subgroup analysis showed a noteworthy gender difference: women with higher UPF intake had a 44% increased risk of severe depression, whereas no such association was found in men. Additionally, no significant relationship was observed between UPF intake and either anxiety levels or sleep duration in the full sample or within gender-specific analyses. These results highlight a potential link between high UPF consumption and depressive symptoms in women, warranting further in-depth and longitudinal research. [NPID: Ultra-processed foods, depression, anxiety, sleep adequacy, mental health, gender differences, cross-sectional study]
Year: 2025
