The risk associated with ultra-processed food intake on depressive symptoms and mental health in older adults: a target trial emulation

Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) may be associated with depression, according to long-term cohort studies. Its effect on depression and mental health in older persons is yet unknown, however. This study by Mengist et al. (2025) aimed to examine the effects of ultra-processed food intake on depressive symptoms and overall mental well-being in older individuals living in the community. Information from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly research was used to create a pragmatic target trial. Participants were Australian adults aged 70 years and older. The study mimicked a two-group randomized clinical trial, categorizing participants based on their ultra-processed food intake: those consuming at least four servings per day formed the intervention group, while those consuming fewer than four servings formed the control group. Dietary intake was assessed through a mail-based questionnaire, and food processing levels were classified using the NOVA system. The study measured depressive symptoms (a score of ≥8 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression 10-item scale) and general mental health (assessed using the mental component summary of the Short Form-12). Among 11,192 eligible participants (3,415 in the intervention group and 7,777 in the control group), high UPF consumption was linked to a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms over time. Sensitivity analyses supported this finding, showing an 11% increased risk of depressive symptoms among those consuming high UPF levels, even after excluding participants taking antidepressants. Additionally, UPF consumption negatively impacted mental health-related quality of life. Higher UPF consumption was linked to worse mental health and a higher incidence of depression in older persons. [NPID: Depression, mental health, target trial emulation, ultra-processed food]

Year: 2025

Reference: Mengist, B., Lotfaliany, M., Pasco, J. A., Agustini, B., Berk, M., Forbes, M., Lane, M. M., Orchard, S. G., Ryan, J., Owen, A. J., Woods, R. L., McNeil, J. J., & Mohebbi, M. (2025). The risk associated with ultra-processed food intake on depressive symptoms and mental health in older adults: a target trial emulation. BMC Medicine, 23(1), 172. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-04002-4

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