Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses

This systematic umbrella review assessed meta-analytic evidence on the association between ultra-processed food consumption, as classified by the Nova system, and adverse health outcomes. Systematic umbrella review of meta-analyses from MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane (2009–June 2023). Studies were assessed using predefined evidence classification criteria and the GRADE framework. The review included 45 pooled analyses (9,888,373 participants), identifying significant associations between ultra-processed food consumption and 32 (71%) health outcomes, including mortality, cancer, and mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic conditions. Convincing evidence (Class I) linked high ultra-processed food intake to increased risks of cardiovascular disease mortality (RR = 1.50), type 2 diabetes (RR = 1.12), anxiety (OR = 1.48), and common mental disorders (OR = 1.53). Highly suggestive evidence (Class II) associated it with all-cause mortality (RR = 1.21), heart disease mortality (HR = 1.66), type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.40), depression (HR = 1.22), poor sleep (OR = 1.41), wheezing (RR = 1.40), and obesity (OR = 1.55). The remaining 34 analyses showed weaker or no evidence. Most studies were rated as low or very low quality in the GRADE framework. Higher ultra-processed food consumption is strongly linked to increased risks of cardiometabolic diseases, mental health disorders, and mortality. These findings highlight the need for public health strategies to reduce dietary exposure and further research on underlying mechanisms.

Year: 2024

Reference: Lane, M. M., Gamage, E., Du, S., Ashtree, D. N., McGuinness, A. J., Gauci, S., Baker, P., Lawrence, M., Rebholz, C. M., Srour, B., Touvier, M., Jacka, F. N., O'Neil, A., Segasby, T., & Marx, W. (2024). Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 384, e077310. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-077310

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