Topic: Health

A new study found that eating a lot of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by 47%. This is concerning because these foods make up most of our diets.

Ultra-processed foods are highly changed products made in factories. They often contain added fats, sugars, starches, salts, and chemical additives. Examples include packaged snacks, processed meats, and sodas. Many natural nutrients are removed during manufacturing, leaving foods that are very different from their original form. These products can include ingredients the human body has not historically encountered.

In the United States, ultra-processed foods make up nearly 60% of the average adult diet and about 70% of children's diets. Previous research has shown that people who eat large amounts of these foods are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance.

A new study published in The American Journal of Medicine investigated whether higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had a statistically significant and clinically important 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study defined cardiovascular disease as a self-reported history of heart attack or stroke. The researchers adjusted their analysis to account for factors such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, smoking status, and income. The average participant age was 55 years, and 55.9% were women.

Why It Matters

As ultra-processed food consumption continues to rise and cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, understanding the link between the two has become increasingly important. This information could influence how doctors advise patients and shape public health policies.

Key Facts

• Ultra-processed foods make up nearly 60% of the average adult diet in the United States and about 70% of children's diets.
• Consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods is linked to metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance.
• The study found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had a statistically significant and clinically important 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Cardiovascular disease was defined as a self-reported history of heart attack or stroke.
• The average participant age was 55 years, and 55.9% were women.

Key Terms

Ultra-processed foods

Heavily altered industrial products that contain added fats, sugars, starches, salts, and chemical additives

Implications

As ultra-processed food consumption continues to rise and cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, understanding the link between the two has become increasingly important. This information could influence how doctors advise patients and shape public health policies.