Impact of ultra-processed food consumption on metabolic health

Author(s)

Costa de Miranda, Renata ^{[1, 2]} ; Rauber, Fernanda ^{[3, 1, 2]} ; Levy, Renata Bertazzi ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Epidemiol Res Nutr & Hlth, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Prevent Med, 455 Dr Arnaldo Ave, 2nd Floor, BR-01246903 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: CURRENT OPINION IN LIPIDOLOGY; v. 32, n. 1, p. 24-37, FEB 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Purpose of review Ultra-processed foods (UPF) have been associated with poor diet quality and adverse health outcomes. Our aim in this review is to summarize recent research assessing the impact of UPF consumption, classified according to the NOVA system, on outcomes related to metabolic health. Recent findings Thirty recent studies with different design, quality and target population have investigated the impact of UPF consumption on parameters related to metabolic health, which were organized into: metabolic syndrome; body weight change and obesity indicators; blood pressure and hypertension; glucose profile, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; other metabolic risks and cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Most of the studies demonstrated adverse associations between high UPF consumption and metabolic health, mainly those with robust design and involving adults. Most of the latest findings have revealed an adverse impact of high UPF consumption on metabolic health, including cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Scientific evidence is accumulating towards the necessity of curbing UPF consumption worldwide at different life stages. Nevertheless, other studies are needed to confirm the causality between UPF consumption and metabolic health in diverse scenarios and to better elucidate all likely mechanisms involved in this relationship. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/14302-7 - Consumption of ultra-processed foods and indicators of diet quality in Australia
• Grantee: Fernanda Rauber
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/05972-7 - Consumption of ultra-processed foods and indicators of diet quality in Portugal
• Grantee: Renata Costa de Miranda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/07391-9 - Consumption of ultra-processed foods, nutrient profile and obesity in Portugal
• Grantee: Renata Bertazzi Levy
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants