A recent comprehensive study examined the long-term health impacts of consuming ultra-processed foods among older adults in the United States, spanning over three decades. Conducted by researchers who presented their findings at NUTRITION 2024, the study followed more than 540,000 individuals aged 50 to 71 in the mid-1990s, with over half of the participants now deceased.
The key findings highlight a significant association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of mortality. Specifically, older adults who reported consuming more ultra-processed foods were nearly 10% more likely to die after a median follow-up of 23 years compared to those who consumed less processed food. This increase in mortality risk was observed across all causes of death analyzed, including slight increases in deaths from heart disease and diabetes.
“Our study results support a larger body of literature, including both observational and experimental studies, which indicate that ultra-processed food intake adversely impacts health and longevity,” stated Erikka Loftfield, PhD, Stadtman Investigator at the National Cancer Institute. “However, there is still a lot that we don’t know, including what aspects of ultra-processed foods pose potential health risks.”
The study utilized rigorous methods to classify food processing levels, using the NOVA classification system to categorize dietary components based on their level of processing. Researchers adjusted for various factors known to impact mortality risk, such as smoking and obesity. They also considered diet quality, measured by the Healthy Eating Index, and found that even among individuals with better diet quality or normal weight, higher consumption of ultra-processed foods remained associated with increased mortality risk.
“We observed that highly processed meat and soft drinks were a couple of the subgroups of ultra-processed food most strongly associated with mortality risk and eating a diet low in these foods is already recommended for disease prevention and health promotion,” stated Loftfield. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages and deli meat.
Importantly, while associations were found between ultra-processed food consumption and mortality, no significant correlation was observed in deaths from cancer. This underscores the specificity of the health impacts attributed to ultra-processed foods, particularly in relation to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of dietary choices in influencing long-term health outcomes among older adults. It suggests that reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods could potentially mitigate risks associated with premature mortality, advocating instead for diets rich in minimally processed, whole foods to promote better overall health and longevity. These findings contribute valuable insights into public health strategies aimed at improving dietary habits and reducing chronic disease burdens in aging populations.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
