Designing healthier and more sustainable ultraprocessed foods

Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 23(2)

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract The food industry has been extremely successful in creating a broad range of delicious, affordable, convenient, and safe beverage products. However, many these products are considered to be ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) that contain ingredients processed manner may cause adverse health effects. This review article introduces the concept UPFs briefly discusses fall into this category, including beverages, baked goods, snacks, confectionary, prepared meals, dressings, sauces, spreads, meat analogs. It then correlations between consumption levels diet‐related chronic diseases, such as obesity diabetes. different reasons for proposed ability increase risk diseases critically assessed, displacement whole foods, high energy densities, missing phytochemicals, contamination with packaging chemicals, hyperpalatability, harmful additives, rapid ingestion digestion, toxic reaction Then, potential strategies overcome current problems presented, reducing density, balancing nutritional profile, fortification, increasing satiety response, modulating mastication reengineering structure, precision processing. central argument is it possible reformulate reengineer improve their healthiness sustainability, although still needs proved using rigorous scientific studies.

Language: Английский

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Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Depressive Symptoms in a Mediterranean Cohort

Nutrients, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(3), P. 504 - 504

Published: Jan. 18, 2023

Excess consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is currently under investigation for its potentially detrimental impact on human health. Current evidence demonstrates a substantial association with an increased risk metabolic disorders, but data mental health outcomes are just emerging. The aim this study was to investigate the relationship between UPFs and depressive symptoms in sample younger Italian adults. A cross-sectional conducted 596 individuals (age 18-35 y) recruited southern Italy. Food frequency questionnaires NOVA classification were used assess dietary factors; Center Epidemiological Studies Depression Short Form (CES-D-10) presence symptoms. Individuals highest quartile UPF had higher odds having energy-adjusted model (odds ratio (OR) = 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 3.28); remained significant after adjusting potential confounding factors (OR 2.04, CI: 1.04, 4.01) became even stronger further adjustment adherence Mediterranean diet as proxy quality 2.70, 1.32, 5.51). In conclusion, positive likelihood found individuals. Given consistency findings quality, studies needed understand whether non-nutritional may play role neurobiology.

Language: Английский

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Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with depression, mesocorticolimbic volume, and inflammation

Journal of Affective Disorders, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 335, P. 340 - 348

Published: May 18, 2023

The consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) has been associated with depression inflammation preclinical studies showed that some UPF components disrupt the amygdala-hippocampal complex. We combine diet, clinical brain imaging data to investigate relationship between consumption, depressive symptoms, volumes in humans, considering interactions obesity, mediation effect biomarkers.One-hundred fifty-two adults underwent anatomic magnetic resonance assessments laboratory tests. Relationships % (in grams) total gray matter were explored using several adjusted regression models, interaction presence obesity. Whether inflammatory biomarkers (i.e., white blood cell count, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, c-reactive protein) mediate previous associations was investigated R package.High higher symptoms all participants (β = 0.178, CI 0.008-0.261) those obesity 0.214, -0.004-0.333). Higher also lower posterior cingulate cortex left amygdala, which encompassed ventral putamen dorsal frontal cortex. White count levels mediated association (p 0.022).The present study precludes any causal conclusions.UPF is within mesocorticolimbic network implicated reward processes conflict monitoring. Associations partially dependent on count.

Language: Английский

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Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers Are Related to High Intake of Ultra-Processed Food in Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Antioxidants, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12(8), P. 1532 - 1532

Published: July 31, 2023

In the last few decades consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) worldwide has substantially augmented. Increasing evidence suggests that high UPF is associated with an increase in non-communicable diseases, being overweight, and obesity. The aim this study was to assess how affects oxidative inflammatory status plasma, neutrophils, urine old adults metabolic syndrome. Participants (n = 92) were classified into two groups according consumption. Dietary intakes measured by a validated semi-quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire determined NOVA classification system. Low consumers showed higher adherence Mediterranean diet than consumers. A intake fiber concentration polyphenols also observed subjects low Despite absence differences biochemical profile, biomarkers some significant changes. Catalase superoxide dismutase activities lower consumers, whereas myeloperoxidase activity higher. ROS production neutrophils stimulated zymosan Biomarkers such as xanthine oxidase, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, leptin levels participants UPF. No found malondialdehyde other cytokines. current evidenced MetS have more pro-oxidant profile those consumption, despite showing similar blood profiles.

Language: Английский

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Diet composition and energy intake in humans

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 378(1888)

Published: Sept. 4, 2023

Absolute energy from fats and carbohydrates the proportion of in food supply have increased over 50 years. Dietary density (ED) is primarily decreased by water fat content foods. Protein, exert different effects on satiety or intake (EI) order protein > fat. When ED foods equalized differences between are modest. Covertly increasing dietary with fat, carbohydrate mixed macronutrients elevates EI, producing weight gain vice versa. In more naturalistic situations where learning cues intact, there appears to be greater compensation for There considerable individual variability response. Macronutrient-specific negative feedback models EI regulation limited capacity explain how availability cheap, highly palatable, readily assimilated, energy-dense lead obesity modern environments. Neuropsychological constructs including reward (liking, wanting learning), reactive reflective decision making, context asymmetric balance regulation, give comprehensive explanations environmental superabundance containing mixtures assimilated caloric beverages elevate through combined hedonic, affective, cognitive physiological mechanisms. This article part a discussion meeting issue 'Causes obesity: theories, conjectures evidence (Part II)'.

Language: Английский

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Ultra-Processed Foods and Mental Health: Where Do Eating Disorders Fit into the Puzzle?

Nutrients, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(12), P. 1955 - 1955

Published: June 19, 2024

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like pastries, packaged snacks, fast foods, and sweetened beverages have become dominant in the modern food supply are strongly associated with numerous public health concerns. While physical consequences of UPF intake been well documented (e.g., increased risks cardiometabolic conditions), less empirical discussion has emphasized mental chronic consumption. Notably, unique characteristics UPFs artificially high levels reinforcing ingredients) influence biological processes dopamine signaling) a manner that may contribute to poorer psychological functioning for some individuals. Importantly, gold-standard behavioral lifestyle interventions treatments specifically disordered eating do not acknowledge direct role play sensitizing reward-related neural functioning, disrupting metabolic responses, motivating subsequent cravings intake. The lack consideration influences on is particularly problematic given growing scientific support addictive properties these utility ultra-processed addiction (UPFA) as novel clinical phenotype endorsed by 14–20% individuals across international samples. overarching aim present review summarize science how affect health, emphasizing contributing mechanisms. Specifically, authors will (1) describe corporate-sponsored research financial agendas contributed contention debate about health; (2) define their nutritional characteristics; (3) observed associations between conditions, especially depression; (4) outline evidence UPFA; (5) nuanced treatment considerations comorbid UPFA disorders.

Language: Английский

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Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption and Asthma in the Western Diet

Dietetics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(2), P. 144 - 158

Published: May 7, 2024

Obesity is considered an important risk factor for the onset of asthma, playing a key role in enhancing disease’s severity. However, there increasing evidence linking not only obesity but also overweight with higher asthma. Although correlation between and asthma has already been reported, several aspects are still fully elucidated, mainly about inflammatory processes underlying both diseases. It well known that Western-type calorically rich diets overfeeding can act as triggers chronic metabolic inflammation, few studies have examined associations ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake, despite its positive obesity, biomarkers inflammation. In addition to their nutrient composition, UPF may chemical additives contaminants from packaging, whose effects on health food addiction under research. this review, we provide overview current data identify obese phenotype consumption, highlighting potential central played by intestinal microbiota.

Language: Английский

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Clinical Considerations of Ultra-processed Food Addiction Across Weight Classes: an Eating Disorder Treatment and Care Perspective

Current Addiction Reports, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 9(4), P. 255 - 267

Published: May 2, 2022

Abstract Purpose of Review To examine the prevalence rates ultra-processed food addiction across different weight classes and offer guidelines for diagnosis treatment. Clinicians are provided with practical considerations in assessment beyond use validated instruments. Recent Findings The weighted mean is approximately 20% worldwide varies widely based on sample. At first glance, there appears a linear relationship between BMI class. Further investigation indicates J-shaped curve heightened among underweight. These findings highlight need to assess additional factors that may increase objective or subjective symptoms including eating disorders, dietary restraint, other mental health diagnoses. Summary While clinical vary, overemphasis status detract from utility construct. Considering conjunction psychiatric helps better understand various biopsychosocial mechanisms influence behavior can inform individualized treatment strategies.

Language: Английский

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Association Between Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Metabolic Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

Nutrients, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(20), P. 3524 - 3524

Published: Oct. 17, 2024

Background/Objectives: We investigated the effects of ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption on metabolic disorders (e.g., adiposity, associated steatotic liver disease [MASLD], and insulin resistance) in children adolescents with obesity to improve dietary guidelines public health strategies. Methods: The intake 149 participants (aged 8–17 years) was assessed diaries. NOVA classification system used classify according degree processing. Metabolic outcomes, including fat mass index (FMI), hepatic percentage, resistance, were measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging proton density fraction (MRI-PDFF), biochemical analysis, respectively. Results: Greater UPF from baseline 6-month follow-up significantly increased decreased total cholesterol LDL-cholesterol. positively prevalence MASLD (liver MRI-PDFF ≥ 5%; odds ratio T3 vs. T1 = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 3.00), moderate-to-severe 10%; OR 4.19; CI 1.72, 10.22), resistance (OR 2.44; 1.33, 4.48), after adjusting for covariates. A linear dose-response relationship observed between resistance. Conclusions: strongly obesity, underscoring importance reducing through interventions mitigate risk obesity-related conditions young populations.

Language: Английский

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Reason’s Triumph over Passion? Chinese Adults’ Attention to Information on Ultra-Processed Foods’ Fat and Sodium Contents in Nutrition Facts Tables

Nutrients, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(1), P. 174 - 174

Published: Jan. 2, 2025

Background: It is common for consumers to purchase ultra-processed foods that are perceived have health risks, and this phenomenon rarely explained in the existing literature from perspective of consumers’ responses intuitive marketing flavor labels packaging. Methods: This study aimed fill knowledge gap investigated attention 920 participants aged 18~59 across China toward fat sodium content information six (pastry foods, quick-frozen dessert puffed beverages, sauces) presented nutrition facts tables based on theoretical analysis framework purchasing decisions by using binary logit model. Results: was found respondent’ s positively influenced risk perception levels about but negatively interaction term between (or packaging) stimulated desire sodium). Conclusions: The stimulation packaging weakened consumer’ increased being enhanced level sodium, especially probability such sauces, which dropped most. Additionally, females, youth, low-income individuals, those with below-college education, non-overweight obese individuals more, decrease largest sauces.

Language: Английский

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