Mixed
High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with negative health outcomes including increased depression/anxiety, higher BMI/weight, and decreased HDL cholesterol, particularly in men consuming >5 servings/day.
Eating more than 5 servings of ultra-processed foods daily is linked to higher body weight, worse cholesterol (lower HDL in men), and higher rates of depression and anxiety in women. Reducing UPF intake below this threshold may help improve these health markers.
Women consuming >5 servings/day of UPFs reported more cases of depression and anxiety and higher weight and hip circumference. Meanwhile, men consuming >5 servings/day of UPFs had decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and higher weight and BMI
Why this rating
Based on observational data with adjustments for confounders, but limited by cross-sectional design and small sample sizes in some subgroups.
Source
Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods
Allison L. Brichacek et al. · Nutrients · 2024
DOI 10.3390/nu16111738
More from this paper
- Short-term consumption of fast-food meals (a subset of UPFs) increases bile-tolerant bacteria (Collinsella, Parabacteroides, Bilophila) and decreases fiber-fermenting bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Butyricicoccus).Good
- High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with specific alterations in gut microbiota composition, including decreased Lachnospira and Ruminococcus species and increased Prevotella species, though effects on overall microbial diversity (alpha/beta) are inconsistent across studies.Moderate
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