Hormonal
Specific additives found in UPFs, such as carrageenan and endocrine-disrupting chemicals like Bisphenol-A (BPA) and acrylamide, contribute to T2DM risk through mechanisms involving insulin resistance, inflammation, and gut microbiota alteration.
Be aware that certain additives (carrageenan, specific emulsifiers) and packaging-derived chemicals (BPA, phthalates) in UPFs may promote insulin resistance and inflammation. Reducing intake of products containing these specific ingredients, especially sugary beverages and processed meats, may lower T2DM risk.
carrageenan has very recently been demonstrated to be implicated in IR... correlated with high serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)... increased intestinal permeability... BPA acts by altering pancreatic beta cell function and by promoting IR in peripheral tissues... acrylamide... is thought to have obesogenic properties... acrolein... is another molecule in UPFs suggested to be associated with the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
Why this rating
Evidence comes from a mix of human observational studies, in vitro models, and animal studies; causality in humans is suggested but not definitively proven for all additives.
Source
Ultra-Processed Foods and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: What Is the Evidence So Far?
Natalia G. Vallianou et al. · Biomolecules · 2025
DOI 10.3390/biom15020307
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