Research

Macro partitioning

High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with higher total energy and macronutrient intake but lower micronutrient intake in Korean adults and older adults.

If you eat a lot of ultra-processed foods, you are likely consuming more total calories and macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) while getting fewer essential micronutrients. Focus on identifying the major UPF contributors in your diet (like alcohol, grain products, or specific snacks) and consider replacing them with less processed alternatives to improve nutrient density without necessarily increasing total energy intake.

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In all age groups, the group with a high proportion of UPF consumption tended to have higher energy and macronutrient intake but lower micronutrient intake.
Seulgi Lee et al. · Journal of Nutrition and Health · 2025

Why this rating

Large cross-sectional observational study (n=13,396) using standardized national survey data.

Source

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and major contributing foods according to the age group in Korean adults and older adults: using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2019)

Seulgi Lee et al. · Journal of Nutrition and Health · 2025

cross_sectional · n=13396Cited 1×
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