Mixed
The primary sources of ultra-processed food energy intake vary by age group, with alcohol and grain-based products being major contributors across all groups, while legumes, milk, and dairy products become more significant contributors as UPF consumption increases and age rises.
Identify the specific ultra-processed foods that make up the bulk of your UPF intake. For many Koreans, this includes alcohol and grain-based products. For older adults, UPFs from legumes, milk, and dairy may also be significant contributors. Targeting these specific categories for reduction or substitution may be more effective than a blanket 'no UPF' rule.
The UPFs contributing significantly to energy intake were primarily alcohol and grain-based products. On the other hand, the energy contribution from UPFs based on legumes, milk, and dairy products tended to increase as the level of UPF consumption increased, and this trend was more significant with increasing age.
Why this rating
Large cross-sectional observational study with detailed food group analysis.
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
DOI 10.4163/jnh.2025.58.1.59
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