Mixed
High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with a significantly increased risk of colorectal and breast cancer, with a 10% increase in UPF intake linked to a 4% higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Limit your intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), defined by the NOVA classification system as industrial formulations with little whole food content. This meta-analysis links high UPF consumption to increased risks of colorectal and breast cancer. For every 10% increase in UPF intake, colorectal cancer risk rises by 4%. Focus on whole or minimally processed foods to reduce this risk.
The highest UPFs consumption was associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10–1.38), colon cancer (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.14–1.36), and breast cancer (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.20)... Each 10% increase in UPFs consumption was associated with a 4% higher risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07).
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 13 studies (4 cohort, 9 case-control) with large sample size (625,738 participants), though heterogeneity exists and causality is limited by observational design.
Source
Association between ultra-processed foods and risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Ying Lian et al. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2023
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