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Fang Z, Rossato SL, Hang D, Khandpur N, Wang K, Lo CH, Willett WC, Giovannucci EL, Song M. Association of ultra-processed food consumption with all cause and cause specific mortality: population based cohort study. BMJ 2024; 385:e078476. [PMID: 38719536 PMCID: PMC11077436 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-078476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of ultra-processed food consumption with all cause mortality and cause specific mortality. DESIGN Population based cohort study. SETTING Female registered nurses from 11 US states in the Nurses' Health Study (1984-2018) and male health professionals from all 50 US states in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2018). PARTICIPANTS 74 563 women and 39 501 men with no history of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes at baseline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association of ultra-processed food intake measured by semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire every four years with all cause mortality and cause specific mortality due to cancer, cardiovascular, and other causes (including respiratory and neurodegenerative causes). RESULTS 30 188 deaths of women and 18 005 deaths of men were documented during a median of 34 and 31 years of follow-up, respectively. Compared with those in the lowest quarter of ultra-processed food consumption, participants in the highest quarter had a 4% higher all cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.07) and 9% higher mortality from causes other than cancer or cardiovascular diseases (1.09, 1.05 to 1.13). The all cause mortality rate among participants in the lowest and highest quarter was 1472 and 1536 per 100 000 person years, respectively. No associations were found for cancer or cardiovascular mortality. Meat/poultry/seafood based ready-to-eat products (for example, processed meat) consistently showed strong associations with mortality outcomes (hazard ratios ranged from 1.06 to 1.43). Sugar sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages (1.09, 1.07 to 1.12), dairy based desserts (1.07, 1.04 to 1.10), and ultra-processed breakfast food (1.04, 1.02 to 1.07) were also associated with higher all cause mortality. No consistent associations between ultra-processed foods and mortality were observed within each quarter of dietary quality assessed by the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 score, whereas better dietary quality showed an inverse association with mortality within each quarter of ultra-processed foods. CONCLUSIONS This study found that a higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with slightly higher all cause mortality, driven by causes other than cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The associations varied across subgroups of ultra-processed foods, with meat/poultry/seafood based ready-to-eat products showing particularly strong associations with mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Fang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sinara Laurini Rossato
- Laboratory of Research and Extension in Epidemiology (Lapex-Epi), Institute of Geography, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dong Hang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Neha Khandpur
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chun-Han Lo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Walter C Willett
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward L Giovannucci
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingyang Song
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit and Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Aljahdali AA, Rossato SL, Baylin A. Ultra-processed foods consumption among a USA representative sample of middle-older adults: a cross-sectional analysis. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:1461-1472. [PMID: 38174358 PMCID: PMC10950447 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523003033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The study evaluated the association between ultra-processed foods (UPF) and nutrient intake and identified the socio-demographic characteristics associated with UPF consumption among a nationally representative sample of middle-older adults. Dietary assessment was collected in 2013 using a validated FFQ. The Nova system was used to classify food and drinks into UPF. The percentage of dietary energy from UPF was calculated and used throughout the analyses, and average nutrient intake across quintiles of UPF was evaluated. The determinants associated with the dietary caloric contribution of UPF intake were investigated using linear regression models. A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative study of Americans over the age of 50, the Health and Retirement Study, was conducted. The analysis included 6220 participants. The mean age was 65 (se 0·28) years, with 55 % being female. UPF intake accounted for 51 % (se 0·25) of total intake. An increase in the percentage of (%UPF) consumption was correlated with an increase in calories, carbohydrates, saturated fat and sugar, and a decrease in fibre, vitamins and minerals. %UPF intake was inversely associated with being Hispanic, higher income, physical activity, vegetarian diet and Mediterranean diet but positively associated with very low food insecurity. UPF represented half of the calories consumed. A higher %UPF intake was associated with a lower nutrient profile, suggesting decreasing %UPF intake as a strategy to improve the nutritional quality of middle-older adults. A few socio-demographic factors were associated with %UPF, which would help in planning strategies to reduce UPF consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Ali Aljahdali
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sinara Laurini Rossato
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Geography, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Baylin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Global Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Henney AE, Gillespie CS, Alam U, Hydes TJ, Mackay CE, Cuthbertson DJ. High intake of ultra-processed food is associated with dementia in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. J Neurol 2024; 271:198-210. [PMID: 37831127 PMCID: PMC10770002 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Poor cardiometabolic health is associated with dementia. Considering previous meta-analyses have confirmed associations between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and cardiometabolic disease, we were interested in the contribution of UPF consumption to the risk of developing dementia. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all records registered on Ovid Medline and Web of Science from inception until December 2022 [PROSPERO (CRD42023388363)]. Studies that assessed UPF consumption in adults, determined according to NOVA, and that reported dementia (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and mild cognitive impairment) determined by clearly stated diagnostic criteria (including formal assessment of dementia or use of diagnostic codes) were included. The association between UPF consumption and dementia was assessed using random-effects meta-analysis, controlling for confounding variables. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and evidence credibility evaluated using the NutriGrade system. RESULTS Seven thousand ten records were screened, and 122 records underwent full text review. From these, 10 observational (8 longitudinal) studies, analysing 867,316 individuals, were included. Included studies adjusted for age, socioeconomic status and co-morbidity, alongside other confounders. High (vs. low) intake of UPF was associated with increased risk of dementia (pooled relative risk 1.44 (95% confidence interval 1.09-1.90) (p = 0.02)) (I2 = 97.0%), although moderate (vs. low) intake of UPF was not (1.12 (0.96-1.31) (0.13)) (85.0%). Funnel plots demonstrate low risk of publication bias. CONCLUSION High UPF consumption is associated with dementia. Public health measures to reduce overconsumption of UPFs are imperative to reduce the burden of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex E Henney
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
- Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Conor S Gillespie
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Theresa J Hydes
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Clare E Mackay
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel J Cuthbertson
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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Shen J, Wang Y, Zhou S, Tang M, Li M, Han R, Fei G, Wang R. Association between urinary phthalate metabolites and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease incidence in US adults: results from NHANES 2007-2018. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:113026-113038. [PMID: 37848781 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30334-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite associations between urinary phthalates and respiratory symptoms and disorders have been investigated, knowledge about their impact on COPD incidence remains limited. Using data of 8242 adults (aged 20-80 years) from the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the association of mixed urinary phthalate metabolites with COPD incidence was evaluated. Among them, 789 were COPD patients, and the rest were non-COPD participants. In the single-pollutant models, a variety of phthalate metabolites were identified as independent positive factors for COPD incidence, including mono-(carboxynonyl) phthalate (MCNP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-(3-carboxylpropyl) phthalate (MCPP), mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP). Multi-pollutant models, including weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile-based g computation (qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) approaches consistently revealed the positive association between phthalates co-exposure and COPD incidence, and MCPP was recognized as the dominant positive driver. The positive association was more evident in the youth group and the male group. The interactions between certain phthalate metabolites in COPD were also observed. Given the limitations of the cross-sectional design of NHANES study, well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to verify or disprove these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiran Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Sijing Zhou
- Department of Occupational Disease, Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Guanghe Fei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
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Sawalha K, Tripathi V, Alkhatib D, Alalawi L, Mahmood A, Alexander T. Our Hidden Enemy: Ultra-Processed Foods, Inflammation, and the Battle for Heart Health. Cureus 2023; 15:e47484. [PMID: 38022349 PMCID: PMC10663139 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, we have witnessed unprecedented growth in new data that has fundamentally changed our traditional understanding of the progression of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as our strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. It was once believed that atherosclerosis was primarily caused by abnormal lipid buildup in the vessel intima, leading to plaque growth and luminal stenosis, with or without rupture. This perspective has now evolved to encompass more complex pathways, wherein the accumulation of abnormal products of oxidation and inflammation are the most likely factors mediating the growth of atherosclerotic plaques. The review aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the relationship between ultra-processed foods, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, insulin resistance, and the role of the gut microbiota. It touches on several important aspects of modern diet and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Sawalha
- Department of Cardiometabolic Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Vyomesh Tripathi
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Deya Alkhatib
- Department of Cardiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Luay Alalawi
- Department of Cardiology, Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area, Corpus Christi , USA
| | - Ahmed Mahmood
- Department of Cardiology, Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area, Corpus Christi , USA
| | - Thomas Alexander
- Department of Cardiology, Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area, Corpus Christi, USA
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Chen Y, Shen J, Wu Y, Fang L, Xu S, Peng Y, Pan F. Associations between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. adult population. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139382. [PMID: 37394194 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Nevertheless, limited data is available about the impacts of phthalates on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to use National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2018 to assess the individual and combined effects of exposure to phthalate mixtures on RA in adults. A total of 8240 participants with complete data participated in the study, of whom 645 had RA. The levels of ten phthalate metabolites were detected in urine samples. In the single-pollutant models, independent associations were identified between urinary mono-(carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCOP), mono-(3-carboxylpropyl) phthalate (MCPP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) with the incidence of RA. The results of multi-pollutant models, including weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile-based g computation (qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) approaches consistently revealed that co-exposure to phthalates was positively associated with RA incidence. Such association was more pronounced in adults over 60 years of age, where MCOP was identified as the dominant positive driver. Overall, our findings add novel evidence that co-exposures to phthalates might be positively associated with RA incidence. Given the limitations of the NHANES study, well-designed longitudinal studies are required to verify or disprove these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Jiran Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
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Song Z, Song R, Liu Y, Wu Z, Zhang X. Effects of ultra-processed foods on the microbiota-gut-brain axis: The bread-and-butter issue. Food Res Int 2023; 167:112730. [PMID: 37087282 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The topic of gut microbiota and the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis has become the forefront of research and reports in the past few years. The gut microbiota is a dynamic interface between the environment, food, and the host, reflecting the health status as well as maintaining normal physiological metabolism. Modern ultra-processed foods (UPF) contain large quantities of saturated and trans fat, added sugar, salt, and food additives that seriously affect the gut and physical health. In addition, these unhealthy components directly cause changes in gut microbiota functions and microbial metabolism, subsequently having the potential to impact the neural network. This paper reviews an overview of the link between UPF ingredients and the MGB axis. Considerable studies have examined that high intake of trans fat, added sugar and salt have deleterious effects on gut and brain functions, but relatively less focus has been placed on the impact of food additives on the MGB axis. Data from several studies suggest that food additives might be linked to metabolic diseases and inflammation. They may also alter the gut microbiota composition and microbial metabolites, which potentially affect cognition and behavior. Therefore, we emphasize that food additives including emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, and preservatives interact with the gut microbiota and their possible effects on altering the brain and behavior based on the latest research. Future studies should further investigate whether gut dysbiosis mediates the effect of UPF on brain diseases and behavior. This thesis here sheds new light on future research pointing to the potentially detrimental effects of processed food consumption on brain health.
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Gomes Gonçalves N, Vidal Ferreira N, Khandpur N, Martinez Steele E, Bertazzi Levy R, Andrade Lotufo P, Bensenor IM, Caramelli P, Alvim de Matos SM, Marchioni DM, Suemoto CK. Association Between Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods and Cognitive Decline. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:142-150. [PMID: 36469335 PMCID: PMC9857155 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Importance Although consumption of ultraprocessed food has been linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, little is known about the association of consumption of ultraprocessed foods with cognitive decline. Objective To investigate the association between ultraprocessed food consumption and cognitive decline in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study with 3 waves, approximately 4 years apart, from 2008 to 2017. Data were analyzed from December 2021 to May 2022. Participants were public servants aged 35 to 74 years old recruited in 6 Brazilian cities. Participants who, at baseline, had incomplete food frequency questionnaire, cognitive, or covariate data were excluded. Participants who reported extreme calorie intake (<600 kcal/day or >6000 kcal/day) and those taking medication that could negatively interfere with cognitive performance were also excluded. Exposures Daily ultraprocessed food consumption as a percentage of total energy divided into quartiles. Main Outcomes and Measures Changes in cognitive performance over time evaluated by the immediate and delayed word recall, word recognition, phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tests, and Trail-Making Test B version. Results A total of 15 105 individuals were recruited and 4330 were excluded, leaving 10 775 participants whose data were analyzed. The mean (SD) age at the baseline was 51.6 (8.9) years, 5880 participants (54.6%) were women, 5723 (53.1%) were White, and 6106 (56.6%) had at least a college degree. During a median (range) follow-up of 8 (6-10) years, individuals with ultraprocessed food consumption above the first quartile showed a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline (β = -0.004; 95% CI, -0.006 to -0.001; P = .003) and a 25% faster rate of executive function decline (β = -0.003, 95% CI, -0.005 to 0.000; P = .01) compared with those in the first quartile. Conclusions and Relevance A higher percentage of daily energy consumption of ultraprocessed foods was associated with cognitive decline among adults from an ethnically diverse sample. These findings support current public health recommendations on limiting ultraprocessed food consumption because of their potential harm to cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naomi Vidal Ferreira
- Adventist University of São Paulo, Engenheiro Coelho, Brazil
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neha Khandpur
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Renata Bertazzi Levy
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Andrade Lotufo
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, Hospital Universitário, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela M. Bensenor
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, Hospital Universitário, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Caramelli
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Dirce M. Marchioni
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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