Ultra-processed foods increase cardiometabolic risk in children

A study carried out by the human nutrition group of the University of Rovira e Virgili (URV) found that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of excess weight, increased blood sugar levels and worsening levels of "good" cholesterol.

High consumption of ultra-processed foods during childhood is associated with poorer cardiometabolic health. This is the main finding of a study carried out by the Human Nutrition Research Group URV in collaboration with the Institute of Public Health Per Virgili (IISPV) and the Center for Biomedical Research on the Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN).

The study was conducted among boys and girls aged 3 to 6 years, and the main results were published in JAMA Network Open.

Ultra-processed foods tend to be high in saturated fat, sugar, salt, additives and contaminants, while being low in nutrients. However, baked goods, sodas, milkshakes and snacks are often part of children's diets.

To study their impact on health in the first years of life, the researchers assessed how the consumption of these foods affects more than 1,500 boys and girls aged 3 to 6 years from different locations (Reus, Cordoba, Santiago de Compostela, Navarra, Valencia, Barcelona and Zaragoza), participating in the multicenter CORALS study.

The results showed that children who consumed more ultra-processed foods had higher levels of body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass index and blood sugar levels . They also had lower levels of HDL cholesterol—considered "good" cholesterol—in their blood.

"Our findings are concerning," said Nancy Babio, the study's principal investigator. "Although the magnitude of the associations we found may be considered clinically small, the boys and girls in our study were very young, but even so there was a significant association between their intake and these parameters," she adds.

For the research team, these results should be considered an early warning of what may happen in the future. “It is important to recognize the importance of early dietary habits and their future consequences for cardiometabolic health,” emphasizes Babio.

The study also shows that children of mothers with low levels of education or lower socioeconomic levels tend to consume more ultra-processed foods, making them vulnerable to health problems in the future.

“Given all this, public health policies should target vulnerable populations,” says Jordi Salas-Salvado, director of the research group, who also recommends replacing these foods with healthier options, such as unprocessed or minimally processed foods. p>

Low price and availability

Ultra-processed foods are becoming increasingly common in the diet. Their availability and low price mean that they are widely consumed, especially by children, adolescents and their families, and in particular by those who are most socioeconomically and educationally vulnerable and who are more prone to obesity.

In this regard, the study highlights the urgent need to address children's overconsumption of these foods and the importance of developing public policies and taking preventive measures to protect the long-term health of future generations.