New research in 8 countries on "forbidden foods". And there's a surprise
Authors: PAP ; Prepared by KKR • Source: PAP • Published: 07 May 2025 18:11
A new international study from 8 countries shows what the effects of excessive consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) may be. The results are at least ambiguous, because in some countries researchers see a negative impact of such food and a greater risk of premature death in people who eat it, while other scientists say that such a simple connection cannot be drawn from these results.
Ultra-processed foods, also called highly processed foods, include products such as:
- cold cuts,
- cookies,
- delicatessen products,
- carbonated drinks,
- chips,
- ice-cream,
- and even some breakfast cereals.
It contains ingredients that are not available at home, such as:
- preservatives,
- emulsifiers,
- modified starches,
- artificial sweeteners,
- and flavor enhancers.
According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the latest research was conducted in:
- Australia,
- Brazil,
- Chile,
- Colombia,
- Canada,
- Mexico,
- United States,
- and Great Britain.
They show that in the US and UK, highly processed foods, which already account for half of the calories consumed there, may be responsible for 14% of premature deaths .
In Colombia and Brazil, 20% of consumed calories are wasted on UPF, and the percentage of premature deaths related to it has been estimated at 4%.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Eduardo Nelson from Brazil, says that some premature deaths may be related to changes in food caused by industrial methods and the use of artificial ingredients, which are responsible for:
- taste,
- smell,
- appearance,
- color of products,
- other additions.
Prof. Kevin McConway of the Open University in the UK argues that it is impossible to demonstrate differences in life expectancy between individuals depending on the consumption of different types of highly processed foods.
- In such studies, you can never be sure what is responsible for what - he emphasizes in a statement to BBC News.
Dr. Nerys Astbury of the University of Oxford agrees. She believes it is uncertain whether premature death is related to the consumption of UPFs or rather to products high in fat, sugar and salt . Many studies have shown that this type of diet, in addition to being high in calories, promotes lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
- And many UPF products contain such ingredients - emphasizes the specialist.
Dr. Stephen Burgess from Cambridge University also claims that these studies cannot unequivocally prove that eating highly processed food is harmful. However, he emphasizes that such a suggestion cannot be completely ignored. UPF - he believes - is not completely indifferent .
The Food and Drink Federation in the UK argues that ultra-processed foods include many different types of products, including those that help maintain a balanced diet, such as yoghurts, pasta sauces and bread. It also notes that the ingredients used in them are approved as safe for consumption by the Food Standards Agency.
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