The foods ‘driving an autism, depression and dementia epidemic’ revealed in bombshell study

FOODS that make up around 57 per cent of the average UK diet are fuelling autism, depression and dementia cases, scientists warn.

In a major new review, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been linked to rising rates of neurological disorders.

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The actual culprit is believed to be microplastics, which are found in alarming levels in UPFs.

UPFs are more susceptible to microplastics than other foods due to their packaging, additives and the equipment used to process them.

Co-lead author of the new paper Dr Nicholas Fabiano, from the University of Ottawa, said: "We're seeing converging evidence that should concern us all.

"Ultra-processed foods...contain significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than whole foods.

"Recent findings show these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in alarming quantities."

Another author, Dr Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University's Food & Mood Center, said there is "remarkable overlap" in the way UPFs and microplastics harm mental health.

He explained: "This hypothesis is particularly compelling because we see remarkable overlap in biological mechanisms.

"Ultra-processed foods have been linked to adverse mental health through inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disruptions to neurotransmitter systems.

"Microplastics appear to operate through remarkably similar pathways."

In the new article published in the May issue of Brain Medicine, researchers reviewed studies that focused on the relationship between ultra-processed foods, microplastics and mental health.

One study, recently published in The British Medical journal, found people who consumed UPFs had a 22 per cent high risk of depression, a 48 per cent higher risk of anxiety, and a 41 per cent higher risk of poor sleep - which can negatively impact brain health.

Another study included in their review found microplastics and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress and the central nervous system, which could lead to cellular damage and raise the risk of neurological disorders.

Based on current data, the authors concluded high levels of microplastic contamination in UPFs could be why they have such a detrimental impact on health.

Scientists believe UPFs can negatively impact brain health by disrupting the gut-brain axis - communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain - promoting inflammation, and potentially leading to cognitive decline and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Alongside brain health, UPFs have been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes.

Consuming lots of UPFs can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A recent study found substituting 10 per cent of UPFs with minimally processed foods reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 18 per cent.

A study published last year found people who eat lots of UPFs may be at greater risk of dying early.

And there's been some research that indicates a correlation between UPF intake and a higher risk of overall cancer, head and neck cancer, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and brain cancer.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this association and the relative impact of different dimensions of processing on cancer risk.