New 30-Year Study: Limiting Consumption of Processed Meats, Sugary Foods and Drinks Linked to Lower Risk of Death

Boston, Massachusetts United States of America
Healthy diet includes varied fruits and vegetables, whole grains and limiting consumption of ultra-processed foods.
New 30-year study links consumption of ultra-processed foods to higher risk of death.
Overall diet quality most important factor in reducing risk of death.
Participants asked to complete detailed food questionnaire every four years.
Study involved over 100,000 U.S. adults with no history of cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Ultra-processed foods include processed meats, sugary drinks and dairy-based desserts.
New 30-Year Study: Limiting Consumption of Processed Meats, Sugary Foods and Drinks Linked to Lower Risk of Death

In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence linking the consumption of ultra-processed foods to negative health outcomes. A new 30-year study has found that those who eat the most ultra-processed foods have a 4% higher risk of death by any cause, including a 9% increased risk of neurodegenerative deaths. The study involved over 100,000 U.S. adults with no history of cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes and found that certain ultra-processed foods such as processed meats, sugary drinks and dairy-based desserts were the biggest culprits for increased mortality risk.

Participants in the study were asked to complete a detailed food questionnaire every four years, with their consumption of ultra-processed foods being categorized into groups. The researchers found that the overall quality of a person's diet was the most important factor in reducing the risk of death, with a healthy diet including varied fruits and vegetables, whole grains and limiting consumption of ultra-processed foods.

In addition to increased mortality risk, previous research has found that diets high in ultra-processed food are associated with an increased risk of 32 damaging health outcomes, including higher risks for cancer, major heart and lung conditions, gastrointestinal issues, obesity, type 2 diabetes and early death.

The study adds to the growing evidence supporting the idea that limiting consumption of certain types of ultra-processed foods is important for long term health. Future studies are also needed to confirm these findings in other populations and improve the classification of ultra-processed foods. In the meantime, it's advisable to limit consumption of processed meats, sugary drinks and dairy-based desserts and focus on a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to promote optimal health.

In conclusion, the new 30-year study highlights the importance of limiting consumption of certain types of ultra-processed foods for long term health. The findings provide support for avoiding processed meats and sugary foods and drinks while focusing on a diet rich in whole foods to reduce the risk of negative health outcomes. Future research is needed to confirm these findings in other populations and improve the classification of ultra-processed foods.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

95%

  • Unique Points
    • People who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods are more likely to die early than those who don’t, according to a study published in The BMJ.
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  • Accuracy
    • Processed meat carried the highest risk among these foods.
    • The association between UPFs and early death was moderate and not equally strong among all UPFs.
    • Eating as few ultra-processed foods as possible was likely beneficial for long-term health, according to the study authors.
  • Deception (80%)
    The article does not make any overtly deceptive statements. However, it does use emotional manipulation by implying that eating ultra-processed foods will lead to an early death. It also uses selective reporting by only mentioning the negative health effects of ultra-processed foods and ignoring their potential benefits. The article also makes a statement about UPFs being linked to 32 health problems without providing any references or context for this claim.
    • Certain UPFs seemed to be more harmful than others.
    • People who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods are more likely to die early than those who don’t, a study published in The BMJ found.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

83%

  • Unique Points
    • Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) have become increasingly dominant in modern food production.
    • UPFs are associated with a higher risk for noncommunicable diseases and related mortality.
    • Greater UPF consumption can increase the risk for several noncommunicable diseases, including overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and certain types of cancer.
    • UPFs are highly modified products created through industrial processes and often contain multiple additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
    • Higher UPF consumption appears to increase the risk for developing overall cancer as well as ovarian and breast cancer-related mortality.
  • Accuracy
    • UPFs have become increasingly dominant in modern food production.
    • Emerging evidence suggests that greater UPF consumption can increase the risk for several noncommunicable diseases, including overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and certain types of cancer.
    • Consumption of UPFs is highest in the United States and the United Kingdom.
    • Children who consume high levels of UPFs have significant alterations in their metabolome, potentially leaving them vulnerable to poorer metabolic health and increased risk for overweight/obesity.
    • Certain UPFs are associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and may make people susceptible to related GI conditions, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
    • The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased over the past decade, with UPF consumption identified as one of the potential causes.
    • Higher UPF consumption appears to increase the risk for Crohn’s disease more than ulcerative colitis.
    • UPF consumption may also worsen symptoms in those who already have established IBD.
  • Deception (35%)
    The article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential health risks associated with ultraprocessed foods, particularly in relation to gastrointestinal health. It cites several studies and expert opinions to support its claims. However, it does not disclose sources for these studies or opinions, which would have strengthened the article's credibility. Additionally, while the article discusses some of the potential negative effects of ultraprocessed foods, it does not present any counterarguments or alternative viewpoints.
    • The term UPF was introduced in 2009 by Brazilian nutritionist Carlos Monteiro.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential health risks associated with ultraprocessed foods, particularly in relation to gastrointestinal health. It cites several studies and expert opinions to support its claims. However, it does not present any new or unique insights on the topic and relies heavily on previous research. As such, while the article provides valuable information for readers, it does not break significant new ground.
    • Here's a primer on some of the latest data around UPFs and their potentially adverse role in gastrointestinal (GI) health.
    • The link between UPFs and overweight/obesity has been noted in several studies.
    • A 2023 meta-analysis established a 71% increased risk for CD associated with high UPF consumption but found no such association with UC.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • A large study involving 115,000 people found a link between consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods and premature death.
    • The study identified processed meats, sugary breakfast foods, and sugar and artificially sweetened beverages as particular culprits.
  • Accuracy
    • People who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods are more likely to die early than those who don’t, according to a study published in The BMJ.
    • The study linked certain ultra-processed foods with dying earlier from any cause: processed meats, drinks sweetened artificially or with sugar, dairy-based desserts, and ultra-processed and sugary breakfast foods.
    • Those who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had a 4% higher risk of deaths by any cause compared to those who ate the lowest amount.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

  • Unique Points
    • A 30-year study found that consuming ultraprocessed foods is associated with an early risk of death.
    • Ultraprocessed foods contain ingredients 'never or rarely used in kitchens' and include preservatives, artificial coloring, emulsifiers, and added or altered sugar, salt, and fats.
    • Processed meats and sugary foods and drinks have a stronger correlation with the risks associated with ultraprocessed foods than whole grains.
    • Those who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had a 4% higher risk of deaths by any cause, including a 9% increased risk of neurodegenerative deaths.
    • Participants completed a detailed food questionnaire every four years and were categorized into groups based on their consumption of ultraprocessed foods.
    • Researchers found that the quality of a person’s overall diet is the most important factor in reducing the risk of death.
    • A healthy diet includes varied fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and limiting consumption of ultraprocessed foods.
  • Accuracy
    • People who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods are more likely to die early than those who don’t.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

  • Unique Points
    • People who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods are more likely to die early than those who don’t, according to a study published in The BMJ.
    • The study linked certain ultra-processed foods with dying earlier from any cause: processed meats, drinks sweetened artificially or with sugar, dairy-based desserts, and ultra-processed and sugary breakfast foods.
    • Participants who ate the most UPFs had a 4% higher risk of dying from any cause compared to those who ate the least.
    • Ultra-processed foods typically contain ingredients not found in a regular kitchen and are made using industrialized techniques.
    • Certain UPFs are associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and may make people susceptible to related GI conditions, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
    • Higher UPF consumption appears to increase the risk of developing overall cancer as well as ovarian and breast cancer-related mortality.
    • Substituting 10% of UPFs for minimally processed foods lowers the overall cancer risk by 4% and the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by 27% and 20%, respectively.
  • Accuracy
    • People who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods are more likely to die early than those who don’t
    • Those who ate the most ultra-processed food had a 4% higher risk of dying from any cause compared to those who ate the least
    • UPFs are associated with a higher risk for noncommunicable diseases and related mortality
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication