In a recent study published in the journal EClinicalMedicine, a group of Chinese scientists conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the relationship between increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Diet is considered a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which continues to be a major public health problem and a leading cause of death. Moreover, despite strong evidence recommending whole grains and unprocessed foods for heart health, the growing food industry and the rapidly changing nature of modern lifestyles have increased the dependence on and overall consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods are made using ingredients that are already largely processed and contain synthetic food additives such as preservatives, food colors and stabilizers. Consumption of ultra-processed foods is also known to vary across age groups and countries. Increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods, including foods and drinks with added sugar, refined grains and processed meats, is also leading to significant lack of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which is recommended for cardiovascular health.
In the present study, researchers examined the dose-response relationship between consumption of ultra-processed foods and the risk of cardiovascular events by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies on the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and cardiovascular disease.
The study found that consumption of ultra-processed foods has a linear relationship with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, daily consumption of ultra-processed foods, measured in terms of energy proportion and serving size, showed a positive correlation with coronary heart disease. However, the risk of cerebrovascular disease was not associated with consumption of ultra-processed foods.
A 10% increase in the weight percentage of daily consumption of ultra-processed foods was found to increase the risk of cardiovascular events by 1.9%, and an additional serving of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of cardiovascular events by 2.2%.
Overall, the findings highlight the detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods on increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, dose-response analyzes showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events based on increased consumption of ultra-processed foods in terms of energy proportion, weight, and number of servings.
These results highlight the need for more public health initiatives health services aimed at informing people about the growing risk of cardiovascular disease due to unhealthy diet.