A study analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries -- Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States -- shows that premature deaths attributable to the consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share of individuals’ total energy intake. The authors say the findings reinforce the call for global action to reduce UPF consumption, supported by regulatory and fiscal policies that foster healthier environments.

UPFs are ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations that are made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories, with little or no whole foods in their composition. These have gradually been replacing traditional foods and meals made from fresh and minimally processed ingredients.

 "UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all-causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health," said lead investigator Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, DSc, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil.

Specifically, researchers found that each 10% increase in UPFs in the diet increases the risk of death from all causes by 3%. From there, they calculated relative risks and analyzed  food consumption data for all included countries (ranging from 15% of the total energy intake in Colombia, to over 50% of the calories in the United States).

They found that the percentage of all-cause premature preventable deaths due to the consumption of UPFs can vary from 4% in countries with lower UPF consumption to almost 14% in countries with the highest UPF consumption. For example, in 2018, 124,000 premature deaths were attributable to the consumption of UPFs in the United States.

“Policies that disincentivize the consumption of UPFs are urgently needed globally, promoting traditional dietary patterns based on local fresh and minimally processed foods," Nilson said.

To read the full study, published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine, click here