Tracking Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods via Analysis of Blood and Urine Samples
Study Reveals Link Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Biomarkers in Bodily Fluids
Researchers at the US National Cancer Institute have identified a correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the presence of specific metabolites in bodily fluids, such as blood and urine. This groundbreaking study could provide a new method for predicting and assessing UPF intake, as well as its potential health consequences.
In a study led by Erikka Loftfield, scientists analyzed the diets of over 700 participants aged 50-74. The researchers found that on average, half of their energy intake came from UPFs. These foods, made in a lab with various additives not typically found in home cooking, include packaged snacks, factory-made bread, and sweetened yogurts, among others.
By analyzing blood and urine samples, the researchers discovered that individuals with higher UPF intake had an increased likelihood of metabolites associated with type-2 diabetes in their bodily fluids. Furthermore, some participants even had traces of food packaging molecules in their urine. Conversely, the presence of metabolites from fresh fruits and vegetables was lower in these participants.
To test the predictive power of these biomarkers, researchers conducted an experiment involving 20 volunteers who switched between UPF-rich and UPF-free diets. By examining the participants' blood and urine metabolites, the researchers were able to identify which diet they were currently following.
The study's findings suggest that metabolites in bodily fluids could be used as a tool for predicting UPF consumption, potentially aiding in nutrition research and public health strategies. However, the research is preliminary and requires further investigation to validate its results across various age groups and populations.
Further studies aim to establish a connection between UPF intake and diseases such as type-2 diabetes and cancer. This could lead to a better understanding of the health impact of UPF diets and inform dietary recommendations and prevention strategies for diet-related diseases.
In summary, the study offers a promising tool for assessing UPF consumption and its health consequences. By analyzing metabolites in bodily fluids, researchers hope to provide objective measurements of UPF intake and contribute to the ongoing debate about the health implications of UPFs in our diets.
- The study conducted at the US National Cancer Institute found that a higher intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is linked to metabolites associated with chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes in bodily fluids.
- The researchers discovered that the presence of metabolites from fresh fruits and vegetables was lower in individuals with higher UPF intake, which might indicate an impact on overall health-and-wellness.
- To help comprehend the role of UPFs in chronic conditions like type-2 diabetes and medical-conditions, future studies aim to establish a connection between UPF intake and these diseases.
- The results of this research could contribute to the advancement of fitness-and-exercise and nutrition strategies, as understanding the implications of UPFs on our health could lead to better dietary recommendations and disease prevention strategies.
