Ultra -processing foods may cause death, shows a study

Thousands of deaths a year in the UK may be related to the consumption of ultra -processed foods (UPH), PI Midia/DPA reported, citing the results of a new study.

The experts participated in it say that they believe there is a connection between people who consume these foods and the increased risk of early death.

UPH, which include ice cream, processed meats, mass -produced bread and carbonated drinks, have already been associated with poor health, including at increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and early death.

These types of foods often contain high levels of saturated fat, salt, sugar and additives, which, experts, leaves less in the diet of people for more nutritious products.

In addition, the UPC usually contains supplements and ingredients that are not used when people prepare their own foods, such as preservatives, emulsifiers and artificial colors and aromas.

However, some experts say it is not clear why ultra-processed foods are associated with poor health and ask if this is due to processing or because people choose foods high in fat, sugar and salt, not more nutritious options.

The authors of the new study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, call on governments to issue nutrition recommendations aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra -processed foods.

They have considered data from eight countries around the world and found that UPC reaches 53 percent of the energy intake of people in the UK. This is the second highest score in the study after the United States by 55 percent.

Premature deaths due to UPCs range from 4 percent of those cases in countries where their consumption is lower as Colombia, up to 14 percent in the UK and the United States.

Researchers suggest that in 2018/19, about 17 781 premature deaths in the UK may have been associated with ultra -processing foods.

According to the lead author, Eduardo Nilson of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Scientific Organization, the study found that each increase of 10 percent of UPX in the diet was associated with a 3 percent higher risk of death for any cause.

Stephen Burgess, a statistician at the MRC Biostatistics Division at Cambridge University, says: « This type of research cannot prove that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is harmful, but provide evidence that linked it to worse health results. »

Nerris Asthbury, Assistant Professor at the University of Oxford, notes that the current study complements the set of evidence of the relationship between UPH and poor health and disease.