Ultra-processed Foods Research Articles

Association of Physical Activity and/or Diet with Sleep Quality and Duration in Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Background: Sleep is essential for health, especially during adolescence. However, most adolescents do not obtain the recommended 8 to 10 h of sleep, and their health is significantly affected. While both physical activity (PA) and diet have been shown to help improve the sleep quality and duration, the combined association of these two factors with sleep has yet to be analysed. Objectives: Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the evidence on the combined association of PA and diet with the quality and duration of sleep in adolescents. Secondary objectives were to analyse the evidence on the single association of PA with the quality and duration of sleep in adolescents and to analyse the single association of diet with the quality and duration of sleep in adolescents. Methods: To this end, a scoping review was conducted with a structured search in four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ERIC). Results: The findings suggest that the amount of PA (time/week) and healthy dietary patterns, characterised by meal regularity and high consumption of fruits and vegetables, favour a better quality and a longer duration of sleep. Conversely, less weekly PA and the intake of less healthy foods, such as ultra-processed foods, are associated with decreasing the sleep quality and duration. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results underscore the importance of considering PA and diet as an appropriate approach to investigating sleep quality and duration in adolescents. Studies analysing the interplay between PA, diet and sleep in adolescents are scarce.

Commercial determinants of health and cancer prevention in South Africa

Aim Commercial determinants, encompassing marketing strategies, corporate social responsibility, and lobbying, significantly contribute to avoidable cancer deaths globally. In South Africa, 30-50% of cancers are preventable, but SA focuses mainly on tobacco control, ignoring major causes of cancer such as alcohol, obesity, and ultra-processed foods. This paper highlights the role of these commercial determinants in contributing to cancer in SA. It outlines strategies and barriers in addressing these determinants. Approach While conventional approaches focus on individual responsibility relating to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy diets, the role of industries in promoting these risk factors remains inadequately addressed. The paper explores the marketing and non-marketing methods employed by industries, such as tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed products, to maximise profits while neglecting public health consequences. Findings The article sheds light on industry tactics, including strategic partnerships, sponsorship, and diversionary narratives during crises, aimed at safeguarding profits. It emphasises the less-explored realm of non-marketing strategies, such as political lobbying, industry-funded research, and the ‘revolving door’ phenomenon where industry insiders become policymakers. Conclusions The article advocates for a paradigm shift in cancer prevention policies, urging the government to implement a comprehensive suite of measures that include increased taxation on harmful products, strict restrictions on marketing, enhanced product labelling, and eliminating conflict of interest in health research and policies. Addressing the commercial determinants necessitates not only recognising their impact but also adopting a multi-level governance approach that prioritises public health over corporate profits. The paper concludes by emphasising the urgency of recognising the links between alcohol, food regulation, and cancer prevention. The overarching goal is to shift power relations, fostering governance for the collective good and ensuring equitable access to preventive measures, especially for vulnerable populations.

Food Consumption and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review Protocol

Mental illnesses are prevalent among children and adolescents worldwide and may be associated with food consumption and unhealthy lifestyles. This study aims to evaluate the association between food consumption and mental health in children and adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The electronic search will include keywords related to childhood, adolescence, mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, stress, depression), and eating behaviors (e.g., eating patterns, ultra-processed foods), verified using MeSH terms. The systematic review will follow the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, employing the PECOS strategy, and will include quantitative observational and mixed-methods studies. A search will be conducted in the following databases: Scopus, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, Web of Science, APA-PhysioNET, PubMed (Medline) and EMBASE. Identifying the association between mental health and food consumption will contribute to the development of preventive and intervention strategies aimed at improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents. The analysis of the data will provide results on how psychological factors are linked to the consumption of various food groups, implying the formulation and updating of public policies. These guidelines can assist managers and researchers in creating effective interventions to promote mental health and healthy eating behaviors, ultimately leading to long-term positive impacts on public health..

The EAT-Lancet diet associated cardiovascular health parameters: evidence from a Brazilian study

BackgroundThe EAT-Lancet diet is a diet aimed at promoting population and planetary health from the perspective of sustainable diets in terms of environmental and health aspects. This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and cardiometabolic risk factors among adults and elderly individuals in a capital city in the northeastern region of Brazil.MethodsThis is an analytical cross-sectional observational study from a population-based sample conducted between 2019 and 2020, involving 398 non-institutionalized adults and elderly people, of both sexes from “Brazilian Usual Consumption Assessment” study (Brazuca-Natal). There was a 38% response rate due to the suspension of data collection due to the covid-19 pandemic, but According to the comparative analysis of socioeconomic and demographic variables between the surveyed and non-surveyed sectors, losses were found to be random (p = 0.135, Little’s MCAR test). Socioeconomic and lifestyle data, anthropometric measurements, and dietary consumption were collected. We used the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and the Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) for cardiovascular health to assess adherence to the diet’s sustainability. The evaluated cardiometabolic parameters included fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements. We also assessed the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. For the data analyses, sample weights and the effect of the study design were taken into account. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of frequencies. Multiple linear regression models assessed the associations between PHDI and CHDI and its components and the cardiometabolic parameters.ResultsThe mean PHDI was 29.4 (95% CI 28.04:30.81), on a total score ranging from 0 to 150 points and the mean CHDI was 32.63 (95% CI 31.50:33.78), on a total score ranging from 0 to 110 points. PHDI showed a significant positive association with the final CHDI score and components of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and a negative association with Ultra-processed Food (UPF) (p < 0.05). Notably, among the most consumed UPF, the following stand out: “packaged snacks, shoestring potatoes, and crackers” (16.94%), followed by margarine (14.14%). The PHDI exhibited a significant association with diabetes and dyslipidemia, as well as with systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-C.ConclusionsThe results suggest that adopting the EAT-Lancet diet is associated with the improvement of key cardiovascular health indicators.

Association Between Ultra-processed Food Intake and Cognitive Performance in Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline

Association Between Ultra-processed Food Intake and Cognitive Performance in Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline

Kidney Function and Ultra-processed Food Intake among Older Puerto Rican Adults Living in Boston

Kidney Function and Ultra-processed Food Intake among Older Puerto Rican Adults Living in Boston

Low-grade inflammation and ultra-processed foods consumption in childhood

Low-grade inflammation and ultra-processed foods consumption in childhood

Evolution of food deserts and food swamps in a Brazilian metropolis between 2008 and 2020.

The aim of the current ecological study is to assess the evolution of food deserts and food swamps in the metropolitan city of Belo Horizonte between 2008 and 2020. Food deserts were determined based on the density of healthy establishments per 10,000 inhabitants, whereas food swamps were set based on the density of ultra-processed food procurement establishments per 10,000 inhabitants. The rate of census tracts classified as food deserts has decreased between 2008 and 2020, whereas that of census tracts classified as food swamps has increased within this same period. Furthermore, despite the reduced number of food deserts, these areas have increased in census tracts living under lower socioeconomic vulnerability condition. Food swamps recorded sharp increase in census tracts living under higher vulnerability condition. The population living in the herein investigated city has been increasingly exposed to an unhealthy community food environment over 12 years. Monitoring changes in community food environment is key strategy to enable tracking the effectiveness and efficiency of actions taken in food environments to ensure the human right to adequate food.

Role of ultra-processed foods in modulating the effect of Mediterranean diet on human and planet health—study protocol of the PROMENADE randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe Mediterranean diet (MD), globally recognized for its sustainability and health benefits, traditionally emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods in raw or minimally processed forms. However, shifting lifestyles, even in Mediterranean regions, have led to an increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). Epidemiological evidence suggests that UPF consumption may be detrimental to human health, but there is only one clinical trial on this topic which is largely debated in the scientific community. This study aims to investigate the impact of the inclusion of UPF within a Mediterranean-based dietary pattern on cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, and other markers of human and planet health.MethodsFifty clinically healthy individuals showing overweight and presenting a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile will be recruited for a 7-month randomized, open, cross-over dietary trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a 3-month high-UPF MD (intervention group) or a low-UPF MD (control group), with a 1-month wash-out period. Both intervention diets will have identical food group compositions, with the intervention group consuming 5 servings/day of selected UPF items, and the control group consuming raw/minimally processed items from the same food group. Blood, urine, and fecal samples, alongside food/lifestyle diaries, will be collected from each participant before and after the dietary interventions. The primary endpoint will be the change in plasma LDL-cholesterol levels from baseline. Additional markers include blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, chemical parameters, glucose and lipid-related metabolic markers, incretins, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, fecal microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids. Finally, food waste production will be evaluated through specific validated food diaries. The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of Milan and the Tuscany Regional Ethics Committee of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) - Careggi, Florence.DiscussionResults from the PROMENADE study will improve knowledge about the impact of UPF consumption on human and planet health and will contribute to the scientific debate on this topic.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06314932. Registered on March 13, 2024.

The main types of food eaten by members of the support association for lupus patients in Amazonas

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin in which unbalanced nutrition can lead to clinical repercussions. Based on this assumption, the following question arises: are individuals aware that eating certain foods can negatively influence their treatment? The aim of this study was to analyse the main foods consumed by members of the Amazonas Lupus Patient Support Association. To this end, recruitment was carried out by means of an invitation sent out on the Association's WhatsApp group, with only people over the age of 18 as a criterion for participation. The interviews took place via video call, with the application of a food frequency questionnaire. Among the food categories, the three most consumed were: Carbohydrates (sugar, rice and French bread), Proteins (eggs, chicken and fish), Beverages (coffee with milk, coffee and chocolate milk), Dairy products (butter, cheese and yoghurt) and ultra-processed foods (sardines, tuna and breaded chicken). The study concluded that the majority of those surveyed have a diet lacking in vitamins, minerals and important macronutrients in their daily lives. Another conclusion of this research is that the lack of a balanced diet in lupus patients is linked to misinformation, lack of professional support and limited financial resources to obtain a healthy diet.

The association of ultra-processed food intake with adolescent metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in the NHANES.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become a major public health concern. A thorough analysis of the link between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and MASLD in the adolescent population is lacking. Adolescent participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pre-pandemic cohort were included. Different controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) cut-offs were used to assess MASLD. The percentage energy intake of UPF, categorized according to the NOVA classification, to total energy intake was taken as the main outcome marker. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to better quantify the causal connection between UPF and liver steatosis. UPF consumption constituted a median 75% (62-86) of total energy intake. There was no significant correlation between UPF intake and CAP (ρ = 0.061, p = 0.091). The median proportion UPF intake was not associated with steatosis severity. SEM similarly yielded a weak and non-significant correlation of 0.078. In participants with MASLD, total energy intake was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and sugar-containing beverage (SCB) consumption showed a non-significant trend towards higher consumption. No clinically relevant association between UPF intake and MASLD in adolescents could be demonstrated. Our results nonetheless suggest that total energy intake and consumption of SCBs are important contributors to paediatric obesity and MASLD.

Stress-induced overeating behaviors explained from a (transitory) relief-learning perspective

People use various behaviors to cope with stressful events. These behaviors are mostly adaptive, as they allow a successful release of stress without impacting other aspects of life: How nice is it to have a break with a few spoons of that favorite ice cream during a hectic working day? However, when excessive consumption of high-sugar/salt ultra-processed food becomes the gateway to find relief from stress, eating loses this adaptive function and may escalate to binge eating, lead to obesity, and other medical conditions linked to overweight.Several etiological models attempt to explain stress-induced eating and excessive overeating behaviors characterizing these clinical conditions. The popular Emotional Eating Theory proposes that stress-related (over-)eating, a major predictor of obesity and diagnosed binge eating disorders, develops based on negative reinforcement learning since food consumption regulates the negative affective state associated with stressful circumstances. Differently, the prominent Incentive Sensitization Theory explains overeating, binge eating disorders (including bulimia), and obesity in terms of excessive amplification of reward ‘wanting’, which is thought to emerge from overexposure to obesogenic (food)cues. The several studies oriented by these theories have paved the way to better understand stress-related (over-)eating and its clinical excesses. However, a deep mechanistic understanding of how and why stress-induced (over-)eating can escalate till clinical forms of overeating remain elusive. A well-funded connection of the mechanisms proposed by the Emotional Eating Theory and the Incentive Sensitization Theory might address this etiological open question. To avoid erroneous arguments, it is however essential to first address the internal theoretical and methodological shortcomings of each theory and connected studies. These shortcomings stem from conceptual fallacies and poorly implemented designs, which might partially explain the ‘high variability and low replicability’ problem of empirical findings. Next, the formulation of a new integrative model could provide fresh insight into the deep learning and biological mechanisms of this escalation. A successful formalization of this model could then create the much-needed impact in clinical and preventive research since excessive overeating is a behavior hard to change once established.In this opinion paper, I propose to apply recent insights we gathered on the role of relief from the field of safety learning to stress (over-)eating. I will present a new relief-based model that, as a starting point, has the potential to connect the Emotional Eating Theory with the Incentive Sensitization Theory, setting the base for more integrative science.

Trigger Warning: How Modern Diet, Lifestyle, and Environment Pull the Trigger on Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Progression

Understanding chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the lens of evolutionary biology highlights the mismatch between our Paleolithic-optimized genes and modern diets, which led to the dramatically increased prevalence of CKD in modern societies. In particular, the Standard American Diet (SAD), high in carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods, causes conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic inflammation, and hypertension, leading to CKD. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a genetic form of CKD, is characterized by progressive renal cystogenesis that leads to renal failure. This review challenges the fatalistic view of ADPKD as solely a genetic disease. We argue that, just like non-genetic CKD, modern dietary practices, lifestyle, and environmental exposures initiate and accelerate ADPKD progression. Evidence shows that carbohydrate overconsumption, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance significantly impact renal health. Additionally, factors like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, nephrotoxin exposure, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, and renal microcrystal formation exacerbate ADPKD. Conversely, carbohydrate restriction, ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT), and antagonizing the lithogenic risk show promise in slowing ADPKD progression. Addressing disease triggers through dietary modifications and lifestyle changes offers a conservative, non-pharmacological strategy for disease modification in ADPKD. This comprehensive review underscores the urgency of integrating diet and lifestyle factors into the clinical management of ADPKD to mitigate disease progression, improve patient outcomes, and offer therapeutic choices that can be implemented worldwide at low or no cost to healthcare payers and patients.

Ultra-processed foods and health: are we correctly interpreting the available evidence?

Several studies have linked adverse health effects to the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) according to the NOVA classification. However, whether the consumption of UPF is the actual causal factor for such health outcomes is still unknown. Indeed, different groups of UPF examined in the same epidemiologic study often show markedly different associations with the occurrence of the health endpoints. In this Comment, we discuss some such studies and point out that the available evidence on how different UPFs have been associated with health, as well as the results of studies examining specific food additives, call into question the possibility that ultra-processing per se is the real culprit. It is possible that other unaccounted for confounding factors play an important role. Future, urgently needed studies will clarify this issue.

The impact of a whole foods dietary intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammation, and fecal microbiota in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis: A pilot study

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications are a significant source of morbidity for people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). Historically, dietary recommendations in CF have focused on calories, typically emphasizing a high fat diet. The changing landscape of CF highlights the need to update this nutritional strategy. There is little research into how the quality of calories consumed by PwCF influences nutritional outcomes, GI symptoms, or likely contributors: intestinal inflammation and GI microbiology. We assessed the feasibility of a whole foods-based diet (WFD) and avoidance of ultra-processed foods, measuring safety/tolerability, adherence, and GI symptoms, as well as fecal measures of inflammation and microbiota among children with CF (CwCF) with GI symptoms. Single center, 4-week dietary intervention involving CwCF aged 5-14 years who screened positive on GI symptom questionnaire. Assessments included weight, symptom questionnaires and adverse events (AEs). Stool was analyzed for microbiota (16S rRNA) and calprotectin. 108 children were pre-screened, 9 enrolled and 8 initiated and completed the study. There were no significant changes in weight and no AEs. PEDS-QL GI identified overall improvement in symptoms. Certain symptom domains (constipation, diarrhea, gas/bloating, stomach pain and hurt) demonstrated significant improvement on the WFD. Of two participants with abnormal fecal calprotectin at enrollment, both exhibited decreased values on WFD. There was no significant change in microbiota diversity. A WFD diet was feasible and safe in CwCF. There was improvement in GI symptom scores based on both parent and child assessments. Larger studies are needed to further investigate effects on intestinal inflammation and microbiota.

Influence of Nutrition, Lifestyle Habits, and Socio-Demographic Determinants on Eating Disorder Symptoms in the Spanish Young Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Survey.

Eating disorders represent a complex and multifaceted public health challenge, highly prevalent among young people. Background and Objectives: To examine the prevalence of eating disorders in the Spanish young adult population aged 18-30 years, and their correlation with various eating habits and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out using a non-probabilistic snowball sample. The valid and reliable NutSo-HH Scale was employed to collect data on nutrition, lifestyle, and health habits. Results: Data were collected from 9692 Spanish young adults, of which 101 (1.04%) were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and 71 (0.73%) with bulimia nervosa. The prevalence of anorexia and bulimia was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in women than in men, regardless of socio-demographic variables such as educational level, income, region, and size of city of residence. A considerable percentage of participants showed possible symptoms of eating disorders. Nutritionally, individuals with eating disorders consumed less fast food and fried or ultra-processed food but tended to consume coffee and energy drinks more frequently. Additionally, sleep quality and duration were more adversely affected in individuals with eating disorders compared to the general population. Sedentary lifestyles did not significantly differ between those with eating disorders and healthy individuals, though physical activity increased in people with bulimia. Conclusions: The interplay between young adults' dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and mental health underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to effectively address these complex public health challenges.

Ultra-processed foods consumption and risk of age-related eye diseases: a prospective cohort study with UK biobank.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been associated with increased risks of various age-related diseases. However, the potential association between UPF consumption and age-related eye diseases (AREDs) remains unclear. We aim to assess the associations between consumption of UPF and risk of AREDs including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and glaucoma. We included 156,232 individuals aged 50 or older, who were free from AREDs from UK biobank study. Dietary intake data were collected using 24-h dietary assessments. UPF is defined according to the NOVA classification, and all participants are divided into four quartiles based on the weight proportion (%) of UPF. During a median of 10years of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate the association between the proportion of UPF in the diet and the subsequent risk of various AREDs. After adjusting for multiple variables, individuals in the highest quartiles for UPF consumption exhibited an increased risk of AMD (hazard ratio (HR): 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.63; p = 0.03), cataract (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20; p = 0.04), and glaucoma (HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.98-1.63; p = 0.06) compared to those in the lowest quartiles. Moreover, a 10% increase in the weight of UPF in diet was associated with an 8% higher risk of AMD (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01-1.15; p = 0.03), a 3% higher risk of cataract (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00-1.06; p = 0.04), and a 7% higher risk of glaucoma (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.00-1.15; p = 0.05). Our results suggest that a higher proportion of UPF in the diet was significantly link with an elevated risk of AMD and cataract. While additional research is necessary to validate these findings in diverse populations and settings, these results offer initial evidence to endorse public health initiatives that encourage limiting consumption of UPF.

Higher sweet beverage consumption was associated with increased gestational weight gain and birth weight: A Chinese cohort study

Diet during pregnancy is crucial to maternal metabolism and fetal development, so exploring the most potent food risk factor could improve maternal and child health. In this study, we investigated the diet and lifestyle of 833 healthy pregnant women in the second trimester from November 2020 to August 2021. Based on the Tianjin Antenatal Care System in China, we followed up with these women and recorded their gestational weight gain (GWG) and newborn birth weight. We conducted a dietary survey through FFQ based on the food groups recommended by the Chinese Dietary Guidelines and included common ultra-processed foods. We collected 219 semi-quantitative FFQs and 614 self-reported FFQs for analysis. According to the consumption frequency of 12 food groups, 4 dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis. We analyzed the associations of food energy, consumption frequency, and dietary patterns with GWG and birth weight, especially GWG in the first and second trimesters (f-GWG). The results showed that f-GWG was positively correlated with food energy. Beverage consumption was associated with f-GWG (r = 0.288, P = .026) in obese pregnant women. A dietary pattern that favors high consumption of ultra-processed foods (fried foods, baked desserts, and sweet beverages) was associated with increased GWGs. Non-obesity women with high consumption of baked desserts and sweet beverages had higher GWGs (P < .05). After adjusting for confounding factors (including total energy, physical activity, and sleep quality), only sweet beverage consumption was associated with f-GWG (β 0.498, 95%CI 0.153-0.843) and birth weight (β 0.124, 95%CI 0.009-0.240). Sweet beverage consumption is a key adjustable risk factor for prenatal care.

Periconceptional maternal intake of ultra-processed foods, energy and macronutrients the impact on imaging markers of early utero-placental vascular development: The rotterdam periconception cohort

Background & AimsThe quantity and quality of maternal nutrition in the periconception period is an important determinant for embryonic and foetal development and subsequent pregnancy course and outcome. The intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased worldwide and adverse health outcomes have been reported. However, the impact of UPF intake on the placenta, essential for prenatal nourishment, is unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate associations between the periconceptional maternal intake of UPF, energy and related macronutrients, and first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. MethodsWe included 214 ongoing pregnancies in the Virtual Placenta study, a subcohort of the Rotterdam periconception cohort. At enrollment, participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire from which we calculated the average daily energy from UPF, total energy intake and macronutrient intake from UPF. At 7-9-11 weeks of gestation, we performed sequential three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasounds of the first-trimester utero-placental vasculature. Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) software, Virtual Reality segmentation and a skeletonization algorithm were applied to measure placental volume (PV), utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV) and generate the utero-placental vascular skeleton (uPVS). Absolute vascular morphology was quantified by assigning a morphologic characteristic to each voxel in the uPVS (end-, bifurcation-, crossing- or vessel point) and used to calculate density of vascular branching. Linear mixed models adjusted for confounders were used to investigate associations between maternal intake of UPF, total energy and macronutrients from UPF and PV, uPVV and uPVS characteristics ResultsEnergy intake from UPF and total energy intake were not consistently associated with imaging markers of utero-placental vascular development. . Higher carbohydrate intake of 10g/day from UPF was associated with increased uPVS trajectories (end points (β=0.34, 95%CI=0.07;0.61), bifurcation points (β=0.38, 95%CI=0.05;0.70), vessel points (β=0.957, 95%CI=0.21;1.71). No associations were observed with PV. ConclusionsAgainst our hypothesis, periconceptional maternal intake of UPF and total energy were not convincingly associated with impaired first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Remarkably, the increased intake of carbohydrates from UPF, which is often considered ‘unhealthy’, is positively associated with first-trimester utero-placental vascular development. Given the complexity of diet, further research should elucidate what underlies these findings to be able to interpret how nutrition may impact utero-placental vascular development in early pregnancy. Clinical trial numberThis study is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6854).

Weekend Variation in Ultra-Processed Food Intake of Patients after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study analyzed changes in ultra-processed food consumption patterns during weekends in patients in the post-metabolic and bariatric surgery periods. It is a cross-sectional study, which recruited and collected data via social media from adults who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery. The Brazil Food and Nutritional Surveillance System markers of dietary consumption and the NOVA Ultra-Processed Food Screening tools were applied to evaluate dietary patterns and ultra-processed food consumption from the previous day. A total of 1525 participants were included, with a mean age of 38 ± 8 years and a mean body mass index of 29.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2. From these, 766 (50.3%) individuals answered the questionnaire referring to a weekend day. After adjusting for confounders, ultra-processed food consumption was higher on weekends compared to weekdays (NOVA Score 3.07 vs. 2.42; p &lt; 0.01). The consumption of fruits and vegetables was lower on weekends, whereas the consumption of hamburgers/sausages, sugar-sweetened beverages, boxed/canned juice, and frozen pizza increased on weekends. Instant noodles and sandwich cookies did not show differences between weekdays and weekend days. This pattern suggests the need to monitor eating habits on weekends in individuals after metabolic and bariatric surgery.