A new international study has revealed that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of premature death, rekindling calls for strict measures against these products.
Ultra-processed foods contain chemicals, artificial colors, and sweeteners used to improve the appearance, taste, or texture of foods, as well as preservatives to extend their shelf life. They are also high in salt or sugar, leading to a significant increase in their calorie intake. These foods include processed meats, industrial pastries, breakfast cereals, instant soups, chips, cookies, ice cream, fruit-flavored yogurts, and sodas.
According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the study was conducted in eight countries: United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile and Mexico.
It showed that every 10% increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of dying before the age of 3 by 75%.
Researchers say these foods are so harmful to health that they could be responsible for one in seven premature deaths in some countries.
Among the countries most affected are the United States, where these products are responsible for 124 premature deaths per year, and England, with more than 000 annual deaths linked to their consumption.
Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, the study's lead researcher, affiliated with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil, points out that it's not just high levels of fat, salt, and sugar that are a problem, but also additives such as sweeteners and flavorings, which are also detrimental to health.
He adds: "While 4% of premature deaths in Colombia, 5% in Brazil and 6% in Chile are attributable to the consumption of ultra-processed foods, this figure reaches 10,9% in Canada, 13,7% in the United States and 13,8% in England. These are very worrying proportions."
The researchers conclude that "the risk of premature death from ultra-processed foods increases significantly depending on their share in the daily diet. Consuming these products in large quantities has a major impact on health."
They call on governments around the world to take strong measures to counter this phenomenon, including strengthening regulations on the marketing and sale of these foods in schools and workplaces, as well as imposing taxes to reduce their consumption.
These findings add to growing evidence linking the consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of specific diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.