SynthesisFamily medicine and community health2026
Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of multiple chronic diseases among 8,819,894 adults from 51 prospective cohorts: a dose-response meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Family medicine and community health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
23 authors.
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Abstract
objectiveThe consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased globally. This study comprehensively investigated the impact of consuming UPFs on the risk of major chronic diseases in adults.
settingA systematic search identified prospective cohort studies up to April 2026 on consumption of UPFs and major chronic outcomes. Consumption of UPFs was assessed by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), 24-hour recalls, or dietary history.
participantsAdults (≥18 years) without restriction to specific clinical conditions at baseline.
resultsFifty-one prospective cohort studies involving 8 819 894 participants were included. Consumption of UPFs was associated with cardiovascular events (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.24, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.14 to 1.36), cancer (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.21), obesity/overweight (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.30), metabolic syndrome (MetS)/diabetes (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.42), depression/anxiety (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.40), digestive diseases (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.48) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.26). Dose-response analyses showed each additional 100 g/day associated with higher risks of cardiovascular events (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.22), cancer (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06), all-cause mortality (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05), and MetS/diabetes (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04).
conclusionsConsuming UPFs was associated with higher risks of multiple chronic diseases and all-cause mortality with low or moderate evidence. Reducing dietary intake of UPFs may therefore be relevant for chronic disease prevention. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023421092.
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