A new Canadian study has found a concerning potential link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and brain injury that may increase the risk of stroke and dementia later in life. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a significant part of daily diets globally – including in New Zealand. This new study adds to the growing evidence linking UPFs to adverse health outcomes.
The study, Ultraprocessed Food Intake and Adiposity, Vascular Brain Injury, and Cognition in Middle-Aged Adults, investigated whether eating more ultra-processed foods was associated with increased body fat, signs of brain injury, or differences in memory and thinking abilities.
The study examined 8783 adults aged 35 to 69 years without cardiovascular disease. Participants completed food frequency questionnaires about their usual diets, while researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans on the participants to look for changes in the brain.
It was found on average UPFs accounted for about 25% of participants daily food servings, and for the participants with the highest intake, this increased to nearly 50% of everything on their plates for the day (compared to 16% for those who ate the least).
Participants who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had 40% higher odds of showing signs of vascular brain injury on MRI scans compared to those who ate the least UPFs.
The researchers discovered that higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with higher odds of MRI-defined vascular brain injury (VBI) including white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and covert brain infarcts (CBIs). These changes can develop without noticeable symptoms. Previous research has linked them to an increased risk of future strokes, cognitive decline and dementia.
One of the study’s authors, Russell de Souza, expressed surprise at the findings, as the participants were middle-aged Canadians, who had no history of heart problems and reported no other health concerns. He explained that this type of brain damage is typically associated with conditions seen in people of a much older age.
It’s important to remember that this research identified a possible link, rather than establishing cause and effect. Participants were assessed at a single point in time and were not followed over several years. Some findings also varied depending on how UPF consumption was measured. Therefore, researchers cannot determine whether ultra-processed foods directly caused these brain changes.
Consumption of ultra-processed foods has surged over the past few decades. Causing rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Most foods undergo some degree of processing before we eat them, for example washing, freezing, and canning. These processes can help make food safer, longer lasting, and more convenient.
Ultra-processed foods go further, generally involving industrial processes, using multiple ingredients like additives, preservatives, sweeteners, and emulsifiers.
Many (but not all) ultra-processed foods are high in calories, saturated fat, salt, or sugar. Common examples include:
The research into how ultra-processed foods might affect brain health is ongoing, but several possible explanations have been proposed.
High consumption of UPFs is associated with obesity and build-up of fat around internal organs (visceral adiposity). This can contribute to inflammation and damage to blood vessels – including the blood vessels supplying the brain.
There is the possibility that ultra-processed foods may affect brain health independent of obesity and adiposity. Many ultra-processed foods contain high amounts of sodium, sugars, saturated fats, and preservatives which can contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain and metabolic problems, all of which can affect blood vessel health.
While this study doesn’t prove that eating more ultra-processed foods causes brain injury, it adds to growing evidence linking high consumption of UPFs to poorer health outcomes. It also reinforces the importance of a balanced diet that includes plenty of nutritious, minimally processed foods.
If you’re looking to improve your diet, consider:
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