Ultra-Processed Foods and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BMJ

Summary

Ultra-processed foods are a widely consumed component of modern diets, but their impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is not well understood. A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that a high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of CVD events and mortality.

Background

The prevalence of ultra-processed foods in modern diets has increased dramatically in recent decades, with many consumers relying on these foods for convenience, cost-effectiveness, and taste. However, little is known about the impact of ultra-processed foods on cardiovascular health.

Methods

The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies that examined the association between ultra-processed food intake and CVD outcomes (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death). Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published in English between 2000 and 2020.

Results

The review included 32 cohort studies, with a total of 1,124,152 participants and 36,021 CVD events. High consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of CVD events (relative risk [RR]: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.23) and mortality (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.21). The association was observed consistently across different types of ultra-processed foods, including snack foods, sugary drinks, and processed meats.

Discussion

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that a high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of CVD events and mortality. The results are consistent with the concept of “nutrition transition,” which posits that the shift towards a diet high in ultra-processed foods and low in whole foods contributes to the growing burden of chronic diseases.

Conclusion

The advice to consumers should be to limit their consumption of ultra-processed foods and opt for whole, minimally processed foods as much as possible. Public health strategies should also focus on promoting a healthy diet and reducing the availability and desirability of ultra-processed foods.

Citation

Bibbins-Domingo K, et al. Association of ultraprocessed food consumption with all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMJ 2020;370:m2329 doi: 10.1136/bmj.m2329

Open Access

This article is an open-access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, which allows individuals to share, adapt, and build upon the work.