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In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed a method to accurately measure how much ultraprocessed food (UPF) individuals consume through blood and urine tests. This innovative approach utilizes machine learning to identify specific metabolites—molecules produced during metabolism—that correlate with the intake of processed foods.
The findings, published in PLOS Medicine, could revolutionize how we assess dietary habits and their impact on health.
Understanding ultraprocessed foods and their health implications
Ultraprocessed foods are defined as industrially manufactured products that are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat, often high in calories but low in essential nutrients.
These foods have been linked to various health issues, including chronic diseases, obesity, and certain types of cancer. Traditional methods of assessing dietary intake often rely on self-reported questionnaires, which can lead to inaccuracies. The new biomarker score developed by the NIH team aims to provide a more objective measurement of UPF consumption.
How the study was conducted
The research involved 718 older adults who provided blood and urine samples while reporting their dietary habits over a year. Following this, a smaller clinical trial was conducted with 20 participants who followed a diet high in ultraprocessed foods for two weeks, followed by a two-week period of consuming no UPFs.
Dr. Erikka Loftfield, a key researcher, noted that hundreds of metabolites in serum and urine were found to correlate with the percentage of energy derived from ultraprocessed food intake.
The future of dietary assessments
While the results are promising, Loftfield emphasizes the need for further validation of this method before it can be widely adopted.
The current study primarily focused on older adults, indicating a need for research across diverse age groups and dietary patterns. The potential for this biomarker approach to link processed food consumption with chronic diseases could pave the way for more effective dietary guidelines and health recommendations.
Practical tips for reducing ultraprocessed food intake
For those concerned about their ultraprocessed food consumption, Loftfield suggests using Nutrition Facts labels to identify foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. By making informed choices, individuals can limit their intake of UPFs and align their diets with established scientific research on health. As this research progresses, it may empower consumers to take control of their dietary habits and improve their overall health.
