New research conducted over nearly two decades reveals a concerning link between a diet high in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of mortality from chronic respiratory diseases.
Published in the European Journal of Nutrition, the study highlights the detrimental effects of consuming "nutritionally inferior" ultra-processed foods, which lack essential nutrients like antioxidants and can contribute to inflammation, exacerbating lung conditions.
The research found that diets comprising over 40 per cent of ultra-processed foods were associated with a 26 per cent higher risk of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a debilitating lung disorder characterised by airflow obstruction.
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Furthermore, the study uncovered a general 10 per cent increase in the overall risk of mortality from chronic respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma, among individuals consuming diets high in ultra-processed foods. The findings were based on an analysis of data collected from over 96,000 participants in the United States spanning from 1999 to 2018.
"Participants who consumed the largest amount of ultra-processed foods were typically younger, with a higher BMI and a greater risk of diabetes, emphysema, and high blood pressure, as well as lower overall dietary quality," lead author Tefera Mekonnen, a PhD candidate at The University of Adelaide, Australia, said.
Examples of ultra-processed foods include chips, chocolate, lollies, biscuits, processed meat, fried chicken, soft drinks and ice cream.
"These foods are full of preservatives and additives that get into the bloodstream and may contribute to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, exacerbating respiratory conditions," Mekonnen said.
The researchers said that their study represents one of the most comprehensive investigations to date regarding the influence of ultra-processed foods on respiratory health.
"Our research suggests that limiting intake of ultra-processed foods could significantly improve respiratory health and reduce the risk of mortality from chronic respiratory diseases," Mekonnen said.
The team said future research that explores mechanisms of how diets impact respiratory health is needed.
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