High intake of ultra processed foods linked to middle age brain changes

Middle aged adults who consume the highest amounts of ultra processed foods are 40 percent more likely to show signs of brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging scans compared to those with the lowest intake. Medical News Today reported on October 17 that a new study published in JAMA Network Open identified these structural brain changes in otherwise healthy participants. [1]

Ultra processed foods include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats, and ready meals. Medical News Today noted that these items frequently contain elevated levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, along with additives meant to extend shelf life and enhance taste and texture. [1]

As FTMQ Health reported earlier, ultra processed foods represent more than 50 percent of total daily calorie intake for adults in the United States. Earlier research into processed food consumption has shown mixed health outcomes depending on the specific items consumed rather than overall processing alone. [3]

For instance, previous prospective studies involving nearly half a million adults found no overall link between total ultra processed food intake and colorectal cancer risk. As FTMQ Health reported earlier, while processed meats increased cancer risks, other ultra processed items containing whole grains, fibre, dairy, and calcium were associated with lower risks. [3][4]