New research suggests that a significant portion of heart disease cases and fatalities could be avoided by reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The study, which focused on the Canadian population, found that these products may be a substantial and potentially preventable contributor to cardiovascular disease.
Led by Virginie Hamel and Jean-Claude Moubarac of the Center for Public Health Research at Montreal University, the research estimated that between 23% and 37% of heart disease cases, and 23% to 38% of heart disease deaths, could be linked to UPF consumption. The findings were presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Mexico and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
UPFs, which include items such as breakfast cereals, ready meals, protein bars, fizzy drinks, and fast food, have become a dominant part of the food environment in Canada. The researchers noted that for many individuals—particularly younger people and those living in disadvantaged areas—these foods can comprise up to 80% of their total diet. In both the UK and the US, more than half of the average diet now consists of such products.
The study authors argued that the widespread consumption of these foods is often an involuntary phenomenon and called for clinical and public health interventions to improve food quality. They suggested that potential measures could include marketing restrictions, front-of-package labeling, reformulation targets, and the implementation of food taxes.
While the researchers suggest these results could be applicable to other high-income nations, some experts remain cautious. Prof Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, expressed skepticism regarding the precision of the findings. He stated that while the work is an interesting attempt at modeling health effects, he would not place much trust in the specific estimates presented, noting that further research is needed to definitively link UPFs to increased heart disease risk.
Previous research has linked UPFs to serious harm in every major organ system of the human body.
