POZZILLI, Italy — A study has found that consuming ultra-processed foods may be accelerating biological aging, adding more than four months of biological age compared to those who eat fewer of these heavily manufactured food products. The study, conducted in Italy, analyzed the diets of over 22,000 adults and found that those who consumed higher amounts of ultra-processed foods showed signs of accelerated biological aging.
Ultra-processed foods, such as packaged snacks, carbonated drinks, and reconstituted meat products, are made mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories. They are designed to be hyper-palatable and often contain additives, artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives.
The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, used a sophisticated approach to measure biological aging, analyzing 36 different biomarkers in participants’ blood. The researchers found that participants who consumed more ultra-processed foods tended to be younger, more educated, and more likely to live in urban areas. They were also less physically active and had fewer chronic diseases at the time of the study.
The researchers suggest that several mechanisms may be responsible for the finding, including the formation of potentially harmful compounds during processing, chemicals from packaging materials, and alterations to the food’s natural structure.
This study’s findings are particularly concerning because ultra-processed foods are a staple in many modern diets, and the impact of their consumption can be significant. The researchers recommend limiting the consumption of these foods and opting for less processed alternatives.