Research Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Precancerous Growths in Women Under 50
A recent study has found that consuming ultra-processed foods may raise the risk of developing precancerous colorectal growths among women under 50. Published in JAMA Oncology, the research tracked the health of 29,105 nurses over the span of about 24 years, from June 1991 to June 2015. Participants completed questionnaires about their dietary habits every four years, focusing particularly on two types of precancerous polyps: adenomas and serrated lesions.
According to the findings, women consuming an average of three servings of ultra-processed foods daily had a 3% risk of developing a precancerous polyp. In contrast, those who consumed ten or more servings faced a 5% risk. While only about 5% of adenomas turn cancerous, approximately 75% of colorectal cancers begin as these types of growths. The study did not establish any connection between ultra-processed foods and serrated lesions.
Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical expert, noted, “You do see an increase in risk with more servings of ultra-processed food products.” This aligns with a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which stated that ultra-processed foods make up over half of the average American’s diet, despite dietary recommendations encouraging their reduction. These foods have also been linked to several other health issues, including diabetes, sleep disturbances, heart disease, and early mortality.
Participants who consumed more ultra-processed foods often had a higher body mass index and were more likely to have a history of smoking. They also showed lower levels of physical activity and tended to intake fewer essential nutrients like fiber and Vitamin D.
Gounder expressed skepticism about the existence of “good” ultra-processed foods, stating, “Clearly, the more you’re eating, the worse for your health, the higher the risk for various complications.” While there’s no established definition for ultra-processed foods, they typically include packaged items, those made without many whole ingredients, and less obvious goods like condiments. Higher consumption of sugars, artificial sweeteners, and packaged snacks was also associated with a rise in adenoma development.
Moving forward, the federal government aims to establish a better definition for ultra-processed foods. Meanwhile, Gounder suggests a practical rule: “If you can’t pronounce an ingredient on the package, it is probably an ultra-processed food.”
Researchers are still investigating how exactly these foods impact the body. Gounder mentioned a few theories, suggesting that ultra-processed foods may alter gut bacteria, leading to increased inflammation and permeability of the gut wall. Additionally, there’s a known association between ultra-processed foods, obesity, and diabetes, which in turn heightens the risk for various cancers, potentially including colon cancer.
