Facile synthesis of magnetic ionic covalent organic framework and dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction of aromatic amino acid oxidation products in thermally processed foods.

Aromatic amino acid oxidation products (AAAOPs) are newly discovered risk substances of thermal processes. Due to its significant polarity and trace level in food matrices, there are no efficient pre-treatment methods available to enrich AAAOPs. Herein, we proposed a magnetic cationic covalent organic framework (Fe3O4@EB-iCOF) as an adsorbent for dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction (DMSPE). Benefiting from the unique charged characteristics of Fe3O4@EB-iCOF, AAAOPs can be enriched through electrostatic interaction and π-π interactions. Under the optimal DMSPE conditions, the combined HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.990) and a low detection limit (0.11-7.5 µg·kg-1) for AAAOPs. In addition, the method was applied to real sample and obtained satisfactory recoveries (86.8 % âˆ¼ 109.9 %). Especially, we applied this method to the detection of AAAOPs in meat samples and conducted a preliminarily study on its formation rules, which provides a reliable basis for assessing potential dietary risks.

Role of ultra-processed foods in modulating the effect of Mediterranean diet on human and planet health-study protocol of the PROMENADE randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet (MD), globally recognized for its sustainability and health benefits, traditionally emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods in raw or minimally processed forms. However, shifting lifestyles, even in Mediterranean regions, have led to an increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). Epidemiological evidence suggests that UPF consumption may be detrimental to human health, but there is only one clinical trial on this topic which is largely debated in the scientific community. This study aims to investigate the impact of the inclusion of UPF within a Mediterranean-based dietary pattern on cardiometabolic markers, gut microbiota, and other markers of human and planet health. METHODS: Fifty clinically healthy individuals showing overweight and presenting a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile will be recruited for a 7-month randomized, open, cross-over dietary trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a 3-month high-UPF MD (intervention group) or a low-UPF MD (control group), with a 1-month wash-out period. Both intervention diets will have identical food group compositions, with the intervention group consuming 5 servings/day of selected UPF items, and the control group consuming raw/minimally processed items from the same food group. Blood, urine, and fecal samples, alongside food/lifestyle diaries, will be collected from each participant before and after the dietary interventions. The primary endpoint will be the change in plasma LDL-cholesterol levels from baseline. Additional markers include blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, chemical parameters, glucose and lipid-related metabolic markers, incretins, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, fecal microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids. Finally, food waste production will be evaluated through specific validated food diaries. The study has been approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of Milan and the Tuscany Regional Ethics Committee of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) - Careggi, Florence. DISCUSSION: Results from the PROMENADE study will improve knowledge about the impact of UPF consumption on human and planet health and will contribute to the scientific debate on this topic. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06314932. Registered on March 13, 2024.

Carnes processadas: por que tributar?

Assim como o tabaco, as carnes processadas - salsichas, linguiças, mortadelas, dentre outras - causam câncer e não existe limite seguro de consumo. Assim, promover a taxação e política de preços tem potencial para reduzir o consumo dessas carnes processadas.

Phase angle is inversely related to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and positively related to the consumption of minimally processed foods by university students: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Ultra-processed foods (UPF) and minimally processed foods (MPF) consumption are differentially connected to adiposity and possibly body composition. Phase angle (PhA) originates from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and is connected to cellular health. This study is the first to investigate associations between UPF/MPF consumption and PhA. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Anthropometrical and BIA were performed. The Hellenic Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for physical activity evaluation, while a validated FFQ was used for dietary assessment. UPF and MPF intake (% energy) were determined according to the NOVA system. Partial correlation coefficients of PhA and dietary variables were assessed after multi-adjustment. PARTICIPANTS: Students were recruited (n 151, 114 women). SETTING: University. RESULTS: Median and interquartile range (IQR) of PhA were 5·5° (5·1-6·4°) in the total sample, 6·8° (6·1-7·3°) in men and 5·3° (5·1-5·9°) in women (P < 0·001). The median and IQR for UPF consumption was 13·7 (8·1-33·4) % in the total sample, 23·8 (8·1-70·5) % in men and 12·9 (8·1-27·5) % in women (P < 0·001). The mean (sd) of MPF consumption was 60·2 (sd 15·7) % for the total sample, 59·1 (sd 16·4) % for men and 60·5 (sd 15·6) % for women (P = 0·720). The consumption of UPF was negatively (rho = -0·267, P = 0·002), while the consumption of MPF was positively (rho = 0·218, P = 0·010) associated with the PhA, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI and physical activity. CONCLUSION: PhA relates inversely to UPF and positively to MPF consumption. The observed associations possibly reflect the effects of diet on cellular health and in turn PhA.

How can advocates leverage power to advance comprehensive regulation on ultra-processed foods? learning from advocate experience in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The use of corporate power to undermine public health policy processes is increasingly well understood; however, relatively little scholarship examines how advocates can leverage power to promote the successful adoption of public health policies. The objective of this paper is to explore how advocates leveraged three forms of power - structural, instrumental and discursive - to promote the passage of the Promotion of Healthy Eating Law (Ley 27,642) in Argentina, one of the most comprehensive policies to introduce mandatory front-of-package (FOP) warning labels and regulate the marketing and sales of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) adopted to date. METHODS: We conducted seventeen semi-structured interviews with advocates from different sectors, including civil society, international agencies, and government. Both data collection and analysis were guided by Milsom's conceptual framework for analyzing power in public health policymaking, and the data was analyzed using hybrid deductive and inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Advocates harnessed structural power through the leveraging of revolving doors, informal alliances, and formal coalitions, enabling them to convene discussion spaces with decision-makers, make strategic use of limited resources, and cultivate the diverse expertise (e.g., research, nutrition science, advocacy, law, political science, activism and communications) needed to support the law through different phases of the policy process. Advocates wielded instrumental power by amassing an armada of localized evidence to promote robust policy design, building technical literacy amongst themselves and decision-makers, and exposing conflicts of interest to harness public pressure. Advocates exercised discursive power by adopting a rights-based discourse, including of children and adolescents and of consumers to transparent information, which enabled advocates to foster a favorable perception of the law amongst both decision-makers and the public. Key contextual enablers include a political window of opportunity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ability to learn from the regional precedent of similar policies. CONCLUSIONS: Public health policymaking, particularly when encroaching upon corporate interests, is characterized by stark imbalances of power that hinder policy decisions. The strategies identified in the case of Argentina provide important insights as to how advocates might harness and exercise structural, instrumental, and discursive power to counter corporate influence and promote the successful adoption of comprehensive UPF regulation.

Mediterranean Diet and Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Older Australian Adults-Associations with Frailty and Cardiometabolic Conditions.

Dietary patterns contribute to overall health and diseases of ageing but are understudied in older adults. As such, we first aimed to develop dietary indices to quantify Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) utilisation and Ultra-processed Food (UPF) intake in a well-characterised cohort of relatively healthy community-dwelling older Australian adults. Second, we aimed to understand the relationship between these scores and the association of these scores with prevalent cardiometabolic disease and frailty. Our major findings are that in this population of older adults, (a) pre-frailty and frailty are associated with reduced MDS and increased UPF intake; (b) adherence to MDS eating patterns does not preclude relatively high intake of UPF (and vice versa); and (c) high utilisation of an MDS eating pattern does not prevent an increased risk of frailty with higher UPF intakes. As such, the Mediterranean Diet pattern should be encouraged in older adults to potentially reduce the risk of frailty, while the impact of UPF intake should be further explored given the convenience these foods provide to a population whose access to unprocessed food may be limited due to socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle factors.

Development of a Nutrient Profiling Model for Processed Foods in Japan.

Numerous nutrient profiling models (NPMs) exist worldwide, but Japan lacks an official NPM. Using the Australian and New Zealand Health Star Rating (HSR) as a reference, "Processed Foods in Japan version 1.0" (NPM-PFJ (1.0)) was developed to fit Japanese food culture and policies. In total, 668 processed foods from the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan were analyzed, excluding seasonings/spices, fats/oils, alcoholic beverages, and infant food. The NPM-PFJ (1.0) scoring algorithm was adapted from HSR, with revised reference values for energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, and dietary fiber in alignment with Japanese standards. Reference values for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (fvnl) remained unchanged. Median scores were 4.5 for HSR and 5.0 for NPM-PFJ (1.0), showing high correlation (r = 0.939, p < 0.01). Thereafter, food categories familiar and meaningful in Japan were defined based on a hierarchical cluster analysis of scoring patterns, creating six categories with distinct characteristics. Finally, the rating algorithm for NPM-PFJ (1.0) was created using each group's score distribution (10th percentile). The NPM-PFJ (1.0) was developed through a fully transparent and evidence-based process and is expected to facilitate the reformulation of food products by food industries and help consumers easily access healthier processed foods. This model marks a significant step forward in developing an NPM tailored to Japanese food culture and health policies, with the potential to enhance public health.

Patterns of ultra-processed foods consumption throughout childhood and trajectories of growth and adiposity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption has been associated with unhealthy outcomes. However, the literature lacks robust longitudinal studies considering its cumulative effect, particularly in young populations. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between UPF consumption patterns throughout childhood with growth and adiposity trajectories. METHODS: Generation XXI population-based birth cohort (Porto, Portugal) participants were included. Food frequency questionnaire items at 4, 7 and 10 years were classified according to the processing degree using NOVA. UPF consumption patterns based on total quantity were identified using a probabilistic Gaussian mixture model using participants with complete data and predicting for the total sample (n = 8647). To assess whether the outcome trajectories from 4 to 13 years [body weight (kg), height (cm), body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist circumference (WC) (cm) and fat mass (FM) (%)] depend on UPF patterns, a mixed-effects model with linear and quadratic terms for age adjusted for confounders was used. Participants with at least 2 measurements at 4, 7, 10 or 13 years were included in this study (n range: 5885-6272). RESULTS: Four UPF consumption patterns were identified: constantly lower consumption (15.4%), constantly intermediate consumption (56.4%), transition from low to high consumption (11.2%), and constantly higher consumption (17.1%). Compared to the constantly lower UPF consumption, the constantly higher consumption pattern was associated with greater acceleration in body weight (ß: 0.119; 95%CI: 0.027; 0.212), BMI z-score (ß: 0.014; 95%CI: 0.004; 0.023), WC (ß: 0.232; 95%CI: 0.144; 0.319) and FM% (ß: 0.200; 95%CI: 0.092; 0.308) and with lower acceleration in height (ß: -0.063; 95%CI: -0.111;-0.015). The constantly intermediate UPF consumption pattern was associated with greater acceleration in body weight (ß: 0.123; 95%CI: 0.043; 0.203), WC (ß: 0.120; 95%CI: 0.045; 0.195) and FM% (ß: 0.146; 95%CI: 0.054; 0.238). CONCLUSION: Constantly higher and constantly intermediate UPF consumption throughout childhood were associated with worse growth and adiposity trajectories until adolescence.

Socio-demographic correlates of ultra-processed food consumption in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPF) across a range of socio-demographic characteristics of Canadians. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. The national-level 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition provided data on all foods and drinks consumed on the previous day via a 24-hour dietary recall. All food items were classified according to the type of industrial processing using the NOVA system. Multivariable linear regression models examined associations between a range of socio-demographic characteristics and the mean energy contribution (% of total daily energy intake) from total UPF and UPF subgroups. SETTING: The ten Canadian provinces. PARTICIPANTS: Canadians aged 2 or older (n 20 103). RESULTS: UPF contributed, on average, nearly half (44·9 %) of total daily energy intake of Canadians. Children aged 6-12 and adolescents aged 13-18 consumed over half of total daily energy from UPF (adjusted means of 51·9 % and 50·7 %, respectively). Recent and long-term immigrants consumed a significantly lower share of energy from UPF (adjusted means of 42·2 % and 45·1 %, respectively) compared with non-immigrants (54·4 %), as did the food secure (42·8 %) v. those in moderately (48·1 %) or severely food-insecure households (50·8 %). More modest differences were observed for intake of total UPF and UPF subgroups by sex, education, income adequacy and region of residence. CONCLUSION: Levels of UPF consumption in 2015 in Canada were pervasive in all socio-demographic groups and highest among children and adolescents, non-immigrants and those living in food-insecure households. These findings can inform public health interventions to reduce UPF consumption and promote healthier diets in various socio-demographic groups.

Ultra-processed foods, allergy outcomes and underlying mechanisms in children: An EAACI task force report.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of ultra-processed foods [UPFs] may be associated with negative health outcomes. Limited data exist regarding the potential role of UPFs in the occurrence of allergic diseases. The underlying mechanisms underpinning any such associations are also poorly elucidated. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and narrative evidence synthesis of the available literature to assess associations between UPF consumption and pediatric allergy outcomes (n = 26 papers), including data on the association seen with the gut microbiome (n = 16 papers) or immune system (n = 3 papers) structure and function following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Dietary exposure to fructose, carbonated soft drinks, and sugar intake was associated with an increased risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies in children. Commercial baby food intake was associated with childhood food allergy. Childhood intake of fructose, fruit juices, sugar-sweetened beverages, high carbohydrate UPFs, monosodium glutamate, UPFs, and advanced glycated end-products (AGEs) was associated with the occurrence of allergic diseases. Exposure to UPFs and common ingredients in UPFs seem to be associated with increased occurrence of allergic diseases such as asthma, wheezing, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, in many, but not all studies. CONCLUSION: More preclinical and clinical studies are required to better define the link between UPF consumption and the risk of allergies and asthma. These observational studies ideally require supporting data with clearly defined UPF consumption, validated dietary measures, and mechanistic assessments to definitively link UPFs with the risk of allergies and asthma.

Inadequate intakes of fatty acids attributed to the ultra-processed foods consumed by Portuguese population: The upper project.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Population-based studies suggest an inverse relationship between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods (UPF), as defined by NOVA classification, and the overall dietary nutritional quality. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of ultra-processed foods on the fatty acid profile of the diet. The aim of this study was to assess the association between consumption of UPF and the fatty acids profile of the diet in Portugal. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional data from IAN-AF 2015-2016 were used for this study. Food consumption data were collected through two 24-h food recalls, and food items were classified according to the NOVA system. For both adults and elderly, the contents of total fatty acids (TFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty (TRFA) were higher in the fraction of UPF, compared to the other three NOVA groups, while [monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)+, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/SFA] ratio was lower. The UPF population attributable fraction (PAF) demonstrated that if the dietary contribution of UPF was reduced to levels observed in the first quintile, statistically significant reductions in the prevalence of inadequate intakes of fatty acids would be observed for adults [TRFA (PAF 98.37%, 95% CI 87.27-99.79) and SFA (PAF 37.26%, 95% CI 25.46-47.19)] and for elderly [TRFA (PAF 94.61%, 95% CI 77.59-98.71) and PUFA (PAF 98.28, 95% CI 48.22-99.94)]. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the consumption of UPF was associated with a worse fatty acids profile in the Portuguese diet, adding evidence regarding the negative impact of UPF on diet quality.

Mapping ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in India: a formative research study.

BACKGROUND: Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) which have additives such as artificial colours, flavours and are usually high in salt, sugar, fats and specific preservatives, are associated with diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In India, there are no standard criteria for identifying UPFs using a classification system based on extent and purpose of industrial processing. Scientific literature on dietary intake of foods among Indian consumers classifies foods as unhealthy based on presence of excessive amounts of specific nutrients which makes it difficult to distinguish UPFs from other commercially available processed foods. METHODS: A literature review followed by an online grocery retailer scan for food label reading was conducted to map the types of UPFs in Indian food market and scrutinize their ingredient list for the presence of ultra-processed ingredients. All UPFs identified were randomly listed and then grouped into categories, followed by saliency analysis to understand preferred UPFs by consumers. Indian UPF categories were then finalized to inform a UPF screener. RESULTS: A lack of application of a uniform definition for UPFs in India was observed; hence descriptors such as junk-foods, fast-foods, ready-to-eat foods, instant-foods, processed-foods, packaged-foods, high-fat-sugar-and-salt foods were used for denoting UPFs. After initial scanning of such foods reported in literature based on standard definition of UPFs, an online grocery retailer scan of food labels for 375 brands (atleast 3 brands for each food item) confirmed 81 food items as UPFs. A range of packaged traditional recipes were also found to have UPF ingredients. Twenty three categories of UPFs were then developed and subjected to saliency analysis. Breads, chips and sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g. sodas and cold-drinks) were the most preferred UPFs while frozen ready-to-eat/cook foods (e.g. chicken nuggets and frozen kebabs) were least preferred. CONCLUSION: India needs to systematically apply a food classification system and define Indian food categories based on the level of industrial processing. Mapping of UPFs is the first step towards development of a quick screener that would generate UPF consumption data to inform clear policy guidelines and regulations around UPFs and address their impact on NCDs.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and the incidence of hypertension: a cohort study.

The incidence of hypertension (HTN) and consumption of ultra-processed foods are increasing worldwide. However, only a limited amount of research has assessed the causality between ultra-processed foods and the risk of HTN. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the association between ultra-processed foods and the risk of HTN in a prospective cohort study. In the present study, we included 2399 individuals, aged approximately 19 years, who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The participants had complete dietary data and were free from HTN at baseline. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to determine the association between ultra-processed food intake and the risk of HTN occurrence, reporting the results as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The mean age of participants was 37.6 years, and we followed them up for an average of 9.21 years. Our results indicated that participants in the highest tertile of ultra-processed foods had a 48% higher risk of HTN development (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.79) than those in the lowest tertile. We found a significant association between age and ultra-processed food intake in relation to the risk of HTN. The HR for developing HTN in participants aged <47 years was 1.99 (95% CI: 1.53, 2.58) and in participants aged ≥47 years was 1.26 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.68). Among the ultra-processed food components, consumption of industrial fat products had a positive correlation with the risk of HTN (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.06). Our results suggest that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased incidence of HTN in adults. This association varied by age and was significant for adults younger than 47 years.

Assessment of Biochemical, Inflammatory Biomarkers and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as dietary intake in Brazilian children diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and compared them with their counterparts without SIBO. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 106 children aged 7 to 10 years. A glucose-hydrogen breath test was performed to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Anthropometric and dietary characteristics were assessed. Blood samples were collected and serum biochemical parameters and cytokines were measured. RESULTS: The occurrence of SIBO was 13.2%. Age, BMI, BMI/age WC, BFP, sex and biochemical markers were similar between SIBO-positive and SIBO-negative children (p > 0.05). High consumption of ultra-processed foods tended to be higher in SIBO-positive compared to SIBO-negative children (47.8 ± 8.2 vs. 42.6 ± 9.5, p = 0.06). Serum levels of IL-17 were higher in SIBO-positive than in SIBO-negative children [69.5 (5.4-125.7) vs. 53.4 (2.3-157.7), p = 0.03], while serum levels of IL-10 were lower in SIBO-positive than in SIBO-negative children [2.3 (0.6-7.2) vs. 5.7 (0.5-30.8), p = 0.04]. Finally, in a logistic regression adjusted for sex, BMI and age, consumption of ultra-processed foods (p = 0.03) and IL-6 levels (p = 0.003) were found to contribute to the occurrence of SIBO. CONCLUSION: this study identified for the first time an occurrence of 13% of SIBO in children living in the northeastern region of Brazil and showed that consumption of ultra-processed foods and serum levels of IL-6 may influence the occurrence of the SIBO in the pediatrics population.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Screening Questionnaire of Highly Processed Food Consumption (sQ-HPF).

The global consumption of highly (ultra) processed foods (HPFs) is increasing, and it is associated with non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Screening Questionnaire of Highly Processed Food Consumption (sQ-HPF). This study included 94 adults. Sociodemographic data were collected, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed. The sQ-HPF was translated into Turkish and culturally adapted. Dietary intake was assessed using three-day dietary records. Factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were used to evaluate the validity and consistency of the sQ-HPF. Test-retest reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Three items from the original sQ-HPF were excluded due to low factor loadings. The Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) coefficient for the measure of sample adequacy was found to be 0.642 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was found to be significant (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the sQ-HPF score and HPF consumption derived from the 3-day dietary records (p < 0.05). Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.65. Individuals with higher sQ-HPF scores consumed a significantly greater percentage of energy from HPFs (kcal/day) (p < 0.001). The sQ-HPF demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.76). The Turkish version of the sQ-HPF is a valid and reliable tool for assessing HPF consumption patterns and can be used in epidemiological and clinical studies.