Daily 100g Increase in Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to 14 Percent Higher Heart Risk: Study

Each additional 100 grams of ultra-processed food consumed daily was associated with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events, according to a large review published in Family Medicine and Community Health.

Ultra-processed foods contain high amounts of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats while providing less fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Researchers, including scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, analysed 51 studies involving more than 8.8 million participants from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Participants were followed for periods ranging from two to 32 years.

Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 24% greater risk of cardiovascular events, 12% higher cancer risk and 23% higher risk of overweight or obesity.

The researchers also found associations with several other health conditions. Higher ultra-processed food intake was linked to a 24% greater risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes, 27% higher risk of depression and anxiety, 31% higher risk of digestive diseases and 11% higher risk of high blood pressure. The risk of death from any cause was also 18% higher.

Dose-response analysis showed that every additional 100 grams of ultra-processed foods per day was associated with an 11% higher risk of high blood pressure, 4% higher cancer risk and 3% higher risk of death from any cause.

The study also found that every 10% increase in the proportion of total energy coming from ultra-processed foods was associated with a 16% higher risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

Researchers said possible explanations include changes to the gut microbiome, inflammation and insulin resistance. Some compounds formed during food processing may also contribute to health risks.

However, the review was largely based on observational studies, so it cannot prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause these conditions. The researchers said replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed alternatives may help support chronic disease prevention.

REFERENCE: Liu, X., et al. (2026). Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of multiple chronic diseases among 8,819,894 adults from 51 prospective cohorts: a dose-response meta-analysis. Family Medicine and Community Health. DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2026-003925.