Ultraprocessed Food Consumption Linked to Increased Asthma Risk Among Children: Study

A child's lunchbox may be shaping more than eating habits-it could also influence future lung health. New research, published in the journal Allergy, suggests that children who get a large share of their calories from ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) may face a much higher risk of developing asthma during early childhood.

Researchers analyzed data from 691 children participating in the SENDO cohort study, with an average age of nearly five years at the start of the research. Using detailed food questionnaires, scientists measured how much of each child’s daily energy intake came from ultraprocessed foods, including packaged snacks, sugary cereals, processed meats, soft drinks, and ready-to-eat meals. The children were then followed for an average of 3.4 years to track the development of asthma and other allergic conditions.

The findings revealed a striking pattern. Children who consumed 30% or more of their total calories from ultraprocessed foods had nearly four times the risk of developing asthma compared with children whose UPF intake stayed below 30% of total energy consumption.

Asthma rates also rose steadily across increasing levels of UPF intake. Only 2.6% of children in the lowest consumption group developed asthma, compared with 9.9% in the middle intake group and 7.6% in the highest intake group.

Interestingly, the researchers did not find significant links between ultraprocessed food intake and other allergic conditions such as eczema, food allergies, allergic asthma, or atopy. The effect appeared to be particularly connected to asthma risk.

Scientists believe several biological mechanisms could explain the association. Ultraprocessed foods are often high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, additives, and artificial ingredients while lacking fiber and protective nutrients. Previous research suggests these foods may increase inflammation, alter immune system development, and negatively affect the gut microbiome—all factors that could influence respiratory health in children.

The researchers emphasized that diet is a potentially modifiable risk factor. While more studies are needed to confirm the findings, the study adds to growing concerns that heavily processed diets during childhood may have long-term effects extending far beyond weight and metabolism.

REFERENCE: O.Galindo, M. J.Goikoetxea, L.Moreno-Galarraga, et al., “Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Childhood Allergic Diseases: Increased Risk of Asthma Onset in the SENDO Project,” Allergy (2026): 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1111/all.70378.