Medical Bulletin 06/November/2025

Ultra-processed foods, defined by the NOVA system, include ready meals, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks rich in preservatives and additives. Their consumption has surged globally, paralleling rises in obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health issues. Beyond poor nutrition, UPFs may disrupt health via altered food structures and contaminants. Epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, which regulate gene activity without altering DNA sequence, may mediate these effects.

This exploratory cross-sectional study included 30 women aged 20–40 years, with BMIs 18.5–39.9 kg/m², excluding those with metabolic or chronic illnesses. Dietary intake was assessed by three-day food records, classifying foods by NOVA criteria to estimate UPF energy contribution. Participants were divided into tertiles of UPF consumption, with epigenetic analysis comparing the lowest and highest groups. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling was conducted using next-generation sequencing following bisulfite conversion. Statistical analysis identified DMRs and correlations between methylation patterns and UPF intake.

The low-UPF group consumed 14% of energy from UPFs, while the high-UPF group consumed 45%. Fifteen high-quality DNA samples were analyzed. The groups showed no differences in body composition. Surprisingly, the low-UPF group had higher LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels. Genome-wide methylation profiling revealed 80 DMRs, predominantly hypomethylated in high-UPF consumers. Seven key DMRs with over fourfold differences involved genes linked to metabolism and cancer pathways.

While limited by small sample size and cross-sectional design, this study demonstrates a potential epigenetic link between UPF intake and health, supporting future research into how diet influences disease risk through gene regulation changes.

REFERENCE: Rodrigues, A.E., Fernandes, A.E., Carrasco, A.G.M., Pellenz, F.M., Lopes da Rosa, P.W., da Silva Hourneaux de Moura, A.M., Galvão de Oliveira Santin, F., Cercato, C., de Melo, M.E., Mancini, M.C. (2025). Nutrients 17(21), 3465. DOI: 10.3390/nu17213465, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/21/3465

New research links common melatonin use to unexpected heart risks

Scientists have uncovered troubling associations between the long-term use of melatonin supplements and increased risks of heart failure and mortality. A large-scale review analyzing health records of over 130,000 adults with chronic insomnia, presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025, revealed that those using melatonin for a year or more faced significantly higher chances of developing heart failure, hospitalization, and death compared to non-users—a finding that challenges the common perception of melatonin as a harmless sleep aid.

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, is widely consumed as an over-the-counter supplement for sleep disturbances and jet lag. Despite its natural origins, the study presented at the American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions raises urgent safety concerns about prolonged usage, emphasizing the need for caution and further research.

Researchers utilized the TriNetX Global Research Network, an international database of de-identified medical records, to identify adults diagnosed with chronic insomnia who had documented melatonin use exceeding 12 months. The melatonin group was matched by age and health status with a similar group of insomnia patients who never recorded melatonin use and excluded those with prior heart failure or other sleep medications. Incidence of heart failure, hospitalizations, and mortality over five years were compared between groups.

Adults using melatonin long-term had approximately a 90% higher risk of new heart failure diagnoses (4.6% vs. 2.7%) and were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure than non-users. Furthermore, mortality risk was almost doubled in melatonin users over the study period. Although causality cannot be established, these alarming correlations warrant critical reevaluation of melatonin’s safety profile in chronic enthusiasts.

Experts advise that melatonin is intended as a short-term remedy and encourage users to seek medical guidance for persistent insomnia and underlying health risks. These findings underscore the importance of tailored sleep therapies and comprehensive cardiovascular monitoring in patients reliant on melatonin supplements.

REFERENCE: American Heart Association. "Think melatonin is safe? New research reveals a hidden heart risk." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 November 2025. .