The review pooled 51 prospective cohort studies of 8,819,894 adults whose ultra-processed food intake was measured by food frequency questionnaires, 24-hour recalls or dietary history, against seven chronic disease outcomes and death. Highest against lowest intake was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10-1.26), cardiovascular events (HR 1.24), overweight or obesity (HR 1.23) and metabolic syndrome or diabetes (HR 1.24). Each additional 100 g a day was associated with 3% higher all-cause mortality (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05), and the authors grade the evidence no better than moderate certainty.
Why it is interesting: It puts a figure on the association per 100 g a day across the largest cohort base yet assembled, while its own authors decline to call the evidence strong.