Little-known dangerous effects of ultra-processed foods on children

Children like to consume ultra-processed foods such as soft drinks, ice cream, fast food. but these foods have long-term negative effects on their health.

A new study suggests that the 'ultra-processed' foods (convenience products, fast food) that children are eating may be putting them at risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks. , stroke and diabetes later in life.

Stuart Berger, a pediatric cardiologist and chief of the Division of Cardiology at the American Academy of Pediatrics, said: 'One of the most important things we need to understand is the types of diseases that come from activities. done when we are children but has consequences when we become adults.

The study, just published on the science news website JAMA Network Open, analyzed data collected on more than 1,400 children, ranging in age from 3 to 6 years old. The children were recruited from schools in seven city ​​in Spain. According to the study, the children's caregivers met in person with the research team and completed demographic questionnaires about their physical activity and food intake at home over three years. (from 2019 to 2022).

 American children in particular, and Americans in general, consume a lot of ultra-processed foods. (Source: CNN).

The scientists divided the data into three groups based on how much processed food the children consumed. Research shows that the group of children who consume the most ultra-processed foods are more likely to have high risk factors such as high body mass index, high blood pressure and larger waist circumference than their peers.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), ultra-processed foods are foods that contain ingredients that are not used or are rarely used in the kitchen . This can also be a food with additives that function to make the final product more delicious or attractive.

Those ingredients and additives are often found in soft drinks, potato chips, soup packets in instant noodles or ice cream. They may contain preservatives to protect against mold or bacteria, artificial colors, emulsifiers to prevent separation, or simply specific sugars, salts and fats to make the food more appealing.

Compared to the world average, Americans consume a lot of ultra-processed foods. In a study published in early May of this year, scientists found that even Americans who ate the least ultra-processed foods consumed an average of three servings a day. The largest group consumed up to 7 servings a day.

Dr. Berger said many studies have shown negative effects from ultra-processed foods on the health of adults. But the latest research is the first to show their long-term impact on people, from childhood to adulthood.

Berger added that the new study was largely observational , meaning that while the researchers were able to determine a relationship between the amount of ultra-processed foods the children consumed and their health, them, they cannot draw firm conclusions about the relationship.

But importantly, the study reminds us to pay attention to managing the amount of ultra-processed foods children consume, because it can affect children later in life.

Berger points out that changing children's diets away from ultra-processed foods and toward more natural foods is easier to do when children are young.

The problem is that avoiding ultra-processed foods isn't easy for everyone. Research shows that children who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods are often born to relatively young mothers, who are themselves overweight, have low levels of education, and have low employment status. low.

Additionally, in places where access to fresh food is difficult, ultra-processed foods become a much easier and cheaper option. Ultra-processed foods are extremely convenient, making people want to eat them. Additionally, because ultra-processed foods are filled with chemicals, flavorings, spices, salt, sugar, and whatever else makes them appealing, they also have the potential to be "addictive" to consumers.

Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiovascular disease specialist at National Jewish Medical Center in Denver, emphasizes that feeding children ultra-processed foods without providing fresh fruits and vegetables will cause them many problems. problem when you are an adult.

Dr. Berger also said that supplementing nutritious foods and increasing physical activity are two very important factors for children. 'If you can do something early on to create a healthy lifestyle, there is a high chance you will eliminate all metabolic diseases that appear later in life such as diabetes, obesity, complications related to diabetes or obesity' , Berger said.