News released at the start of the year that shows hospital admissions due to lack of vitamins are on the rise! Hospital admission for iron deficiency has increased 10-fold, and folate or other B vitamin deficiency is four times higher than 25 years ago.
What we eat really matters, yet data shows on average 57% or our diets are made up of ultra processed foods (UPFs). 1 The current food environment is becoming more difficult to navigate. Lack of education, financial reasons, or convenience has led to an increase in ultra processed foods (UPFs). UPFs have been found to be high in free sugars, unhealthy fats, while generally being low in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. 2 As UPFs are often lower cost and effort, they are a popular choice, but the trade-off is foods that are high in calories and offer little nutritional value. 3 The increased availability of UFPs in the UK has a significant association with increased obesity and other diet-related non-communicable diseases. 4 This has led to the dual burden of malnutrition and obesity. Significant health risks have sprung from this including:
· immune dysfunction,
· delayed wound healing,
· metabolic disturbances,
· micronutrient deficiencies. 5
Across European countries, multiple studies have found that increased UPF intake is associated with lower diet quality in all age groups from children, adolescents, adults, and elderly populations. 6, 7 A multicentre, prospective cohort study found that high ultra processed food intake has been linked with increased risk of cognitive decline in middle aged adults compared to those have lower ultra processed food intake. 8 Furthermore, a different study reported that high intake of ultra processed food has been linked poor sleep and reduced sleep in all ages. 9 An umbrella analysis included 39 meta-analyses, which totalled at 122 unique randomised controlled trials found that UPFs are associated with increased risk of variety of chronic diseases, and mental health disorders. Every study included in this umbrella analysis only reporting negative health outcomes with not a single study reporting positive health outcomes. 10
While not all ultra processed foods are nutritionally empty, a large amount of them can be and many people are actually malnourished because they are not getting the essential vitamins and minerals need to function optimally. While a food first approach is always recommended by healthcare practitioners, this may not be achievable for a multitude of reasons. Supplements may be part of a solution. A pure, and effective supplement with therapeutic doses of vitamins and minerals can help us reach our bodies nutritional needs to function properly and avoid deficiencies. Choosing to take supplements can help but beware, many supplements are ultra processed with binders, fillers, preservatives, emulsifiers, colourings, flavourings so choose wisely. Read our No Junk Report to find out more.
For more information, visit your local health food store for dietary, supplement and lifestyle advice. Find your local health store at www.findahealthstore.com.
Author: Will Jordan, BSc (Hons) MSc, is a Nutrition Advisor at Viridian Nutrition. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Nutrition, BSc in Food and Nutrition.
References:
1 Henney AE, Gillespie CS, Alam U, Hydes TJ, Boyland E, & Cuthbertson DJ. Ultra-processed food and non-communicable diseases in the United Kingdom: A narrative review and thematic synthesis of literature. Obesity Reviews. 2024; 25 (4) e13682
2 Martini D, Godos J, Bonaccio M, Vitaglione P, & Grosso G. Ultra-Processed Foods and Nutritional Dietary Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Nationally Representative Samples. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (10) 3390
3 Gupta S, Hawk T, Aggarwal A, & Drewnowski A. Characterising Ultra-Processed Foods by Energy Density, Nutrient Density, and Cost. Frontiers In Nutrition. 2019; 6; 70
4 Monteiro CA, Moubarac JC, Levy RB, Canella DS, Laura da Costa Louzada M, & Cannon G. Household availability of ultra-processed foods and obesity in nineteen European countries. Public Health Nutrition. 2018; 21 (1) 18-26
5 Cristancho C, Mogensen KM, & Robinson MK. Malnutrition in patients with obesity: An overview perspective. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2024; 39 (6) 1300-1316
6 Vandevijvere S, De Ridder K, Fiolet T, Bel S, & Tafforeau J. Consumption of ultra-processed food products and diet quality among children, adolescents, and adults in Belgium. European Journal of Nutrition. 2018; 58, 3267-3278
7 Goncalves NG, Ferreira NV, Khandpur N, Steele EM, Levy RB, Lotufo PA, Bensenor IM, Caramelli P, Alvim de Matos SM, Marchioni DM, & Suemoto CK. Association Between Consumption of Ultraprocessed Goods and Cognitive Decline. JAMA Neurology. 2023; 80 (2) 142-150
8 Antoniazzi L, Costa de Miranda R, Rauber F, Miranda de Moraes M, Afonso C, Santos C, Lopes C, Rodrigues S, & Bertazzi R. Ultra-processed food consumption deteriorated the profile of micronutrients consumed by Portuguese adults and elderly: the UPPER project. European Journal of Nutrition. 2022; 62, 1131-1141
9 Delpino FM, Figueiredo LM, Flores TR, Silveira EA, Silva dos Santos F, Werneck AO, Laura da Costa Louzada M, Arcencio RA, & Nunes BP. Intake of ultra-processed foods and sleep-related outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition. 2023; 106, 111908
10 Dai S, Wellens J, Yang N, Li D, Wang J, Wang L, Yuan S, He Y, Song P, Munger R, Kent MP, MacFarlane AJ, Mullie P, Duthie S, Little J, Theodoratou E, & Li X. Ultra-processed foods and human health: An umbrella review and updated meta-analysises of observational evidence. Clinical Nutrition. 2024; 43 (6) 1386-1394
The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.
Cinnamon named Viridian Ingredient of the Year 2025
Ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition is pleased t...
Read More
Feeling festive? How to help your digestive health over the festive period
Indulgent food is often at the centre of celebrations ove...
Read More
