Measuring ultra-processed food intake

Researchers may have uncovered novel biomarkers to measure ultra-processed food intake.

In a study published in PLOS Medicine, the researchers developed poly-metabolite scores designed to help distinguish low from high ultra-processed food consumption. To assess the scores, they collected serum and urine samples as well as dietary data from 718 adults aged 50 to 74 years.

The researchers identified nearly 500 metabolites that were predictive of ultra-processed food intake, including N6-carboxymethyllysine — which was positively correlated with ultra-processed food consumption. After validating their poly-metabolite scores in a group of 20 participants who followed either a low or high ultra-processed food diet, they confirmed the accuracy of the new measure.

The researchers hope their poly-metabolite scores can advance epidemiologic research on the relationship between ultra-processed foods and markers of health.

Read more: PLOS Medicine

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