Consuming a high amount of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) could be linked to an increased risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract cancers, including cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus according to a comprehensive study led researchers from the University of Bristol and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The study analyzing diet and lifestyle data of a cohort of 450,111 adults over approximately 14 years found that the conventional belief that obesity associated with the consumption of UPFs solely contributed to the risk of cancer. This study suggests that there may be additional factors at play.
Previous research has already established a link between UPF consumption and cancer, and in light of this mounting evidence, researchers from the Bristol Medical School and IARC aimed to delve deeper into the connection. Contrary to the belief that an increase in body fat may be the sole reason for the association between UPFs and cancer, their findings indicated that other mechanisms may be involved. These mechanisms could include additives, artificial sweeteners, and contaminants from food packaging and manufacturing processes.
The study acknowledges the possibility of biases in the findings. Dr. Helen Croker, Assistant Director of Research and Policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, noted that the association between a higher consumption of UPFs and an increased risk of developing these cancers supports their Cancer Prevention Recommendations to eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and beans.
Lead author Fernanda Morales-Berstein emphasized that while UPFs have been linked to excess weight and increased body fat in several observational studies, the study’s findings suggest that the link between eating UPFs and upper-aerodigestive tract cancer was not significantly explained body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio.
Published in the European Journal of Nutrition, this study suggests the need for further research to explore the connections between UPF consumption and upper-aerodigestive tract cancers.