Researchers have identified a ‘potential mechanism’ underlying the negative health effects of ultra processed food (UPFs).
The team found a link between UPF consumption and changes to DNA methylation, a modification that can alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
In most cases, this manifested as reduced DNA methylation activity. As this process plays a key role in a number of biological functions, it could suggest a link between eating more UPF and adverse health outcomes.
- Eating ultra processed food could cause changes to the brain which could drive overeating
- Ultra processed foods linked to more fat gain even with the same calories
- Eating minimally processed foods helps people lose twice the amount of weight compared to ultra processed foods
The widely used NOVA system classifies UPFs as foods which are highly processed and containing preservatives, flavourings, colourings, and additives.
These can include soft drinks, ready meals and packaged snacks such as crisps and biscuits.
Eating a high volume of UPFs has been associated with weight gain, cardiovascular issues and metabolic disorders.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo in Brazil examined how consumption of UPFs affects epigenetic regulation, particularly in peripheral blood leukocytes of women, through DNA methylation.
Their pilot study pilot study involved 30 women between the ages of 20 and 40, with a body mass index (BMI) of between 18.5 and 39.9.
UPF consumption was measured using three-day food records and were classified using the NOVA system, with the low-UPF group consuming an average of 14% of total energy from UPFs and the high-UPF group consuming 45%.
DNA was taken from participants’ peripheral blood leukocytes.
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The results showed 80 regions with differential methylation in women who consumed the most UPFs. Crucially, a number of the most affected genes play a part in metabolic regulation and cancer-related pathways.
The authors concluded: “High UPF consumption was associated with altered DNA methylation patterns, suggesting a potential epigenetic mechanism underlying the negative health effects of UPFs. This pilot study provides a model for future research with larger samples.”
Read more in Nutrients.
