A recent prospective analysis published in the journal Nutrients has found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in early childhood may significantly increase the risk of developing asthma. The study, which followed over 1,400 children from birth to age 7, used data from the Generation XXI birth cohort in Portugal.
Researchers assessed dietary intake at ages 4 and 7 using food frequency questionnaires and classified foods by the NOVA system. They found that children in the highest quartile of UPF consumption had a 24% higher risk of asthma compared to those in the lowest quartile. The association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders like maternal education, smoking, and body mass index.
Ultra-processed foods include items like sugary snacks, sodas, packaged breads, and ready-to-eat meals. These foods often contain additives, preservatives, and emulsifiers that may affect the immune system and gut microbiome, potentially contributing to asthma development.
The findings add to growing concerns about the long-term health impact of highly processed diets in children. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood, affecting about 6 million children in the United States alone, according to the CDC.
Experts recommend limiting UPF intake in early childhood and promoting whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce asthma risk. Further research is needed to confirm the causal link and understand the underlying mechanisms.
