Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Microbiome Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are prevalent in Western diets and linked to non-communicable diseases.
• UPFs are hypothesized to influence health by altering the gut microbiome.
• Existing studies suggest a correlation between UPF consumption and negative health consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of UPFs on the gut microbiome.
• To examine the use and impact of the NOVA food classification system in UPF research.
• To identify future research directions for understanding UPF health impacts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on UPFs and the gut microbiome.
• Analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies using the NOVA classification.
• Synthesis of current research findings and identification of research gaps.

Main Results:

• UPF consumption is frequently associated with detrimental health outcomes.
• Methodological variations exist across studies, yet consistent negative associations are reported.
• Challenges remain in standardizing the UPF classification system for research.

Conclusions:

• UPFs pose risks to human health, potentially mediated by gut microbiome alterations.
• Standardization of UPF classification is crucial for consistent research findings.
• Further investigation into UPF mechanisms, including microbiome and metabolome interactions, is essential.