Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children Living in Northeastern Brazil

To analyze the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and cardiometabolic, biochemical, and inflammatory risk factors in children in a metropolis in Northeast Brazil.

A cross-sectional study using baseline data from a community-based controlled trial was carried out with 151 children from public schools in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil aged 7 to 10 years. Dietary consumption was assessed using 24 h food recall, and UPF consumption was estimated using the NOVA classification system. Anthropometry (BMI for age), blood pressure, biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, GGT, cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, creatinine, urea, hs-CRP), and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17a, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) were also assessed.

Children in the third tertile (highest UPF consumption) had higher serum concentrations of LDL-c (p-value = 0.04) and ALT (p-value = 0.01), with a trend towards higher AST (p-value = 0.06). Total energy (p-value = 0.01), trans fatty acid (p-value = 0.02), and sodium (p-value = 0.04) intakes were higher in the highest tertile, whereas protein (p-value < 0.01) and fiber (p-value < 0.01) intakes were lower. Concentrations of IL-17A (p-value = 0.01) and IL-10 (p-value = 0.04) were significantly higher in the second tertile. Multiple linear regression showed that UPF consumption was significantly associated with increased LDL-c, ALT, and AST concentrations.

High intake of UPFs was associated with dyslipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, and inflammatory changes in children. Dietary interventions are needed to reduce UPF consumption and prevent cardiometabolic and liver disease in childhood.