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The Influence of Ultra-Processed Foods on Inflammation and Metabolic Health in Pediatric Obesity: A Systematic Review

Debora Porri1, Malgorzata Wasniewska1, Alessandra Li Pomi1

  • 1Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.

Nutrients
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is linked to inflammation and metabolic issues in children. While direct UPF evidence is limited, indirect data strongly suggests pro-inflammatory diets negatively impact pediatric health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition Science
  • Metabolic Health Research
  • Inflammation Biomarker Analysis

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is rising alongside ultra-processed food (UPF) intake.
  • UPF-rich diets may cause systemic inflammation and early metabolic dysfunction in youth.
  • Understanding this link is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the association between UPF consumption and inflammation markers.
  • To evaluate the relationship between UPF intake and metabolic health indicators in children and adolescents.
  • To synthesize current evidence on UPF's impact on pediatric health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search on PubMed following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Inclusion of observational and interventional studies on UPF intake or dietary inflammatory potential in individuals ≤18 years.
  • Analysis of inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., CRP, ILs, TNF-α) and metabolic parameters (e.g., insulin resistance, lipid profile).

Main Results:

  • Limited direct studies using NOVA classification for UPF consumption.
  • Potential association found between higher UPF intake and adverse metabolic outcomes.
  • Indirect evidence consistently links pro-inflammatory diets to inflammation and metabolic dysregulation in pediatric populations.

Conclusions:

  • A plausible relationship exists between UPF-rich diets, inflammation, and metabolic health in children and adolescents.
  • Direct evidence on UPF consumption is still limited, necessitating further research.
  • Improved standardization of dietary assessment methods and clarification of causality are needed.

Keywords:
adolescentschildrendietinflammationmetabolic healthpediatric obesityultra-processed foods

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