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Ultraprocessed Food Intake, Cognition, and Executive Function in Adults: A Systematic Review
Marina Wöbbeking-Sánchez1, María Elena Chávez-Hernández2, Lizbeth De La Torre3
1Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37005 Salamanca, Spain.
High intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is linked to poorer cognitive and executive function in adults. This systematic review suggests UPFs may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption is rising globally.
- Understanding UPF's impact on brain health is crucial due to links with overweight and obesity.
Conclusions:
- High UPF consumption may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline.
- Further longitudinal and experimental research is needed to clarify causal mechanisms due to methodological variability and reliance on observational studies.
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