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Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Micronutrient Status Throughout the Life Course: A Systematic Review
Rayanne Oliveira Lopes1, Rayane Felipe de França1, Maria Elionês de Oliveira Araújo2
1Post-Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Nutrition Reviews
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption is linked to lower levels of essential micronutrients like vitamins A and E, and minerals such as selenium. This highlights UPFs' potential contribution to malnutrition and necessitates further research.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Micronutrient deficiencies are a major global malnutrition problem, especially affecting children and women.
- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are widely consumed and linked to poor diet quality and disease.
- Understanding the UPF-micronutrient relationship is key for nutritional recovery and disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) impact micronutrient status across different life stages.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science).
- Screening and data extraction by multiple researchers, with quality assessment using JBI critical appraisal checklist.
- Inclusion of studies reporting on vitamin, mineral, and trace element biomarkers alongside UPF consumption.
Main Results:
- Only 4 cross-sectional studies met eligibility criteria, focusing on children, pregnant, and lactating women.
- Higher UPF intake correlated with decreased levels of carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin E, molybdenum, and selenium.
- Increased concentrations of gamma-tocopherol, potassium, and sodium were noted, with conflicting findings on anemia in children.
Conclusions:
- Despite limited evidence from cross-sectional studies, UPF consumption is associated with altered micronutrient status.
- Further research is crucial to understand the impact of UPFs on micronutrient deficiencies due to their increasing prevalence and health implications.
