The association between ultra-processed foods and conventional markers of cardiovascular risk in an adult Iranian population.

Background And Aims: According to the NOVA classification system, ultra-processed foods result from extensive industrial processing and use ingredients derived from food and non-food products, which can negatively impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Despite this, few studies have investigated UPFs in Middle Eastern populations regardless of high consumption in this region.

Methods And Results: This cross-sectional study was conducted on data from the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran Kharemeh cohort (n = 6611). Food frequency questionnaires were assessed and the ratio of total UPFs energy/total energy intake was calculated. Data was categorized into tertiles of UPF consumption using the NOVA classification system. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess differences in nutrient and food intakes between tertiles and logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the associations between UPFs and CVD risk factors. After adjustment for potential confounders the logistic regression analysis revealed significant positive relationships between intakes of UPFs and waist circumference (WC) (T: OR; 1.34, 95% CI; 1.13-1.60 - T: OR; 1.41, 95% CI; 1.18-1.69, P ˂0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (T: OR; 1.20, 95% CI; 1.05-1.37 - T: OR; 1.27, 95% CI; 1.11-1.45, P ˂0.001), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL) (T: OR; 1.21, 95% CI; 1.07-1.37 - T: OR; 1.24, 95% CI; 1.10-1.41, P ˂0.001) and LDL-C to HDL-C ratio (T: OR; 1.15, 95% CI; 1.02-1.31 - T: OR; 1.21, 95% CI; 1.07-1.38, P = 0.002).

Conclusion: The consumption of UPFs was positively associated with WC and atherogenic blood lipids. However, increased intakes of fiber and unsaturated fats were also found in those consuming more UPFs, which was not expected. These findings offer insights into an understudied population and warrant further research.