What the review measured
A dose-response meta-analysis combined 51 prospective cohort studies and data from 8,819,894 adults. It examined how consumption of ultra-processed foods related to several chronic health outcomes over time.
For each additional 100 grams per day, the researchers reported a hazard ratio of 1.14 for cardiovascular events, 1.04 for cancer and 1.03 for all-cause mortality. The analysis also reported an association with metabolic syndrome or diabetes. These are relative estimates comparing groups, not the percentage-point change in an individual’s risk.
Association is not causation
The studies followed people’s diets and health outcomes; they did not randomly assign participants to eat more or fewer ultra-processed foods. Other differences between groups may contribute to the observed associations. The analysis cannot establish that these foods directly caused the outcomes.
Researchers also note variation in dietary measurements and in how foods are classified. The findings add to population-level evidence, but they do not provide a personal risk prediction or replace advice based on an individual’s health.
Sources
Dose-response meta-analysis of 51 prospective cohort studies and 8,819,894 adults; hazard ratios per +100g/day (1.14 cardiovascular, 1.04 cancer, 1.03 all-cause mortality) are stated as reported in the analysis, alongside a Medical Xpress report.
The specific journal and DOI for the underlying analysis are not given in the article, only a general 'research release' and a Medical Xpress secondary report; as an observational meta-analysis it cannot establish causation, which the article itself notes.
The publishing journal, publication date and DOI of the primary meta-analysis are missing from this article; the ultra-processed food classification method used across the 51 cohorts is not detailed; response from the contacted institution not yet received.