New study identifies markers for ultra-processed food consumption

[WORLD] New research suggests that molecules found in blood and urine could help determine how much energy a person derives from ultra-processed foods—a crucial step toward understanding the health implications of products that now constitute nearly 60 percent of the American diet.

In a study published earlier this week in PLOS Medicine, scientists reported identifying biological markers that can indicate a person’s intake of ultra-processed foods. This is the first time such biomarkers have been linked directly to levels of consumption, according to Erikka Loftfield, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute and lead author of the study.

Ultra-processed foods—such as sugary beverages, packaged snacks, and frozen entrees—are typically high in added sugars, fats, and sodium, while lacking essential nutrients. Their convenience and low cost have made them dietary staples, but their long-term health consequences have become a growing concern among public health officials.

“This research may help us begin to uncover the biological mechanisms that connect ultra-processed food consumption to various health outcomes,” Loftfield said.

Previous studies have already associated heavy consumption of ultra-processed foods with higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. These new findings may lead to more accurate methods of assessing dietary intake and developing strategies to curb the consumption of these products.

Researchers analyzed blood and urine samples from a diverse participant pool, identifying specific metabolites—small molecules produced during the body's metabolic processes—that signal levels of ultra-processed food intake. This novel method could ultimately aid in designing tools for monitoring how diet affects health.

While the findings mark an important step forward, Loftfield cautioned that more research is necessary to fully unravel the biological pathways linking these foods to negative health effects. The study underscores the need for encouraging more nutritious food choices and decreasing dependence on ultra-processed options.

The results come amid rising public interest in nutrition and healthy eating. Advocates are calling for stronger policy measures—such as clearer food labeling and educational initiatives—to help consumers make better-informed dietary decisions.