Overview

• Scientists identified hundreds of blood and urine metabolites linked to ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, enabling objective dietary assessment.
• A poly-metabolite score was developed using 28 blood and 33 urine metabolites, reliably predicting UPF consumption in observational studies.
• The score was validated in a controlled feeding trial, distinguishing between high-UPF and no-UPF diets among 20 participants.
• Ultra-processed foods account for over half of the average American diet, yet their health impacts have been difficult to quantify due to unreliable self-reports.
• Researchers aim to refine these biomarkers across diverse populations and explore their links to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.