Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Early-Onset Colorectal Precursors in Large Prospective Study

Overview

• A JAMA Oncology analysis of 29,105 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II found those reporting the highest ultraprocessed food intake had a 45% higher risk of conventional adenomas before age 50 compared with the lowest intake.
• The link was specific to conventional adenomas, with no association seen for serrated lesions, a different type of colorectal precursor.
• Participants averaged 5.7 daily servings of ultraprocessed foods (about 35% of calories), while the highest-intake group consumed roughly 10 servings versus about 3 in the lowest.
• Researchers adjusted for body mass index, Type 2 diabetes and fiber intake, yet note limits including a largely white female nurse cohort, self-reported diets and classification challenges for some foods.
• Investigators advise reducing ultraprocessed foods and maintaining colorectal screening beginning at age 45 as they pursue studies on mechanisms and other contributors to rising early-onset cases.