A large US cohort study, published in PLOS Medicine, has found no association between overall ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and colorectal cancer (CRC). Scientists commenting on the study highlighted that UPFs are a diverse group of foods.
While some UPFs, like processed meats, were linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, others contributing whole grains, fibre, dairy, and calcium were associated with a lower risk. This suggests that different types of UPFs may have varied health outcomes, and examining total UPF intake alone may obscure these differences.
Experts noted that the study's findings are consistent with existing evidence and current dietary guidance, which recommends increasing fibre-rich foods, whole grains, and dairy products, while limiting processed meat. However, the study's limitations include its reliance on a single food frequency questionnaire from the mid-1990s and a cohort that was older and predominantly white, meaning the findings may not be generalisable to younger populations.