Ultra processed Foods Increase Risk for Heart Disease by 47%
UPFs are omnipresent in the American diet and difficult to avoid. These Frankenfoods have been linked with obesity, diabetes, and poor mental health, to name a few. 1,2 New research now connects UPFs with a 47% higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Even after factoring in age, smoking, and income, UPFs were still associated with increased cardiovascular risks. 3
According to experts, cutting out UPFs may become just as important to public health as reducing smoking once was. UPFs are foods that often contain added fats, sugars, salts, starches, and chemical compounds like emulsifiers. There isn’t much “food” in this food. Examples include soft drinks, packaged snacks, and highly processed meats.
Many natural nutrients are reduced during manufacturing, resulting in foods that are very different than their original form. UPFs make up almost 60% of the average adult diet, and roughly 70% of children’s diets in the US.
Past research has indicated that consumption of large amounts of UPFs may lead to metabolic syndrome. This condition has a cluster of illnesses, including overweight and obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. High intake of UPFs has also been associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation that’s considered a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease, primarily heart attacks and strokes. Limited research has directly evaluated whether higher intakes of UPFs are linked with higher cardiovascular disease risk.
The Link to Heart Disease Matters
As intake of UPFS continues to grow and cardiovascular disease is still one of the main causes of death in the US and globally, understanding the link between the two has become vitally important. Understanding this connection could impact how physicians advise patients and how public health policies are designed to protect more populations.
A National Study Reviews the Science
Scientists from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine evaluated this potential link using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Their research, published in The American Journal of Medicine, suggests that high intake of UPFs may have serious cardiovascular consequences.
"The findings from our study, based on a large, nationally representative sample of 4,787 U.S. adults, show that those with the highest intake of UPFs suffer a statistically significant and clinically important 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease," said Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., FACPM, FACC, senior author, First Sir Richard Doll Professor of Medicine and Preventive Medicine, and senior academic advisor, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. "These results have major implications for future research as well as clinical care and public policy."
How the Study Was Done
NHANES data from 4,787 adults aged 18 and up were collected between 2021 and 2023. All participants had a minimum of one day of detailed nutrition records and provided information about their medical history regarding heart attack or stroke. Subjects recorded what they’d consumed over two days, and researchers calculated the percentage of calories coming from UPFs. With the use of a validated food classification system, participants were then divided into four groups based on their UPF intake level, going from lowest to highest.
A 47% Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
In this study, cardiovascular disease was defined as a self-reported history of heart attack or stroke. Analysis adjusted by the researchers to account for age, sex, race and ethnicity, smoking status, and income. Women made up nearly 56% of the subjects, with an average age of 55 years. After adjustments were made, those in the highest group of UPF intake had a statistically significant and clinically relevant 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those in the lowest intake group.
Associations with Smoking and Public Health Challenges
Just as it took years for the consequences of smoking to be accepted, the researchers note that the increasing awareness of health risks linked with UPFs may follow a similar path. Reducing the consumption of UPFs may take time. Large, multinational companies crowd the food market and influence consumers’ diets. Additionally, limited access to healthier food options affects food choices, highlighting the need for targeted public health measures.
"Addressing UPFs isn't just about individual choices -- it's about creating environments where the healthy option is the easy option," said Hennekens. "Clinical guidance and public health education are necessary to make nutritious foods accessible and affordable for everyone."
Links to Colorectal Cancer and Other Conditions
In addition to cardiovascular disease, the rate of colorectal cancer in the US is on the rise, particularly in younger adults. Dietary patterns certainly impact the risk, including the consumption of UPFs.
Allison H. Ferris, M.D., FACP, co-author and professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at the FAU Schmidt College of Medicine notes,"The increasing consumption of UPFs may be a contributing factor, along with other dietary and lifestyle influences that affect a range of common and serious gastrointestinal diseases. Awareness is the first step toward prevention."
More large-scale randomized control trials are necessary to confirm these findings, but health care providers can take action ASAP. Below are tips for your patients:
· Skip the drive-through and make your own breakfast sandwich with whole-grain English muffins, eggs, and cheese.
· Use rolled oats over instant packets. They’re lower in sugar and salt and take 2 minutes to cook in the microwave. Flavor with cinnamon and a dash of honey.
· Commit to kicking the (soda) can. Go for seltzer water if bubbles are your thing.
· Reduce fast food. These highly processed meals are higher in salt, fat, sugar, and calories, but lower in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
· Make more meals at home. Rice and beans are simple, convenient, and cost-effective.
· Choose nuts or seeds over highly processed chips and sugary snacks.
· Limit use of frozen pizza and frozen meals. Purchase dough from a store and “try your hand” at pizza.
· Limit use of “meat sticks” as protein sources. Go for string cheese, cottage cheese, or hard-cooked eggs instead.
· Make your own iced coffee in place of coffee drinks. You control the sugar and milk (or lack thereof).
· Embrace frozen fruits and vegetables in meals. They’re shelf-stable and add valuable nutrients to your diet.
Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD
References:
Ultra-processed Food Consumption in Youth and Adults: United States, August 2021-August 2023. National Center for Health Statistics. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data Brief No. 536. August 2025. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/index.htm.
Maya K. Vadiveloo, Christopher D. Gardner, Sara N. Bleich, Neha Khandpur, Alice H. Lichtenstein, Jennifer J. Otten, Casey M. Rebholz, Chelsea R. Singleton, Miriam B. Vos, Selina Wang. Ultra-processed Foods and Their Association With Cardiometabolic Health: Evidence, Gaps, and Opportunities: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation, 2025; DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001365
Yanna Willett, Chengwu Yang, John Dunn, Katerina Benson, Kevin Sajan, Allison Ferris, Tim Dye, Charles H. Hennekens. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Increased Risks of Cardiovascular Disease in