Ultra-Processed Food Linked with Teen Mental Health Problems: Study

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According to the results of a new scientific study that examined the habits of 500 adolescents, teenagers who consume a greater amount of ultra-processed foods and drinks have more difficulties in terms of mental health.

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Study overview

The study analyzed the relationship between the intake of ultra-processed foods and psychosocial difficulties including depression, anxiety, attention problems and other behavioral symptoms in adolescents who consumed high amounts of ultra-processed foods.

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Adolescent consumption of ultra-processed foods

Adolescents reported an average consumption of 7.7 ultra-processed foods on the previous day, with higher consumption among teenage boys (8.6 ultra-processed foods for boys compared to 7 ultra-processed foods for girls). Most participants reported consuming sausages, biscuits and processed meats (50-60%), chocolate products, snacks, chocolate drinks and sauces (40-50%), and flavored yogurts, processed breads and pastries, sugary cereals, soft drinks, packaged fruit juices and processed crisps (30-40%).

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Study findings overview

The research findings demonstrated a direct association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages and emotional distress and behavioral problems, with the association with low mood (depression) reported by adolescent participants being most significant.

In addition, 26.2% of the participants presented some kind of psychosocial problem, 33.9% related to emotional distress, mainly depression or anxiety, 9.5% related to attentional problems, and 3.9% related to behavioral problems. By gender, girls showed greater psychosocial problems in all areas (26.4% vs. 22.2%), especially in relation to low mood and feelings of anxiety, except for behavioral problems which were similar between the sexes.

Journal reference: Reales-Moreno M, Tonini P, Escorihuela RM, Solanas M, et al. Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks Consumption Is Associated with Psychosocial Functioning in Adolescents. Nutrients. 2022 Nov 15;14(22):4831. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224831

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