A study bringing together researchers from Inserm, Inra and the University of Paris 13 points to the link between consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer. For this study, the researchers followed nearly 105,000 participants from the NutriNet-health cohort during two years. During this period, 2228 cases of cancer were diagnosed. And the researchers found that a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with a more than 10% increase in the risk of develop cancer.
An increased risk of breast cancer
Recent studies have already shown the link between consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of cholesterol, overweight and high blood pressure. But this is the first time that the risk of cancer is in general and of breast cancer in particular is mentioned.
“These results should be considered as a first line of investigation and should be confirmed in other study populations. In particular, the causal link should be demonstrated” the researchers point out.
To continue this work, the team is currently launching new research on food additives to study their potential effects on health and the occurrence of chronic diseases.
What are ultra-processed foods?
This group of foods includes, among others: industrial breads and brioches, chocolate bars, crackers, sodas and flavored sweet drinks, nuggets poultry and fish, instant soups, frozen or ready-to-eat ready meals, and all products processed with the addition of preservatives other than salt (nitrites for example).
It also includes food products mainly consisting sugarfats and other substances not used in culinary preparations such as hydrogenated oils and modified starches.
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