This is how ultra-processed foods damage our bones

The ultra-processed have been linked to more obesity, poorer blood pressure control, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseasess, and even with an increase in premature mortality and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

A new study conducted by researchers from the Tulane Universityin New Orleans (USA), together with researchers from the Department of Epidemiology of the School of Public Health of the Sun Yat-sen University in Shenzhen (China), reveals that consuming more ultra-processed foods can also be harmful to bones.

When what you eat also shows in your bones

In the study, published in ‘The British Journal of Nutrition’, It has been observed that those who consumed more ultra-processed foods (UPF) had lower bone mineral density and a increased risk of hip fractures.

More than 8 servings a day and a 10% higher risk

The study involved the participation of more than 160,000 people from the United Kingdom Biobank database. The data that stands out from the study is that the participants consumed, on average, about 8 servings of ultra-processed foods a day. While servings vary depending on the type of food, this equates to a frozen entree, a cookie, and a soft drink.

“Our study group was followed for more than 12 years, and we found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to reduced bone mineral density in several areas, including key areas of the upper femur and lumbar region,” he said. Lu Qi, co-senior author, holder of the HCA Regents Distinguished Professorship and professor at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University.

“While recent studies have shown that the consumption of ultra-processed foods can affect bone health, this is the first time this relationship has been examined directly in humans,” says the researcher.

For every additional 3.7 servings consumed daily, the risk of hip fracture increased by 10.5 percentas researchers have observed.

The youngest and underweight, those who notice the impact the most

“Ultra-processed foods are easily found during any visit to the supermarket, and these findings raise concerns about how they can affect our bone health,” said the researcher.

The study also revealed that the adverse relationship between ultra-processed foods and bone density was more evident among people under 65 years of age and those who are underweight (BMI less than 18.5). A low BMI is a risk factor for bone health and can aggravate the effects of ultra-processed foods on bone density.

According to Qi, this relationship could be stronger in people under 65 years of age due to a greater digestive capacity that better absorbs the unhealthy ingredients present in ultra-processed foods.

This study builds on previous research examining the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and bone health. A 2024 study found that high consumption of these foods was associated with a increased risk of osteoporosis. Another 2016 study of pregnant women and their children found that living near fast food establishments was associated with lower bone mineral content in babies.

“Our results are not surprising. Ultra-processed foods have been consistently associated with various nutrition-related disorders, and bone health depends on adequate nutrition,” says Qi.

In this regard, the deputy director of Safe Food Advocacy Europe (SAFE), Luigi Tozzi, warns that this study should remind “once again” that “public concern about ultra-processed foods is not irrational.” On the contrary, he adds, “it is based on scientific evidence supported by abundant independent data.”

“We must adapt our public health policies to this evidence, focusing on prevention and promoting a decrease in the consumption of ultra-processed foods and a change towards whole foods and healthier diets,” he tells Europa Press.

In recent years, evidence has been accumulating that abusing ultra-processed foods not only adds empty calories, but is associated with more obesity, poorer blood pressure control, and increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

These products tend to concentrate free sugars, saturated fats and salt, while providing very little fiber, quality proteins, essential vitamins or minerals, a combination that promotes weight gain and worsens cardiometabolic risk factors over time.