Large study finds no link between ultra-processed food and colorectal cancer
Researchers found no overall colorectal cancer link to ultra-processed foods, though processed meat UPFs raised risk and replacing some foods lowered risk.
- On October 15, researchers published a study in the journal PLOS Medicine finding no overall association between total ultra-processed food intake and colorectal cancer incidence in more than 400,000 U.S. adults.
- Erikka Loftfield of the National Cancer Institute and colleagues analyzed data from 461,682 adults aged 50 to 71 enrolled in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study between 1995 and 1996.
- While total intake showed no link to cancer, researchers found that replacing 10% of UPF gram weight with minimally processed foods correlated with a 2% lower CRC incidence, reinforcing current dietary guidance.
- Loftfield stated the findings align with current recommendations, noting that higher whole-grain and dairy intake but lower meat consumption from UPF sources associated with reduced CRC incidence.
- Researchers cautioned findings cannot be generalized to younger, more diverse populations, particularly as CRC is now the leading cancer-related cause of death among those under 50 in the United States.
4 Articles
4 Articles
Large study finds no link between ultra-processed food and colorectal cancer
A new study found no link between colorectal cancer and ultra-processed food, raising questions about what role these foods play, if any, in rising rates of the cancer among younger people.
Total ultra-processed food intake not linked to colorectal cancer in large US cohort study
Overall ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption was not associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in a cohort of more than 400,000 U.S. adults, according to a study published Oct. 15 by Erikka Loftfield of the National Cancer Institute, U.S., and colleagues in the journal PLOS Medicine.
Ultraprocessed Meats (but Not Grains or Dairy) Tied to Higher Colorectal Cancer Risk
A growing body of research has tied higher consumption of ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of numerous chronic health issues. New findings, however, suggest that some of these foods may be more unhealthy than others when it comes to colorectal cancer risk. [1] A study involving more than 400,000 older Americans found that rates of […]
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