Work

Association of ultra-processed foods with phenotypic age acceleration in US adults: a mediation analysis of body mass index in the NHANES

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The rising intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been linked to adverse health outcomes, yet its impact on aging acceleration remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between the percentage of total daily calories (%Kcal) and grams (%Gram) from UPFs and phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel). Methods: Data from 12,079 adults in the NHANES 2005-2010 cycles were analyzed. The relationship between UPFs intake and PhenoAgeAccel was assessed using multivariable linear regression and restricted cubic splines, with adjustments for relevant covariates. The mediating role of body mass index (BMI) was also explored. Results: for trend = 0.039), but no association was found between UPFs intake (%Kcal) and PhenoAgeAccel. Mediation analysis indicated that BMI mediated 27.5% of the association between UPFs intake (%Gram) and PhenoAgeAccel. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. Conclusion: Higher intake of UPFs intake (%Gram) is positively associated with PhenoAgeAccel, with BMI playing a significant mediating role.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1485456

Authors: Weiliang Kong, Yilian Xie, Mengyuan Cen, Kunlong Xiong

Institution: Ningbo University

Language: English

Topic: Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801