JAMA Network Open: Chips and Soda Linked to a 40% Higher Risk of Brain Damage

Researchers from McMaster University in Canada used MRI scans to examine the brains of nearly 9,000 people aged 35 to 69. They found that tiny areas of brain damage were more common among those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods than among those who ate the least.

Participants with the highest intake of these foods were 40% more likely to show such changes. These abnormalities cause no obvious symptoms but are considered early warning signs that can appear years before a stroke or memory problems develop.

"Honestly, I wasn't expecting this result. We were studying middle-aged Canadians who had no heart problems or other health complaints. This type of damage is usually associated with conditions we hear about and treat at a much older age," said the study's first author, Russell J. de Souza, from McMaster University's Population Health Research Institute.

Participants who ate the most ultra-processed foods also had higher levels of body fat and more deep abdominal fat. This type of belly fat is associated with inflammation and blood vessel damage, which can affect the brain.

The link between ultra-processed food consumption and brain damage was stronger in women. Among women with the highest intake, signs of damage were nearly twice as common as among those with the lowest intake.

On average, ultra-processed foods accounted for about 25% of participants' daily food servings. Among the highest consumers, they made up 45% of all servings, compared with 16% among those who ate the least.

The researchers also found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with lower consumption of healthier foods. Fruits, vegetables, grains and other minimally processed foods accounted for 41% of daily servings among participants with the highest ultra-processed food intake, compared with 68% among those with the lowest intake.

"People who ate more ultra-processed foods weren't simply eating more on top of their usual diets. These foods seemed to be displacing healthier, whole foods," de Souza added.