Italian researchers have discovered that consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may accelerate biological aging at the cellular level, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The research involved 22,500 Italian participants who completed detailed food questionnaires and underwent blood tests measuring 36 biomarkers to determine their biological age.
The findings revealed that middle-aged and elderly adults who derived more than 14% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods—such as packaged snacks and sugary drinks—showed signs of being biologically older than their chronological age.
Biological age, which reflects cellular and tissue condition, differs from chronological age (the actual years a person has lived). While genetics influence aging rates, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play significant roles in this process.
“This intense processing alters the food matrix, which can harm metabolism and gut microbiota balance,” said Marialaura Bonaccio, a nutritional epidemiologist and study co-author. She noted that many UPFs come in plastic packaging that may introduce additional toxic substances into the body.
The research highlights that ultra-processed foods typically lack essential nutrients and fiber while containing high levels of sugar, fat, and salt. The gut microbiota—the balance of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the digestive system—plays a crucial role in overall health, and disruptions to this balance from poor diet choices can have widespread negative effects.
This study adds to a growing body of research on ultra-processed foods and serves as a reminder about the potential long-term health consequences of modern eating habits, where convenience foods often compromise well-being.
