2023-08-11 18:52:58
New Biomarkers for Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption and the Risk of CNS Identified by American Researchers
A groundbreaking study conducted by American researchers has identified 12 serum metabolites that are associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Additionally, three of these metabolites – mannose, glucose, and N2,N2-dimethylguanosine – were found to be related to the onset of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
While it is widely known that a high intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to a higher risk of CNS disorders, the underlying mechanism responsible for this connection has remained a mystery. Furthermore, there has been a lack of known biomarkers for ultra-processed food consumption. The aim of this study was to utilize metabolomics, a novel approach to measure thousands of metabolites in a cell, to identify objective biomarkers for ultra-processed food consumption and investigate their association with the development of CNS disorders.
The researchers examined data from 3,751 men and women aged 45-64 who participated in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. The participants’ food consumption patterns were assessed using a 66-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.
By employing multivariable linear regression models, the researchers analyzed the association between 359 metabolites and the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Remarkably, they discovered that 12 of these metabolites – saccharin, homostachydrin, stachydrin, N2,N2-dimethylguanosine, catechol sulfate, caffeine, 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate, theobromine, docosahexaenoate, glucose, mannose, and bradykinin – were significantly associated with ultra-processed food consumption. The models were meticulously adjusted for multiple testing, socio-demographic factors, health behavior, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and total energy intake. These 12 metabolites offered a significantly improved prediction of ultra-processed food consumption.
Furthermore, after a median follow-up period of 23 years, it was observed that higher concentrations of mannose, glucose, and N2,N2-dimethylguanosine were linked to a heightened risk of developing CNS disorders. These newly discovered biomarkers could potentially help explain the well-documented association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and CNS disorders.
This study opens new avenues for further research into the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods on human health. The identification of these metabolomic markers provides valuable insights into the underlying biological processes associated with CNS disorders and could potentially aid in the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the risks associated with ultra-processed food consumption.
Source:
Donghan S, Jingsha C, Shutong D, et al. Metabolomic Markers of Ultra-Processed Food and Incident CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023;18:327-36.]
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