Ultra-processed Foods Make Up One-fifth Of Italian Calories - Here’s Who's Most Affected

New nationwide information uncover who successful Italy eats nan astir ultra-processed foods and show that a stronger committedness to nan Mediterranean Diet consistently drives intake down.

Study: Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption, Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Sociodemographic Correlates successful an Italian Adult Population: The UFO Survey. Image Credit: Sergey and Marina Pyataev / Shutterstock

A caller study published successful nan journal Nutrients estimated nan intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among Italian adults. It examined really sociodemographic factors and adherence to nan Mediterranean Diet (MD) subordinate to this consumption. In galore high-income countries, UPFs now dress up complete half of regular calories, and Italy, known for nan MD's accent connected minimally processed staples, is experiencing shifts arsenic packaged snacks and ready-to-eat products go much common. Understanding who consumes nan astir UPFs whitethorn uncover emerging taste and wellness risks.

Study Design and Participant Recruitment

Researchers conducted a nationwide, web-based cross-sectional study among Italian adults aged 18+, utilizing snowball sampling via email and societal media. Because this was a nonprobability convenience sample, results are not generalizable to nan full Italian population. Dietary intake complete nan erstwhile twelvemonth was measured utilizing nan validated NOVA Food Frequency Questionnaire (NFFQ), which categorizes foods arsenic unprocessed aliases minimally processed foods (MPFs), processed culinary ingredients (PCIs), processed foods (PFs), aliases UPFs. Mediterranean fare adherence was measured utilizing nan Medi-Lite score.

NOVA Classification, MD Scoring, and Statistical Analysis

Each subordinate reported nan wave and information size of 94 nutrient items, enabling estimation of regular intake and nan percent of power from each NOVA category. Medi-Lite scores (0–18) assessed adherence to MD components; scores ≥ 9 indicated precocious adherence. Investigators collected sociodemographic information, smoking status, BMI, and aesculapian history. Multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and full power intake, examined relationships betwixt NOVA groups, sociodemographics, and MD adherence. Missing information were handled utilizing aggregate imputation.

Overall Consumption Patterns and Major Food Sources

The last sample included 1,629 adults (≈ 80 percent women) pinch a mean property of 42 years. Average power contributions were MPFs (39 percent), PFs (32 percent), UPFs (20 percent), and PCIs (9 percent). MPF power chiefly came from dried pasta, caller fruits, and vegetables; PCIs were dominated by olive oil. PF contributions included artisanal pizza aliases focaccia and unpackaged bread. UPF calories chiefly came from packaged biscuits, chocolate, crackers aliases rusks, ready-to-heat pizza, and plant-based drinks, indicating that sweet, carbohydrate-rich convenience foods thrust UPF intake.

Main contributing nutrient sources to nan full power intake for each NOVA group amongst participants successful nan UFO Study, Italy (2021–2025). MPF: unprocessed and minimally processed foods; PCI: processed culinary ingredients; PF: processed foods; UPF: ultra-processed foods.

Sociodemographic Trends successful UPF Consumption

Older adults consumed less UPFs than younger participants, particularly those aged 64 aliases older, compared to those nether 40. Residents of Central and Southern Italy reported little UPF intake than those successful Northern regions, suggesting greater preservation of accepted dietary habits successful nan southbound and center. Married aliases collaborated individuals consumed less UPFs than singles. Men had higher PF intake and little PCI intake, while agrarian residents consumed less PFs than municipality residents.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence Strongly Inversely Linked to UPF Intake

A clear inverse shape emerged betwixt MD adherence (Medi-Lite score) and UPF intake. Individuals pinch debased MD adherence consumed nan astir UPFs and nan fewest MPFs and PCIs. In contrast, precocious MD adherence participants consumed mostly minimally processed staples and less UPFs. Statistical analyses confirmed a important inverse linear narration betwixt MD adherence and UPF power share, indicating that each summation successful nan Medi-Lite people was associated pinch lower UPF consumption. Income patterns were mixed; surprisingly, nan 2nd lowest income group (10,001–25,000 euros) consumed much UPFs than nan lowest group.

Interpretation, Emerging Inequalities and Cultural Shifts

UPFs provided astir one-fifth of regular calories successful this Italian sample, little than levels observed successful countries wherever convenience foods dominate, but still noteworthy considering Italy’s accepted MD foundation. Higher UPF intake was astir communal among younger adults, azygous individuals, those surviving successful Northern Italy, and group pinch little adherence to nan MD. These patterns propose emerging societal and geographic disparities successful fare value and imaginable erosion of historical Mediterranean nutrient practices.

Conclusions and Policy Implications

This study highlights that UPF intake is becoming a meaningful constituent of Italian diets contempt nan country’s beardown culinary traditions. Strengthening Mediterranean eating habits, improving entree to minimally processed foods, and targeting nationalist wellness messaging to at-risk groups whitethorn thief curb increasing UPF consumption. However, because nan study relied connected a non-representative convenience sample and self-reported dietary data, larger typical studies are needed to corroborate these findings and way Italian dietary transitions complete time.