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Ultraprocessed foods containing clusters of additives associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, research reveals

Consuming foods heavily processed with additives could raise the likelihood of type 2 diabetes and potentially be even more damaging when consumed in combination, according to a recent study.

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Ultraprocessed foods are the primary dietary choice for most American adults, accounting for over...
Ultraprocessed foods are the primary dietary choice for most American adults, accounting for over half their caloric intake. These foods, associated with numerous health problems such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, are under scrutiny by scientists. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health are investigating why ultraprocessed foods lead to such detrimental health effects and why people find it difficult to resist them, as explored by CNN's Meg Tirrell.

Ultraprocessed foods containing clusters of additives associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, research reveals

Fresh Take:

Holy moly, it turns out that nearly 7 in 10 foods in U.S. grocery stores are ultraprocessed, with a long list of additives for flavor, color, and preservation. Yikes! Two specific combinations of these additives, according to a fresh study, are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in PLOS Medicine, analyzed data from over 108,000 French adults and identified two harmful cocktails of additives:

  1. The Emulsifier-Preservative Blend: This mix includes sneaky ingredients like xanthan and guar gum, carrageenan, and modified starches. If you've ever eaten creamy desserts, thick sauces, or broths, you might have already tried this questionable combo. Some research suggests that these additives could negatively impact our gut health and cause inflammation.
  2. The Sweetener-Acidifier Duo: This group includes problematic culprits like Ace-K, aspartame, and sucralose along with citric acid, malic acid, and phosphoric acid. Can't resist those artificially sweetened or sugary drinks? You might be inadvertently sipping this worrying combo.

Remember, the regulation of additives generally considers their effect on health individually. However, research demonstrates that these additives are often consumed in clusters, not alone. So, beware of the potential risks linked to these combinations.

Want to make healthier choices? Sign up for CNN's Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style for tips on adopting a delicious and health-boosting eating lifestyle.

  1. Consuming foods containing the emulsifier-preservative blend, such as xanthan and guar gum, carrageenan, and modified starches, could potentially harm your gut health and instill inflammation, as demonstrated by recent studies.
  2. The sweetener-acidifier duo, which includes Ace-K, aspartame, and sucralose, along with citric acid, malic acid, and phosphoric acid, found in artificially sweetened or sugary drinks, may pose a risk to your wellness, especially when combined.
  3. To reduce the risk of health issues related to additives in ultraprocessed foods, it might be prudent to prioritize a dietary focus on fresh, whole foods and consider taking out a creditline to fund grocery purchases, allowing for an increase in healthy food choices.
Regular consumption of similar ultra-processed foods results in repeated exposure to specific groups of food additives among individuals.

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