Ultra-processed Foods in Childhood: Obesity in Adulthood?

Ultra-processed foods can alter gene expression in children, particularly in genes involved in the regulation of thyroid hormones and liver function.

In recent years, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has grown exponentially. These foods include products that are industrially manufactured on a large scale, often with ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen. They tend to be high in additives, such as colorants, preservatives, flavorings, and taste enhancers. Clear examples include sugary carbonated drinks, frozen pizzas, fast foods like industrial croquettes or hamburgers, and many other products that are easy to find in supermarkets.

This increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods has been accompanied by a worrying rise in obesity and other metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious health problems in the long term, including cardiovascular diseases. This raises a crucial question: what mechanisms explain how these foods affect our bodies?

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. One of these changes is DNA methylation. To understand this, we can use an analogy with a musical score: the notes (our genes) remain the same, but directions such as piano or forte (epigenetic modifications) can change how the piece is played. These epigenetic modifications can be influenced by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, lifestyle, and, as increasingly evident, diet.

Ultra-processed foods and epigenetics: what do we know so far?

Epigenetics has been identified as one of the mechanisms involved in the development of obesity. Several studies have shown that risk factors for obesity in early life, such as birth weight, maternal body mass index (BMI) and rapid weight gain in childhood, are associated with variations in DNA methylation (DNAm). It is therefore important to understand how diet affects epigenetic regulation.

Study on ultra-processed food and children

In our study, we analyzed children between the ages of 5 and 11, a critical developmental period during which diet has a profound impact on future health. This stage is particularly relevant because the dietary habits acquired during this period can influence the risk of developing various diseases in adulthood. In addition, this age group is often exposed to high consumption of ultra-processed foods.

The study results show that the consumption of ultra-processed foods in children is associated with changes in DNA methylation in key genes for essential biological processes. Specifically, these changes affect genes involved in the regulation of thyroid hormones and liver function. Thyroid hormones play a fundamental role in metabolism and energy regulation, while liver function is crucial for detoxifying chemical substances.

The findings suggest that regular consumption of ultra-processed foods could influence critical biological processes through epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, it is essential to promote a diet rich in fresh and minimally processed foods.

This is the first study to specifically explore the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and epigenetic changes in children, making it an important starting point for future research in this field.