European Study Finds Ultra-Processed Foods Leave Distinct Blood Signature

A large European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) analysis of more than 15,000 participants across several European nations identified a measurable metabolic fingerprint in the blood of people who consume high amounts of ultra‑processed foods. The fingerprint consists of 22 circulating compounds and eight altered blood fats, notably lower levels of the omega‑3 fatty acid DHA, reduced sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines, and detectable levels of industrial trans‑fat elaidic acid.

Separately, a narrative review published in Nutrients examined evidence that maternal consumption of ultra‑processed foods during pregnancy is linked to adverse maternal health outcomes and long‑term health risks for offspring, including obesity, type‑2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and disruptions to the gut microbiome that may influence child health years later.