Florida Atlantic University study links ultra-processed foods to prostate cancer risk

A study conducted by researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine has linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of prostate cancer in men. Published in The American Journal of Medicine, the research analyzed data from over 17,000 American men aged 18 and older, collected between 2003 and 2023 via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Using the NOVA classification system, researchers categorized participants based on the proportion of daily calories derived from ultra-processed products, such as sugary cereals, snacks, sodas, and processed meats. The findings indicated that men in the three highest consumption groups faced a 29% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those in the lowest consumption group. In the two highest consumption categories, the increased risk reached 30%.

The study noted that these results remained consistent after adjusting for variables such as age, race, smoking status, and socioeconomic level.