Ultra-processed food consumption across early life: implications for pediatric health and disease risk (opens in new tab)

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations characterized by high energy density, low nutritional quality, and the extensive use of additives, and their consumption has increased markedly worldwide. In many high-income countries, children and adolescents now derive up to 50–60% of their total daily energy intake from UPFs, raising major public health concerns. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on UPF consumption across critical life stages, with a particular focu...