FAU Study Ties Ultra-Processed Foods to 24%-34% Higher Prostate Cancer Risk
Updated
Updated · Florida Atlantic University · Aug 14
FAU Study Ties Ultra-Processed Foods to 24%-34% Higher Prostate Cancer Risk
3 articles · Updated · Florida Atlantic University · Aug 14
Summary
17,024 U.S. men in NHANES data from 2003-2023 showed significantly higher subsequent prostate cancer risk among those consuming more ultra-processed foods, with adjusted increases ranging from 24% to 31%.
Men in the three higher-intake groups faced a 29% greater risk than the lowest-intake group, and the highest-intake group alone showed a possible 34% increase that was not statistically significant.
Researchers estimated UPF exposure from two 24-hour dietary recalls using the NOVA system, comparing diets ranging from under about 20% of calories from UPFs to more than 44%.
Ultra-processed foods already make up nearly 60% of U.S. adults' energy intake, and the authors said the findings add to evidence linking UPFs to obesity, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and premature death.
More than 333,000 U.S. men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2026 and over 36,000 to die, underscoring the public-health stakes as researchers call for larger studies and better access to minimally processed foods.