Ultra-processed foods linked to many Canadian heart deaths

A new modelling study suggests that reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods could prevent thousands of deaths from cardiovascular disease in Canada, with researchers indicating similar patterns likely exist in other high-income nations. The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, estimates that between 23% and 38% of all cardiovascular disease events in Canada in 2019 were attributable to ultra-processed food intake.

This corresponds to an estimated 58,200 to 96,000 new cases of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes, and 10,600 to 17,400 related deaths that year. The study further calculated that reducing ultra-processed food consumption by 20% to 50% could have prevented between 16,800 and 45,900 new cases and between 3,100 and 8,300 deaths. The analysis was based on 2015 dietary data, which showed that ultra-processed foods made up 43% of the total daily energy intake for Canadian adults.

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations that often contain additives like preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial colors or flavors not typically used in home cooking. Common examples include ice cream, processed meats,...