Ultrastrus -formed foods linked to the risk of lung cancer, according to a new study

We already knew that ultra -formed foods were associated with heart disease, diabetes and obesity. For example, A new study now suggests that they could also be linked to the risk of developing lung cancer. Meanwhile, particularly in the event of excessive consumption.

People who consume the most ultra -formed foods have 41 % more risk of being diagnosed with lung. Similarly, cancer than those who consume the least. Moreover, according to a study published on July 29, 2025 in the journal Thorax. However, This observation remains valid even after taking into account other factors such as smoking.

Ultra -formed foods contain ingredients “never. Nevertheless. Similarly, rarely used in kitchens” or categories of additives whose function is to make the final product more appetizing, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture.

ultrastrus -formed foods linked risk new

They are present in products such as sodas. Therefore, chips, sachet ultrastrus -formed foods linked risk soups, chicken nuggets and ice cream. They may include conservatives against mold. bacteria. artificial dyes, emulsifiers to prevent separation, as well as sugar, fats and salt added or modified to make food more attractive.

For this study. the researchers analyzed data of more than 100. 000 people who answered the food frequency of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) concerning their eating habits, then compared this information with medical files relating to lung cancer diagnostics.

On average. people consumed nearly three portions per day of ultra -processed food. most often cold meats, dietetic or caffeinated carbonated drinks, or decaffeinated carbonated drinks, study authors wrote.

“Industrial transformation changes the food matrix. which affects the availability and absorption of nutrients, while generating harmful contaminants,” added the researchers.

An observational study ultrastrus -formed foods linked risk new

This study is observational. which means that. although the methods used are clear and solid, it ultrastrus -formed foods linked risk does not allow to prove definitively that these foods cause lung cancer, but only that there is a link between the two, said Dr. David Katz. specialist in preventive medicine. medicine of the lifestyle and founder of the non -profit organization True Health Initiative, a global coalition of dedicated experts to the medicine of the lifestyle based on evidence. He did not participate in this research.

“This study strongly suggests that ultra-formed food can contribute to the risk of lung cancer,” he told CNN.

The health. quality of the diet improve when people mainly consume complete. unprocessed foods, and largely plants such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lenses, nuts and seeds, he added.

If you want to change your habits. the DRE Fang Fang Zhang. a titular ultrastrus -formed foods linked risk new professor of the Neely Chair and director of the Division of Nutritional Epidemiology and Data Science at the Friedman School ultrastrus -formed foods linked risk of Nutrition Science and Policy from Tufts University, in Boston, recommends starting by reading food labels.

“Avoid foods with a long list of ingredients. contains unknown names, as these are probably additives, conservatives and artificial aromas,” she said. “Favor complete foods and prepare your meals from complete or little processed ingredients as far as possible.”