Consuming ultra-processed foods is harmful to health in many ways. It has now been found that ultra-processed foods, in addition to the already known negative effects, also increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
A recent prospective cohort study involving experts from Harvard University examined the possible connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the occurrence of glaucoma. The results can be read in the specialist magazine “Nutrients”.
Increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods
In recent years there has been more and more new knowledge about how harmful the consumption of so-called ultra-processed foods is. Unfortunately, the consumption of these unhealthy foods continues to increase.
To find out how ultra-processed foods affect the risk of glaucoma, the researchers analyzed data from a total of 19,225 participants with an average age of around 38 years. The average medical follow-up time was 12.9 years.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma (glaucoma) refers to a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve is irreversibly damaged. Sick people experience visual disturbances that limit their field of vision. If the disease remains untreated or is treated insufficiently, it can lead to blindness, reports the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ) in an article.
How was the diet determined?
The eating habits of the participants in the new study were determined using a comprehensive questionnaire with a total of 136 items on the frequency of food intake. The so-called NOVA classification system was used to define ultra-processed foods.
In addition, all participants were asked whether they had ever been diagnosed with glaucoma during an ophthalmological examination. This self-reported glaucoma diagnosis has been previously validated, the team adds.
Ultra-processed foods increase risk
After adjusting for several covariates, the researchers found that participants with the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods had a significantly higher risk of glaucoma than participants with the lowest consumption of ultra-processed foods.
In the subgroup analyses, this connection was only found in participants aged 55 and over, in men from the most physically active group, in non-smokers or former smokers, in people with a lower omega-3/omega-6 ratio and in people with a general lower energy intake has been observed.
Avoid ultra-processed confectionery at all costs
In addition, the consumption of ultra-processed sweets in particular was associated with a significant risk effect in relation to the risk of glaucoma, the researchers report.
Overall, it becomes clear how important it is to monitor and control the consumption of ultra-processed foods (especially sugary ultra-processed foods) in order to reduce the number of glaucoma diseases.
Also read:
- Glaucoma and sleep disorders often occur in combination
- Glaucoma: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of glaucoma
Reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods
Since there is a clear tendency in today’s society to consume ultra-processed foods, nutritional behavior should be promoted that is characterized by an increased consumption of unprocessed or at least less processed foods.
Some governments have already taken measures, such as taxes on unhealthy foods and advertising restrictions, to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, the experts report. (as)
