A high consumption of ultra-processed foods accelerates aging by shortening telomeres. This is the conclusion of a study carried out by researchers at the University of Navarra, members of CIBEROBN, which has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the most prestigious journal in the field of Nutrition worldwide.

"The aging that comes with age shortens telomeres, the final fragments of chromosomes, which are markers of cellular age. But, in addition, different causes accelerate this shortening. Among them is an inadequate diet," explains Professor Amelia Martí, member of the CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN) and director of work.

The study, which belongs to the project 'Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra' (SUN), was carried out in a large group of participants over 55 years of age followed for a long period of time deadline. The most important and novel finding was that a high consumption of these ultra-processed foods (more than 3 servings a day) deteriorates telomeres and accelerates their shortening. This is highlighted by the pharmacist Lucía Alonso Pedrero, predoctoral fellow of the La Caixa Foundation and first signatory of article.

Foods with five or more ingredients

Ultraprocessed products, according to this researcher, are products that do not contain a whole or identifiable food, but long lists of additives, usually with 5 or more ingredients, such as flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, preservatives and others. For example, carbonated beverages and soft drinks, processed meats (sausages, hamburgers), industrial pastries, milkshakes and dairy desserts, many sugary breakfast cereals or industrially manufactured pizzas.

The work, which represents an interdisciplinary partnership in Nutrition of the Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine of the University of Navarra, was carried out at partnership with the professors of Preventive Medicine Miguel A. Martínez-González and Maira Bes Rastrollo, also members of CIBEROBN.

The results of the research confirm at the molecular level those of previous large programs of study studies carried out in Spain, France and the USA that recently found higher premature mortality associated with high consumption of ultra-processed foods.

"It should be noted, however, that the goal study of telomeres in relation to aging does not aim to seek immortality, but rather to prolong what we are so concerned about, a healthy life that not only fills life with years, but also fills the years with life," explains Professor Amelia Martí, who focuses her research on examining the influence of the per diem expenses on the integrity of the genetic material or DNA, particularly telomeres.