Micronutrients or processing? An analysis of food and drink items from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey based on micronutrient content, the Nova classification and front-of-package traffic light labelling.

ABSTRACT: Increased ultra-processed food (UPF) is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, with limitations in UPF evidence, and partial overlap between UK front-of-package labelling (FOPL) and degree of food processing, the value of food processing within dietary guidance is unclear. This study compared food and drink from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) database based on micronutrient content, Nova classification and FOPL. The aim was to examine the micronutrient contributions of UK food and drink to UK government dietary micronutrient recommendations for adult females and males, aged 19-64 years, based on the degree of food processing and FOPL. NDNS items were coded into minimally processed food (MPF), processed culinary ingredients, processed food (PF) and UPF, and FOPL

SUBMITTER: Dicken SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11946030 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature