biostudies-literatureYang QIntramural CDC HHSe197-e206https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10924299biostudies-literatureUnknown59(5)<h4>Introduction</h4>A high percentage of total calories from ultra-processed foods has been associated with several cardiovascular disease risk factors. No study has examined the association between ultra-processed foods and heart age. This study examines the association between ultra-processed foods and excess heart age (difference between estimated heart age and chronological age) among U.S. adults.<h4>Methods</h4>The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2016) data for participants aged 30-74 years without cardiovascular disease or stroke (n=12,640) was used. Ultra-processed food was assigned based on NOVA classification of food processing, with ultra-processed food being the highest level. This study estimated the usual percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods and used sex-specific Framingham heart age algorithms to calculate heart age. The multivariable linear or logistic regression was used to examine the association between ultra-processed foods and excess heart age or likelihood of excess heart age being ≥10 years. Data analyses were conducted in 2020.<h4>Results</h4>The median usual percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was 54.5% (IQR=45.8%‒63.1%). Adjusted excess heart age increased from 7.0 years (95% CI=6.4, 7.6) in the lowest quintile (Q1) to 9.9 years (95% CI=9.2, 10.5) in the highest quintile (Q5) (p<0.001). Compared with Q1, AORs for excess heart age of ≥10 years were 1.16 (95% CI=1.08, 1.25) in Q2, 1.29 (95% CI=1.14, 1.46) in Q3, 1.43 (95% CI=1.20, 1.71) in Q4, and 1.66 (95% CI=1.29, 2.14) in Q5 (p<0.001). The pattern of association was largely consistent across subgroups.<h4>Conclusions</h4>U.S. adults consumed more than half of total daily calories from ultra-processed foods. A higher percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was associated with higher excess heart age and likelihood of excess heart age of ≥10 years.American journal of preventive medicineUltra-Processed Foods and Excess Heart Age Among U.S. Adults.PMC10924299CC999999Zhang ZJackson SLMoore LVSteele EMYang QfalseUltra-Processed Foods and Excess Heart Age Among U.S. Adults.<h4>Introduction</h4>A high percentage of total calories from ultra-processed foods has been associated with several cardiovascular disease risk factors. No study has examined the association between ultra-processed foods and heart age. This study examines the association between ultra-processed foods and excess heart age (difference between estimated heart age and chronological age) among U.S. adults.<h4>Methods</h4>The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2016) data for participants aged 30-74 years without cardiovascular disease or stroke (n=12,640) was used. Ultra-processed food was assigned based on NOVA classification of food processing, with ultra-processed food being the highest level. This study estimated the usual percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods and used sex-specific Framingham heart age algorithms to calculate heart age. The multivariable linear or logistic regression was used to examine the association between ultra-processed foods and excess heart age or likelihood of excess heart age being ≥10 years. Data analyses were conducted in 2020.<h4>Results</h4>The median usual percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was 54.5% (IQR=45.8%‒63.1%). Adjusted excess heart age increased from 7.0 years (95% CI=6.4, 7.6) in the lowest quintile (Q1) to 9.9 years (95% CI=9.2, 10.5) in the highest quintile (Q5) (p<0.001). Compared with Q1, AORs for excess heart age of ≥10 years were 1.16 (95% CI=1.08, 1.25) in Q2, 1.29 (95% CI=1.14, 1.46) in Q3, 1.43 (95% CI=1.20, 1.71) in Q4, and 1.66 (95% CI=1.29, 2.14) in Q5 (p<0.001). The pattern of association was largely consistent across subgroups.<h4>Conclusions</h4>U.S. adults consumed more than half of total daily calories from ultra-processed foods. A higher percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was associated with higher excess heart age and likelihood of excess heart age of ≥10 years.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Nov2025-04-04T12:58:38.859Z2025-04-04T12:58:38.859ZS-EPMC109242993301262110.1016/j.amepre.2020.06.013