The Effects of Processed Foods on Children’s Health
Most children in the United States have diets consisting primarily of processed and ultra-processed foods. Research suggests these foods have a number of negative effects on children’s and teenager’s health.
The rise of ultra-processed foods correlates with a drastic increase in the number of young people diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other serious health conditions. Many of these conditions were previously uncommon in children.
Because diets high in processed and ultra-processed foods have been linked to these diseases, many people believe food manufacturers are liable for the harm these foods cause. Parents of children diagnosed with a diet-related condition are encouraged to contact an attorney to determine whether they qualify for a lawsuit.
About The Effects of Processed Foods on Children’s Health:
What Are Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods?
Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods Harmful to Children?
Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods in Children
Emotional and Behavioral Effects of Processed Foods
Long-Term Consequences of Processed Food Consumption in Childhood
How Parents Can Reduce Processed Food Intake
Legal Actions Against Processed Food Manufacturers
What Are Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods?
Most foods people eat have been processed in some way. Food processing can include cutting, cleaning, canning, freezing, pressing, dehydrating, and other measures. For example, most milk would be considered a processed food because it has undergone the pasteurization process. Processed foods are different from ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods that have undergone extensive industrial processing. The UPF grouping is based on The NOVA food classification system. The system groups foods into four categories: unprocessed or minimally processed, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods. UPFs have gone through the most processing and chemical modification. They are often considered junk food.
It is important to note that most foods undergo some sort of processing before they are consumed. Processing foods can help protect humans from food-borne pathogens and preserve food for safekeeping. However, the difference between processed foods and ultra-processed foods is that processed foods retain some whole ingredients. Ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, often have little to no nutritional value and usually contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods in Children’s Diets:
- Sugary cereals
- Fast food (e.g., chicken nuggets, french fries, burgers)
- Ready-to-eat or prepared meals
- Meal replacement drinks or shakes
- Energy and sports drinks
- Margarines and spreads
- Frozen, precooked meats
- Candies and chocolates
- Ice cream and desserts
- Many chips, pretzels, and other packaged snacks
- Packaged cookies and cake mixes
- Soft drinks and juices with added sugar
- Fruit snacks
- Instant noodles
- Many frozen meals
Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods Harmful to Children?
Studies show that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) adversely affect a child’s health by disrupting the normal metabolic process. According to a study published in JAMA, 67% of most U.S. children’s calories come from ultra-processed foods. This represented a 6% increase from 1999 to 2018.
The increase in consumption of UPFs, which generally have little to no nutritional value and high amounts of added sugars, is likely harmful to children. Kids who consumed large amounts of UPFs often consumed lower volumes of whole foods, including fruits and vegetables. Overconsumption of UPFs has been linked to several negative health outcomes for children and teens, including an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods in Children
Major health risks for children who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods include an increased risk of diabetes, fatty liver disease, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and other serious health issues. The increase in ultra-processed foods correlates with an astounding rise in pediatric health issues that were previously found mainly in adult populations, such as Type-2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other diet-related conditions.
Childhood Obesity and Excess Weight Gain
When consumed in large amounts, ultra-processed foods can increase a child’s risk of obesity and excess weight gain. UPFs are generally calorie-dense, nutrient-poor substances. The additives and artificial ingredients often found in UPFs make them more appealing and may lead to overeating or excessive calorie consumption. The high sugar and fat content of these substances can lead to rapid weight gain and the accumulation of fat.
Multiple studies, including one published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that the consumption of UPFs may significantly increase a child’s risk of obesity and may increase a child’s BMI and body fat percentage.
Type-2 Diabetes
Ultra-processed foods have long been linked with the development or an increased risk of Type-2 diabetes. It is also believed that UPFs may be responsible for the alarming increase in the number of children diagnosed with the condition. This growing health crisis has been intensified by the availability of UPFs, such as soft drinks, candy, and sugary snacks. Parents of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they think their children developed the disease due to a diet high in UPFs.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Experts believe that ultra-processed foods may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly in children. Children consume the largest amounts of UPFs. Prior to the rise in UPFs in the market, NAFLD was not commonly diagnosed among children. It is believed that the added sugars and high fructose corn syrup, often found in UPFs may be the reason for the increased risk of the condition. Left untreated, NAFLD can cause severe liver problems.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease Risks
Ultra-processed foods have been linked to various health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. What’s more concerning is the increase in the rates of these conditions in children.
A study published in the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, highlighted that the connection between UPFs and heart disease may be related to the significant amounts of saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium that are generally present in these foods. According to this study, individuals with the highest UPF intake had a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 23% greater risk of coronary heart disease.
Poor Gut Health and Digestive Problems
Ultra-processed foods may negatively impact a child’s gut health and digestion. There is growing evidence, including a study published in Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, that points to a connection between UPFs and gut disease. UPFs may cause inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome. Things like the additives and preservatives put in UPFs may adversely affect gut health, resulting in bloating, constipation, and IBS.
Impact on Brain Development and Cognitive Function
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), participants had a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline when at least 20% of their daily calories came from UPFs. In some instances, children who consumed large amounts of UPFs had lower cognitive test scores. It is believed the additives and preservatives used to create ultra-processed foods may affect the brain and its healthy development. Additionally, when UPFs replace healthier alternatives, children are not consuming the nutrients they need to develop. These nutrient deficiencies can impair brain function, the ability to learn, and memory.
Dental Health Issues
In addition to cardiovascular problems and adverse health conditions, it is also believed that UPFs may contribute to poor dental health in children. The high sugar content in ultra-processed foods may cause cavities and tooth decay in children, while sodas with high acidity and juices with added sugar can weaken the enamel on teeth, leading to erosion. Additionally, UPFs often lack beneficial nutrients, such as calcium and vitamins, which make stronger teeth. When UPFs replace whole foods in a child’s diet, these essential nutrients are consumed at lower rates.
Emotional and Behavioral Effects of Processed Foods
It has long been established that a person’s dietary habits may affect their emotional and behavioral health. New studies, however, help to identify the connection between these two things. Research shows that children whose diet consists primarily of ultra-processed foods may be at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity. To reduce the risk of emotional and behavioral disorders in children, it is recommended that they eat a well-balanced meal with minimally processed foods.
Long-Term Consequences of Processed Food Consumption in Childhood
There are several long-term consequences of consuming UPFs, particularly when the consumption begins in childhood. Children raised on UPFs have a higher risk of developing serious, long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, and metabolic disorders.
Establishing healthy eating habits at an early age is often critical to ensure healthy dietary habits as an adult since these habits can be challenging to reverse.
How Parents Can Reduce Processed Food Intake
Experts recommend that parents help limit their children’s consumption of ultra-processed foods by offering whole or minimally processed foods. Reducing the amount of fast food that your family eats and eating fewer prepared, ready-to-eat, or frozen foods can result in a more balanced diet. When choosing foods at the grocery store, experts recommend choosing fruits, vegetables, and foods with limited processing whenever possible. Involving children in cooking and meal preparation can help to promote the consumption of these healthier alternatives.
Legal Actions Against Processed Food Manufacturers
Parents of children who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or other diet-related conditions may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of ultra-processed foods. Lawsuits allege that the companies engaged in deceptive marketing practices, purposefully targeting children.
The attorneys at King Law have extensive experience handling lawsuits against large corporations and can help pursue legal action on behalf of families affected by adverse health conditions from UPFs. It is vital to act quickly, as there may only be a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit.
Contact an Ultra-Processed Foods Attorney Today
Individuals or parents of children who have been diagnosed with a health problem related to the consumption of ultra-processed foods are encouraged to consult with an attorney. The attorneys at King Law offer a free case evaluation and can help determine eligibility. We can help you understand how to file a lawsuit related to diseases caused by ultra-processed food consumption. Cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees. Affected families should submit a form online or call (585) 684-7233.