Ultra-processed foods and gut microbiota

Ultra-processed foods are industrially formulated edible substances that are usually pre-packaged, easy to prepare, high in energy, and low in nutrients. This type of food is common in the Western diet, and numerous studies have confirmed its contribution to non-communicable diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. Ultra-processed foods are thought to affect the body differently, including causing gut microbiome changes. This article reviews the available studies on the effects of ultra-processed foods on the gut microbiota. Future research on the mechanisms by which ultra-processed foods affect the body, including through effects on the gut microbiome, will be important to refine the understanding of their impact on human health.