Association between ultra-processed food intake, depression risk and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults

Background: This investigation aimed to evaluate the relationship between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake and indicators of depression and quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling older adults.Methods: In this community-based cross-sectional study, 368 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.11 ± 6.21 years; 55.2% women) were recruited from local health centers. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer and physical activity was evaluated with a validated short-form questionnaire. Dietary intake was captured through a self-administered 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, with UPFs classified according to the NOVA system and categorized into tertiles.Results: A clear, stepwise increase in depression prevalence was observed across ascending tertiles of UPFs intake (P < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, higher UPFs intake remained significantly associated with greater odds of depression in the overall population (T2 vs. T1: OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.43–3.17; P < 0.001 and T3 vs. T1: OR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01–2.22; P = 0.041). Sex-stratified analyses revealed that these associations were significant among women (T2 vs. T1: OR = 3.27; 95% CI, 1.85–5.77; P < 0.001 and T3 vs. T1: OR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.22–3.59; P = 0.007), whereas no significant associations emerged in men. In contrast, UPFs intake was not significantly associated with low QoL.Conclusion: Higher UPF intake is significantly associated with an elevated prevalence of depression among community-dwelling older adults, with women appearing particularly susceptible. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causal pathways.