GENEDIS 2026-ID[192]-[Ultra-Processed Foods, Child and Adolescent Health. From Metabolic Risks to Neurobehavioral Outcomes: A Narrative Review.]

INTRODUCTION: Ultra-processed foods(UPFs) account for a substantial proportion of the daily energy intake of children and adolescents worldwide. Concerns regarding UPF exposure may extend to even earlier stages of life, as maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and lactation may influence the intrauterine and early postnatal environment. Available evidence has suggested that high UPF consumption is associated with various adverse health outcomes. This narrative review aimed to synthesize recent studies on the association between UPF consumption, child and adolescent Health. METHODS: This review synthesized evidence from studies published primarily within the past six years and identified mainly through PubMed. Priority was given to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, while cohort studies, cross-sectional observational studies, and selected narrative reviews were also included. RESULTS: Higher UPF consumption during childhood and adolescence has been associated with obesity, adverse cardiometabolic outcomes, alterations in the gut microbiome and allergic and respiratory outcomes. Emerging evidence also suggested associations with poorer cognitive and executive functioning, psychosocial difficulties, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-related symptoms and sleep disturbances. Chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis and disruption of gut-brain signaling have been proposed as potential biological mechanisms underlying those associations.Evidence extending to earlier stages of life further suggests that greater maternal UPF consumption during pregnancy may be associated with differences in fetal growth and with less favorable cognitive, emotional and behavioral outcomes in offspring. During lactation, maternal UPF consumption has also been linked to infant nutritional and growth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: High UPF consumption during childhood and adolescence raises concerns regarding both the establishment of long-term dietary patterns and potential implications for physical, metabolic and neuropsychological health. Emerging evidence suggests that the potential relevance of UPF exposure may extend to even earlier stages of life, with maternal dietary consumption during pregnancy and lactation being associated with several offspring outcomes.