Ultra-processed food intake and its nutritional consequences among youth when consuming vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian or omnivore diets: a cross-sectional study.

backgroundDietary recommendations promote a predominantly plant-based diet, and the growing interest in such diets has resulted in an increased supply of ultra-processed plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods such as milk and meat. However, most evidence points towards adverse health effects of a high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF). The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in UPF intake and its nutritional consequences in a youth population in Sweden consuming vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian, or omnivore diets.

methodsIn total, 244 participants, 16-24 y old, participated in the cross-sectional study VeggiSkills-Sweden. Foods reported in four 24-h recalls were classified into UPF or non-UPF according to the Nova classification system. Percentage contribution of UPF to energy, nutrients, and other food components was investigated and compared between the four dietary groups. Associations between UPF intake and demographic variables, health-related lifestyle factors and nutrient status were analysed.

resultsVegans obtained more energy, nutrients (e.g., n-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B

conclusionsYouths adhering to a vegan diet obtained more energy and nutrients, including nutrients of concern in a plant-based diet, from UPFs than youth adhering to lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian or omnivore diets. As UPFs are defined today, authorities should be careful discouraging UPF intake while at the same time promoting a more plant-based diet among youths.