Ultra-processed food intake and prevalence of osteoporosis in US adults aged 50 years and older: a cross-sectional analysis.

Dietary quality may be a factor in the progression of non-communicable, chronic diseases. This analysis of NHANES data demonstrates association between consumption of UPF and prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in adults 50 years and older. UPF intake is an important consideration when recommending dietary patterns for optimum bone health PURPOSE: Declining bone mineral density in older adults can result in osteoporosis, leading to decreased physical function, quality of life, and increased risk of mortality. Poor dietary quality may contribute to the progression of this disease. This study explores the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in adults aged 50 years and older.

Method: Using regression analysis and adjusting for covariates, 24-h recall data from adults 50 years and over in four cycles of NHANES were examined for associations between prevalence of osteoporosis and intakes of UPF as a proportion of daily energy intake.

Results: Mean (SE) intake of UPF as a proportion of total daily energy ranged from 29.5% (0.3) in the lowest quintile to 76.3% (0.3) in the highest. 50.5% of women and 28.0% of men had osteopenia, 8.2% and 1.8%, respectively, had osteoporosis. Increased risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis was observed in the highest quintile of UPF intake compared to that of the lowest: OR 1.52 (95% CI 1.28, 1.79). The odds of self-reported prior fractures at hip, wrist, or spine in women increased by 1.9% for every percentage increase in proportion of UPF intake (95% CI 1.003, 1.035). Increased risk of fracture was not observed among men.

Conclusions: These findings indicate an association between osteoporosis and osteopenia and the intake of UPF as a proportion of total daily energy. Further investigation into the impact of dietary quality on osteoporosis and fracture risk is warranted, particularly in post-menopausal women.