News

Fresh warnings on ultra-processed foods

A major three-paper series in The Lancet has raised concerns that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are quickly replacing fresh and minimally processed meals around the world. The research links the growing consumption of UPFs to poorer diet quality and higher risks of several chronic diseases.

The authors state that although further research on UPFs will enhance our understanding of them, the current science is already strong enough to justify urgent public health action. They warn that any delay would allow UPFs to become even more entrenched in diets around the world. The series stresses the fact that improving diets cannot be down to individual choices alone. In order for meaningful progress to take place, we need coordinated policies limiting the production, marketing and availability of UPFs, and we must also address the high levels of fat, sugar and salt in the food supply, while expanding the public’s access to healthier options.

The authors describe UPFs as products of an industrialised food system driven primarily by corporate profit than nutrition or sustainability. They warn that only a unified international effort can counter the political influence of UPF companies which continues to be the biggest barrier to effective dietary policy reform.

UK population is lacking in nutrients

New research has found that the UK is falling short on key nutrients. And experts say this could have a significant impact on the long-term health of our brains, hearts and immune systems.

The review, which was commissioned by the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS) examines data from the latest UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2019 to 2023. It also takes into account findings from a 2025 research study commissioned by HSIS, which explores public knowledge and understanding of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr Emma Derbyshire, who co-authored the research and is a public health nutritionist for HSIS, said: “According to the new real-world data, just half (48%) of people believe that healthy eating is important throughout life, whereas we all need optimal levels of nutrients from childhood to old age. What’s really surprising is how many people aren’t even meeting the Lower Reference Nutrient Intakes (LRNI) of certain nutrients – that’s the absolute minimum for health. While the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) is the amount that meets the needs of about 97.5% of people, the LRNI is enough for only around 2.5% with the lowest requirements. As a result, whatever your age, everyone needs to be bridging dietary gaps with a multivitamin and multimineral supplement including vitamin D and, for those who don’t eat fish, it’s vital that they also include an omega-3 or fish oil supplement.” The findings were published in the Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences.

Can chocolate help to slow ageing?

A natural chemical found in dark chocolate may play a subtle role in helping the body to age more slowly, according to new research from King’s College London. The study found that people with higher levels of theobromine, a plant compound found in cocoa, tended to have a biological age that appeared younger than their actual years.

Researchers analysed data from two European cohorts, including 509 participants from TwinsUK and 1,160 from the KORA study. They compared blood levels of theobromine with biological ageing markers measured through DNA methylation patterns and telomere length. Theobromine was the only cocoa-related compound to show this association.

Professor Jordana Bell, senior author and Professor in Epigenomics at King’s College London, said: “Our study finds links between a key component of dark chocolate and staying younger for longer. While we’re not saying that people should eat more dark chocolate, this research can help us understand how everyday foods may hold clues to healthier, longer lives.”

The study was published in the journal Aging.

Daily multivitamin may support healthy blood pressure

A large US study suggests that daily multivitamins may help certain older adults to maintain healthier blood pressure over time – particularly those with poorer diets and normal readings at the start. The findings come from a secondary analysis of the COSMOS trial, a major randomised, placebo-controlled study involving 8,905 older participants who took either a multivitamin or a placebo for a median of 3.4 years.

While the overall results showed no broad effect on hypertension risk, the researchers from Mass General Brigham found small but statistically significant benefits in specific subgroups. Older adults with lower quality diets had a reduced risk of developing hypertension, and those with normal baseline blood pressure experienced slight reductions in their readings over two years.

“Nutrition is one of the cornerstones for controlling blood pressure,” said corresponding author Rikuta Hamaya, MD, PhD, MS. The team emphasised that multivitamins are not a universal solution but may support blood pressure in individuals with dietary gaps.