A study published in Radiology reports on a cross-sectional secondary analysis, which found that higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with a greater buildup of fat in thigh muscles, based on MRI scan data. This research specifically included over 600 participants who were at risk for knee osteoarthritis .
The data reveals another factor that may affect the muscles and adds to knowledge of the possible dangers of eating higher amounts of ultra-processed foods. As noted in this research, ultra-processed foods contain additives as well as high levels of sugar and salt.
How ultra-processed foods relate to muscle quality hasn’t been a major focus of research. This analysis was a cross-sectional secondary analysis that used baseline information from a long-term study called the Osteoarthritis Initiative .
For the current analysis, participants were at risk for knee osteoarthritis, a condition where there can also be muscle problems. Participants did not have hip or knee osteoarthritis, or other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes .
However, some participants had radiographic data that could indicate early osteoarthritis.
The study examined associations between diet quality, specifically intake of ultra-processed foods, and thigh muscle fat infiltration as assessed by MRI.
The sample comprised 615 adults at risk for knee osteoarthritis; participants did not have hip or knee osteoarthritis at baseline, nor were they diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
Some participants possessed radiographic indicators suggesting early osteoarthritis.