Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially altered products – like soda, snacks and processed meats – packed with additives and stripped of nutrients. Until now, there have been limited data from nationally representative U.S. populations on the link between UPF intake and hs-CRP levels. Adults aged 50 to 59 had a 26% higher risk of elevated inflammatory markers compared to those aged 18 to 29. They used statistical methods, including logistic regression, to examine the link between UPF consumption and inflammation. “The multinational companies that produce ultra-processed foods are very influential, much like tobacco companies were in the past, so policy changes to promote whole foods and reduce UPF consumption may take time,” said Hennekens.