Ultra-Processed Food Intakes Are Associated with Depression in the General Population: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Women who are fans of ultra-processed foods may be highly susceptible to depression.

The purpose of this study was to determine depression risk level based on the frequency of consumption of ultra-processed foods. Researchers gathered data on the dietary choices and prevalence of depression in a study group made up of nearly 10,000 Korean men and women. 

Researchers noted that lovers of ultra-processed foods, particularly women, suffered from depressive symptoms at a higher rate than non-consumers of these types of foods. This study fingered ultra-processed food consumption as a risk factor for the occurrence of depression in females.