Ultra-processed food consumption is positively associated with the incidence of depression in Brazilian adults (CUME project)

Individuals who enjoy consuming ultra-processed foods may have a high rate of occurrence of depression.

This study examined the processed foods-depression connection hypothesis. Researchers gathered information about the nutrition and mental health of 2,572 Brazilian men and women. 

Researchers discovered that high consumers of ultra-processed foods were more likely to be depressed than their counterparts who rarely ate or completely avoided these foods. The data from this study indicate that preference for ultra-processed foods may foster the onset of depression.