Consumption of Ultra-processed Food and Risk of Depression

PMID: 37728928
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37728928/
https://youtu.be/ZLlCbDe6OC8

Previous research has linked higher intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) to metabolic disorders such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. This study sought to examine the prospective association between UPF and incident depression.

Like previous studies, those with the highest intake of UPF were more likely to smoke, have a higher BMI, and have metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and be more likely to be sedentary. Compared to the group who ate the lowest amount of UPF, the group who ate the highest amount had a 49% increased risk of depression. This was not materially changed when adjusted for several confounders, including total calorie intake, BMI, physical activity, and other variables. Reducing UPF intake by three servings per day had a 16% lower risk of depression compared to individuals with a stable intake of UPF in a 4-year period.

More research is needed in this area, but it adds to the evidence that getting most of our calories from minimally processed and whole foods is ideal for optimal health.

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Presence and Quantity of Botanical Ingredients With Purported Performance-Enhancing Properties in Sports Supplements

PMID: 37459101
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37459101/
https://youtu.be/rQD7BwRE75o

It's a myth that the supplement industry is unregulated. The FDA creates standards for supplement companies to follow. However, they only investigate these companies after a complaint about a product has been filed. The FDA also does not preapprove supplement ingredients nor require safety or efficacy data before a supplement hits the market.

We have seen recent studies where supplements were analyzed, and there were significant discrepancies in the content and amount of specified ingredients. This study looked at supplements with performance-enhancing ingredients. Only 11% contained the component in an amount within 10% of what was on the label, and 12% had products that the FDA banned. 40%  did not contain any detectable amount of the ingredient in question. The range of the specified ingredient could vary between 0.02% and 334% of what was present on the label.

We have seen recent studies where supplements were analyzed, and there were significant discrepancies in the content and amount of specified ingredients. This study looked at supplements with performance-enhancing ingredients. Only 11% contained the component in an amount within 10% of what was on the label, and 12% had products that the FDA banned. 40%  did not contain any detectable amount of the ingredient in question. The range of the specified ingredient could vary between 0.02% and 334% of what was present on the label.