What parents should know about ultra processed foods

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Parents of young children know that a day doesn’t go by when they don’t spend some portion of the day thinking about their youngster’s health. Whether it’s getting kids to bed on time so they can reap the rewards of sufficient sleep or taking steps to protect children’s mental health or encouraging kids to be physically active, parents make various daily decisions with their youngsters’ health in mind.

Parents’ choices regarding kids’ diets are equally important and consequential decisions. Ultra processed foods have garnered increased attention in recent years and curious parents can consider this rundown as they seek to make healthy dietary choices for their children.

Defining ultra processed foods

The National Academy of Medicine notes that the term “ultra processed foods” is typically defined as any food containing an ingredient not typically found in a home kitchen or restaurant. Ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup fit that description.

The concern surrounding ultra processed foods

Much of the concern about ultra processed foods is not necessarily the items themselves but the frequency with which they tend to be eaten. Consuming the occasional food containing high fructose corn syrup likely won’t have a significant impact on a person’s overall health if that individual is consuming sufficient amounts of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well. But the NAM notes that ultra processed foods are engineered to feature an almost irresistible flavor profile, which makes it difficult for anyone, but especially children, who have limited impulse control, to avoid overconsumption.

Therein lies the danger of ultra processed foods, which tend to contain higher amounts of sugar, salt and saturated fat than whole foods or minimally processed items. Adults may recognize when it’s time to stop eating less nutritious foods, regardless of how appealing they might be. But children are unlikely to stop eating something if it tastes good, regardless of its questionable nutritional profile.

Kids who grow accustomed to eating large amounts of ultra processed foods could be in jeopardy of developing conditions such as obesity or heart disease that are linked to overconsumption of sugar, salt and saturated fat.

Examples of ultra processed foods

The World Health Organization notes that sugary snacks, including candy and baked goods, and sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, are some popular examples of ultra processed foods. Potato chips and some commercially produced breads, including white bread sold at supermarkets, are some additional examples of ultra processed foods.

Parents concerned about the effects of ultra processed foods on their children’s health are urged to discuss alternatives with a pediatrician. Children old enough to understand the benefits of a nutritious diet can be included in such discussions so they gain a greater understanding of the dangers of excessive consumption of ultra processed foods.