The association of ultra-processed food intake with neurodegenerative disorders: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of large-scale cohorts.

Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to uncover the relationship between UPFs intake and neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), cognitive impairment, and dementia. A systematic search was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and ISI Web of Science databases without any limitation until June 24, 2023. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled by using a random-effects model, while validated methods examined quality and publication bias via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, Egger's regression asymmetry, and Begg's rank correlation tests, respectively. Analysis from 28 studies indicated that a higher UPFs intake was significantly related to an enhanced risk of MS (RR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.33; I These findings indicate that persistent overconsumption of UPFs may have an adverse impact on neurodegenerative conditions, potentially leading to a decline in quality of life and reduced independence as individuals age.