Ultra-processed food intake is associated with improved nutrient profile but not associated with metabolic syndrome in US children

Background: Studies have linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). It is not known if UPF consumption is associated with MetSyn in US children Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the consumption of UPF and MetSyn in US children utilizing the data from the nationally representative sample surveys. Methods: We used two cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys, 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. The study sample consisted of 5515 children aged ˂19 years old. MetSyn was defined according to the ATP III criteria. Multivariate regression models were used to determine the association between UPF consumption and MetSyn.