Research Square · Oct 19, 2026
Consumption of ultra-processed foods is positively associated with levels of pro- inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
By Longo GZ, Silva DCGd, Ferreira FG et al.
Menopause represents the end of reproductive years due to the definitive decrease in follicular activity and is associated with changes in women's physiology and hormonal balance. Women's dietary habits during this period play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases and mortality. We hypothesized that high consumption of UPF is associated with increased inflammatory markers, while MP is associated with decreased inflammatory markers. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 565 women residing in the municipality of Viçosa/MG, of whom 25% self-reported being menopausal. Dietary consumption was collected using a previously validated 119-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70) were considered the dependent variables, and multiple linear regression models were developed to identify the association between these markers and the consumption of processed foods by women. A negative association was identified between women who consumed minimally processed foods and pro-inflammatory markers. Conversely, those with higher ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption were positively associated with average levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A diet rich in ultra-processed foods was associated with increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p70, and TNF-α, while the consumption of minimally processed foods showed a negative association with TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, suggesting that dietary patterns play a determining role in the inflammatory profile of menopausal women.