Ultra-processed and animal-based foods have been the recent scourge of nutrition. Both have been associated with disease development and mortality in some studies.

A recent observational prospective study in North America, comprised of 77,437 supposedly health-conscious participants, examined the association of ultra-processed and animal-based foods with all-cause mortality.[1] The food frequency questionnaire assessed the proportion of dietary energy from ultra-processed foods and animal-based foods (red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs/dairy separately). Greater consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with higher all-cause mortality in this health-conscious population with many vegetarians. The total animal-based food consumption (meat, dairy, eggs) was not associated with mortality, but higher red meat intake was.[1] The authors concluded by suggesting that high consumption of ultra-processed foods may be an important indicator of mortality.

1 Orlich, Michael J, Sabaté, Joan, Mashchak, Andrew, Fresán, Ujué, Jaceldo-Siegl, Karen, Miles, Fayth & Fraser, Gary E. 2022. Ultra-processed food intake and animal-based food intake and mortality in the adventist health study-2. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac043.