Consumption of ultra-processed foods and its impact on health outcomes in hemodialysis patients: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Aim The present study aims to evaluate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and negative outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods The sample consisted of individuals of both sexes, aged≥18 years. At the time of inclusion in the study, participants responded to information about food consumption. The 24-h food recall was used to estimate food consumption. The Nova classification was adopted for the qualitative evaluation of foods in four groups: in nature, minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed. Patients were followed for 6 months, and the combined outcomes, defined as the occurrence of either hospitalization or mortality from all causes, was assessed. Results Of the 137 hemodialysis patients evaluated, 25.5% presented combined outcomes (hospitalization or all-cause mortality). The consumption of ultra-processed foods was high (82.5%), although the multiple logistic regression analysis did not demonstrate a statistically significant association between the consumption of these foods and the outcomes. The odds ratio (OR) for the consumption of ultra-processed foods was 0.15 (95% CI: 0.00–6.24; p=0.319) in the adjusted model. None of the other food groups, according to the NOVA classification, showed a significant association with the analyzed outcomes. Conclusion Food consumption according to the Nova classification was not associated with outcomes in HD patients. However, it was possible to verify in this population a high consumption of ultra-processed foods, accompanied by low caloric and protein intake.