Approved Research

Association Between Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Risk of Incident CKD: A Cross-sectional and Prospective Analysis in the UK Biobank

Lay summary

Aims:The aim of our research project is to investigate the relationship between eating highly processed foods and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). We want to understand if there is a connection between the consumption of these foods and the likelihood of developing CKD.

Scientific Rationale: We are aware that processed foods have become more common in our diets. These foods tend to be high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, while being low in essential nutrients. Some studies have suggested that eating too many processed foods can lead to various health problems, like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, we don't know much about the link between processed food consumption and kidney health. Understanding this potential connection is important because it can help guide us towards making healthier food choices and preventing CKD. Our research project will involve analyzing data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale study that follows a large number of people over time. We will look at the participants' diets and track their kidney health to see if there is an increased risk of CKD among those who consume a lot of processed foods.

Project Duration: This research project is expected to take three years to complete. This timeframe will allow us to thoroughly analyze the data, considering factors that may influence the results, and account for long-term dietary patterns and kidney health outcomes.

Public Health Impact: The findings from this research project can have a significant impact on public health efforts aimed at preventing kidney disease. If we can establish a clear link between eating processed foods and the risk of developing CKD, it can help raise awareness about the importance of diet for kidney health.

In summary, our research project aims to investigate the association between processed food consumption and the risk of developing CKD. By exploring this connection, we hope to provide valuable insights that can inform public health strategies and contribute to preventing CKD.