Os efeitos dos alimentos ultraprocessados na saúde infantil: uma revisão.

Abstract

The consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased exceptionally, mainly due to the systematization of industrial food production. However, the replacement of minimally processed or natural foods with ultra-processed foods is related to adverse health consequences and increases cardiometabolic risk in adults, adolescents and, more intensely, in children. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the consumption of ultra-processed foods on the health of children. To this end, an integrative literature review was carried out, with scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025 found using the descriptors, Boolean operators and/or keywords “Ultra-processed foods; child health; children”, in the following databases and databases: Medline, PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS), Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and other documents from national and international health committees, to answer the guiding question “What are the effects of the consumption of ultra-processed foods on the physical and mental health of children?”. The results presented in (chart, table) with the variables demonstrate that the consumption of ultra-processed foods during childhood is directly associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic diseases, obesity and nutritional deficiencies. It is expected that, with this research, in addition to many others, awareness will be raised about the risk of these foods in childhood, helping to improve children's quality of life; learning about the association between ultra-processed foods and the emergence of chronic diseases, in addition to changes in child growth and informing consumers and health professionals, thus contributing to the evidence base for future research and practices, in addition to generating guidelines that support activities to promote healthier eating.