Intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease: a cross-sectional and prospective analysis of 187,154 participants in the UK Biobank.

Higher intake of UPFs was associated with higher incidence of CD, but not UC. In individuals with a pre-existing diagnosis of IBD, consumption of UPFs was significantly higher compared to controls, and was associated with an increased need for IBD-related surgery. Further studies are needed to address the impact of UPF intake on disease pathogenesis, and outcomes.