
Ultra-processed foods tied to behavior issues in preschoolers, study says
A University of Toronto–led analysis of 2,077 Canadian three-year-olds found that higher ultra-processed food intake at age three is linked to more behavioral and emotional problems by age five; for every 10% increase in calories from UPFs, children showed higher internalizing (anxiety, fear) and externalizing (aggression, hyperactivity) scores, with sweets, breads, and ready-to-eat dishes among the main contributors. Researchers urge a holistic view that considers environmental factors and caution against blaming families, noting the long-term impact of early dietary habits.







