The Claim

Higher intake of ultra-processed foods in the 'meat, fish, and cheese' category is associated with decreased abundance of Agathobacter and Coprococcus and increased abundance of Actinomyces in the gut microbiota of adults.

Source: Link between ultra-processed foods and drinks intake, gut microbiota and inflammation: an exploratory analysis in adult volunteers.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
44score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Adults who consume more ultra-processed foods from the meat, fish, and cheese category have lower levels of Agathobacter and Coprococcus bacteria and higher levels of Actinomyces bacteria in their gut.

See the scientific wording

Higher intake of ultra-processed foods in the 'meat, fish, and cheese' category is associated with decreased abundance of Agathobacter and Coprococcus and increased abundance of Actinomyces in the gut microbiota of adults.

Why this might work

Eating ultra-processed meat, fish, and cheese introduces chemical preservatives and removes natural fibers, which kills off beneficial bacteria that feed on fiber and lets bacteria that thrive on chemicals take over.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Link between ultra-processed foods and drinks intake, gut microbiota and inflammation: an exploratory analysis in adult volunteers.

    People who ate more ultra-processed meat, fish, and cheese products had less of two helpful gut bacteria (Agathobacter and Coprococcus) and more of another type (Actinomyces), just like the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.