The Study
Association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and C-reactive protein: findings from study of cardiovascular risks in adolescents (ERICA)
This study looked at what teens ate and checked their blood for a sign of inflammation, but it didn't watch them over time. So we can't say if eating more junk food made them inflamed, or if kids who were already a little inflamed just ate more junk food. It only shows a tiny hint that they might be connected.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
Scientists checked if teens who ate a lot of packaged foods like chips, sodas, and instant noodles had more inflammation in their blood.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 544 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Even though the link is small and only seen with total UPF intake, over 1 in 7 teens had signs of inflammation — which could matter for long-term health.
- 2Teens who ate more than 44.9% of their calories from packaged foods had a tiny bit more inflammation (3.9% higher chance), but eating specific items like soda or candy didn't link to inflammation.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
British Journal of Nutrition
Year
2025
Authors
Gabriela Rocha Dos Santos, Priscila Bárbara Zanini Rosa, N. Martins, Larissa Loures Mendes, A. S. do Carmo, B. Schaan, F. Cureau
Related Content
Claims (6)
People who consume large amounts of animal protein and ultra-processed foods have higher levels of systemic inflammation and a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disease.
Adolescents who consume more ultra-processed foods have higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, regardless of their body fat, activity level, smoking, alcohol use, or socioeconomic background.
In Brazilian adolescents aged 12–17, eating specific ultra-processed foods like sugary drinks, processed meats, sweets, dairy beverages, or carbohydrate-rich ultra-processed foods does not correlate with higher levels of C-reactive protein above 3 mg/L, although overall ultra-processed food intake shows a modest association.
Among Brazilian teenagers aged 12 to 17, ultra-processed foods make up 31.7% of their daily calories, and no specific type of ultra-processed food has been clearly linked to inflammation levels.
In Brazil, 13.7% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 have blood levels of C-reactive protein above 3 mg/L, which is a recognized indicator of systemic inflammation.
Brazilian adolescents aged 12–17 who get at least 44.9% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods have a 3.9% higher rate of low-grade inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein levels above 3 mg/L, compared to those who consume less, after accounting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and body composition.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.