NIN links ultra-processed foods to elevated BP

ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition researchers in Hyderabad reported on May 23 that higher consumption of high-fat and high-salt ultra-processed foods was associated with elevated blood pressure among urban young adults. The findings came from a cross-sectional study of 311 undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 from three colleges in Hyderabad, according to the paper and a report by The Hindu. The study found 12.5% of participants had high blood pressure, defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher. Researchers said the prevalence was higher among males and among students older than 20. ### Which foods did the researchers look at? The study used a 24-item food frequency questionnaire covering the previous month to track commonly consumed ultra-processed foods. The Hindu said the list included items such as biscuits, chocolates and packaged snacks, which the researchers described as part of an ongoing nutrition transition among urban youth in India. The Nutrients paper said the analysis focused on patterns of high-fat and high-salt ultra-processed food intake rather than broad dietary variety alone. The authors wrote that specific categories and frequency of intake were more closely linked to early blood-pressure risk. ### How strong was the association with blood pressure? The Nutrients paper, published on May 20, said students consuming high-fat and/or high-salt ultra-processed foods at or above the median level had adjusted odds of high blood pressure of 2.85, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.16 to 6.99. After adjustment for age, sex and socioeconomic variables, males had adjusted odds of 4.96, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.64 to 15.01. The Hindu reported that the association was strongest among males in the Hyderabad sample. The paper itself said the prevalence of high blood pressure was higher among males and among those above age 20, while students from higher-income households also had significantly higher odds, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.22. ### Was this a causal finding? The researchers described the work as a cross-sectional study, which means it measured diet patterns and blood pressure at one point in time rather than tracking participants over years. The paper said the results showed an association between higher intake of certain ultra-processed foods and elevated blood pressure, not proof that the foods directly caused hypertension. The authors said the findings warrant further longitudinal investigation. They added that the results could help inform dietary awareness efforts and food-environment interventions in college settings. ### Why did students say they ate these foods? The Nutrients paper said taste, availability and low cost were common drivers of ultra-processed food intake. The Hindu used similar language, reporting that taste, affordability and easy availability were key reasons students consumed them. The Hindu also said hostel residents showed a slightly higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure than students living at home, though that relationship was not statistically significant after adjustment. In comments reported by the newspaper, SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu said the findings were consistent with broader trends in NFHS-5 showing rising hypertension among adolescents and young adults. ### Who conducted the study, and where can readers check it? The paper listed Karthikeyan Ramanujam, Abhigna Mahathi, Jarupula Namrathaa Pawar, Maheshwari Matla, Harichandana Ponnapalli, Vinay Kumar Soma, Keerthana Gajjala, SuryaGoud S. Chukkala, Mahesh Kumar Mummadi, SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu, G Bhanuprakash Reddy, Jagajeevan Babu Geddam and Samarasimha Nusi Reddy as authors. The authors are affiliated with the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad. Nutrients published the paper on May 20, 2026, after acceptance on April 23, according to the journal entry. The Hindu’s report appeared on May 23, and both the journal paper and that report set out the sample, the blood-pressure threshold and the sex-specific findings.