Abstract Body: Introduction: Ultra-processed food and beverage (UPF) consumption has been linked with several adverse cardiovascular outcomes, yet its association with detailed characterization of carotid atherosclerosis remains less explored.
Objectives: To examine cross-sectional associations between UPF consumption and carotid artery plaque measurements assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods: A total of 895 white participants (mean age 71 years, 54% female) from the Carotid MRI visit (2004-2005) were stratified sampled from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and were included in the analysis. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, with food processing levels categorized according to the NOVA classification. Carotid artery imaging was performed using MRI and analyzed with semiautomated software. Weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between quartiles of UPF consumption and standardized plaque measurements or lipid core presence, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.
Results: Higher UPF consumption was positively associated with total wall volume [beta-coefficient (β) = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-0.48], total lipid core volume (β = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.16-0.90), maximum segmental wall thickness (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.44), and maximum lipid core area (β = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.11-0.85). UPF consumption was not significantly associated with the presence of lipid core (Figure).
Conclusion: Higher intake of UPFs was associated with a greater burden of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery. Dietary modifications to minimize UPFs should be considered to prevent vascular changes and future systemic vascular diseases.