A group of Spanish researchers warn that the high amount of ultra-processed food eaten by toddlers may cause misaligned teeth and underdeveloped jaws.
According to a report from The Telegraph, a team of researchers from the Catholic University of Valencia suggest that the softness of ultra-processed foods may prevent the growth of jaw muscles and the jaw itself, resulting in other dental side effects.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are made from heavily refined ingredients, combined with additives, to mimic the taste, appearance and texture of real food. They include a wide variety of products, including sugary breakfast cereals, frozen ready-to-eat meals, soda and chips.
These types of food products often contain emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners and preservatives that are used to enhance the taste, texture and shelf-life of the products while offering no real nutritional benefits.
Evidence in recent years has raised concerns about the link between ultra-processed foods and metabolic disruptions, chronic inflammation and increased risks of chronic illnesses.
As a result, a growing number of lawyers across the U.S. are now investigating potential ultra-processed food lawsuits for families of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or fatty liver disease, claiming that the food industry has failed to disclose health risks, while employing marketing practices that prioritized profits over consumer safety.