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Processed Foods Tied to Increased Colon Polyps in Women Under 50
15 Nov
Summary
- Women who eat more ultra-processed foods have higher risk of colon polyps before age 50
- Processed foods often contain less fiber, more sugar, salt, fat, and additives
- Findings suggest diet may play a role in rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults
According to a study published in 2025, women who eat more ultra-processed foods on a daily basis have a greater risk of developing colorectal polyps before age 50 compared to those who consume less of these processed foods. The observational study examined 24 years of health and dietary data from over 29,000 women under 50.
The researchers found that women reporting 9-10 daily servings of ultra-processed foods had a 45% higher likelihood of developing colon polyps before turning 50, compared to those who consumed just 3 servings per day on average. Ultra-processed foods often contain less fiber and more sugar, salt, fat, and additives than minimally processed or whole foods.
Experts say these findings provide clues into the potential role of diet in the development of early-onset colorectal cancer. While not all polyps turn into cancer, they can be precursors to the disease. The study's senior author notes that even small, benign polyps have some malignant potential if left untreated.
The rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults in recent decades cannot be fully explained by typical risk factors like obesity or sedentary behavior. As ultra-processed foods now make up over half of the average American's caloric intake, the new research suggests this dietary shift may be one factor contributing to the troubling trend.
