Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Intake and Nutritional Status in Patients With Scleroderma: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher



Moradi S ; Mehrabani S ; Ranjbar M ; Amirian P ; Zarpoosh M ; Wong A ; Gharibdoost F ; Kavosi H ; Mohammadi H
Source: Nutrire Published:2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the association between UPFs intake and indicators of nutritional status (malnutrition [GLIM criteria], weight loss and reduced food intake) in adults with Systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: Dietary intake was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and foods were classified by degree of processing using the NOVA system. Participants were stratified into tertiles of UPFs intake (T1: lowest; T3: highest). Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In fully adjusted models, higher UPFs intake was not significantly associated with any of the nutritional status outcomes. For reduced food intake, the adjusted OR for T3 versus T1 was 1.76 (95% CI: 0.62-5.00, P = 0.287). For weight loss, the adjusted OR was 1.46 (95% CI: 0.58–3.70, P = 0.417). For malnutrition diagnosed by GLIM criteria, the adjusted OR was 2.05 (95% CI: 0.81–5.18, P = 0.127). These null findings persisted despite a clear gradient in UPFs intake across tertiles and adequate adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusion: Higher UPF intake was not significantly associated with malnutrition, weight loss, or reduced food intake in this SSc population. However, wide confidence intervals indicate low precision, and a clinically meaningful association cannot be ruled out. Disease-specific factors such as gastrointestinal dysmotility and chronic inflammation may overshadow any independent effect of UPFs. While limiting UPFs remains advisable, nutritional interventions in SSc should prioritize managing gastrointestinal symptoms and ensuring adequate energy and protein intake. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.