One problem in determining just what about ultra-processed food is bad is that such foods are typically low in nutrients, so it’s hard to know whether the problems UPFs may cause is due to nutritional deficiencies, or to something about the processing itself.

This has implications for people with celiac disease, as another study found that celiac disease patients who consumed more ultra-processed gluten free food had more evidence of oxidative stress and inflammation than those consuming a more Mediterranean type diet.