The Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Advanced Glycation End Products in University Students: Evidence From the Skin Autofluorescence Method

Abstract

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contribute substantially to total dietary energy intake and have been linked to various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). During industrial processing, UPFs are exposed to high heat, producing advanced glycation end products (AGEs). However, it remains unclear whether the consumption of AGE-rich UPFs influences AGE accumulation in skin collagen. This study aimed to examine the potential association between the frequency of UPF consumption and skin AGE levels among university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included university students at a foundation university in Istanbul between 2022 and 2023. Data including sociodemographic characteristics, health information, anthropometric measurements, skin AGE levels, 24-hour recall, and UPF frequency were gathered via face-to-face interviews. Results: The total sample included 535 participants (63.6% women) with a mean age of 20.9 ± 3.7 years. The percentage of UPF consumption was 35.2 ± 28.6%, with no significant difference between genders. The main contributors to the UPF intake of the students are chocolate (17%), carbonated beverages (11.8%), and packaged biscuits (9.3%), which have a high daily consumption rate. The average skin AGE levels for the overall students was 1.48 AU, significantly higher in women (1.49 AU) than men (1.45) (p = 0.041). However, the association between UPF consumption percentage and AGE levels were not statistically significant (p = 0.168). Conclusions: The consumption of UPF is a prevalent phenomenon among university students. Although this highlights the importance of elucidating the relationship between UPF consumption and skin AGE accumulation to prevent potential risks, our findings did not demonstrate a significant association between the two variables. Nonetheless, the use of non-invasive skin AGE measurement (SAF) remains a valuable tool for assessing long-term AGE-related health risks. Further comprehensive studies are required to gain a deeper understanding of this subject.