Scientists can detect junk food consumption in blood and urine tests

Scientists can detect junk food consumption in blood and urine tests

Biomarkers could provide insights into how ultraprocessed foods impact health

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have developed the first test to objectively measure ultraprocessed food intake through blood and urine. (iStock)

Using machine learning, the team identified hundreds of metabolites that correlated with processed food intake. (iStock)

Ultraprocessed foods are defined as "ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat, industrially manufactured products, typically high in calories and low in essential nutrients," according to the NIH. (iStock)