French researchers have identified an association between a high consumption of ultraprocessed foods and active psoriasis, according to findings published in JAMA Dermatology.
In an analysis of 18,528 participants from the Nutri-Net-Santé cohort study, investigators found that individuals with the highest intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) showed higher rates of active psoriasis compared with those with lower consumption.
The cross-sectional study included 13,755 female patients (74%) and 4,773 male patients (26%) with a median age of 62 years. Of the total cohort, 1,825 participants (10%) reported having psoriasis, with 803 cases (4%) classified as active at the time of the survey.
The investigation revealed demographic differences between the groups. The active psoriasis cohort showed a lower proportion of female patients (68% vs 74% in never-had group) and higher rates of obesity (16% vs 9% in never-had group). High-intensity physical activity was less prevalent among those with active psoriasis (38% vs 42% in never-had group).
Comorbidity rates were higher in the active psoriasis group compared with those who never had psoriasis, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: 7% vs 5%
- Diabetes: 6% vs 4%
- Inflammatory bowel disease: 2% vs 1%
- Inflammatory rheumatism: 9% vs 3%.
The association between UPF intake and active psoriasis remained significant after adjustments for age, body mass index, alcohol intake, and comorbidities.
Study limitations included a study population that differed from the general French population in dietary habits. Additionally, the cross-sectional design prevented determination of whether increased UPF intake preceded or followed psoriasis flare-ups.
Lead author Laetitia Penso, PhD, of the Paris-Est University, and colleagues noted the need for larger-scale studies to investigate UPF's role in psoriasis onset.
The research received support from the French Society of Dermatology, with the broader Nutri-Net-Santé study receiving support from multiple French governmental and research institutions. Conflict of interest disclosures can be found in the study.
