Continuing Professional Education

Ultra-Processed Foods: Research on Cardiovascular Health and Cancer – Nuances Matter for Sound Advice

CPE on ultra-processed foods can be symbolized by this Sherlock Holmes vignette representing care with nuances & reasoning when reviewing this research

CPEU Credits: 1.5

Cost: $35

CPE Level: 2

Format: Text

Suggested Performance Indicators: 3.2.3; 5.1.2; 7.3.1; 9.2.3

Topic Areas: Cancer Risk & Survivorship, Cardio-Oncology, Cardiovascular Health, General Wellbeing

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Program Description:

Ultra-processed foods are frequently in the headlines, so nutrition professionals need to be able to look at the research and provide clarity on the subject to our patients and clients. This CPE course will equip you to understand the complexities of how foods are categorized by processing level — including the differences between processed foods and ultra-processed foods — and important details that are often overlooked in headlines and summaries.

You will gain a deeper understanding of what research does and does not show about how ultra-processed food consumption may be linked to risk of weight gain and obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and overall poor health. Nuances in the research are important to accurately translate this research into advice.

Skip spending hours examining the intricacies in the multitude of studies in this growing field. After completing this course, you will feel comfortable going beyond oversimplified generalizations to provide solid, personalized guidance around ultra-processed foods based on the key points summarized here.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Explain the NOVA definitions for classifying foods by level of processing, including common misconceptions and nuances about each level and what differentiates ultra-processed foods from processed foods.
  • Summarize the strength of evidence regarding the association of ultra-processed foods and adiposity, cardiovascular health, and cancer risk.
  • Describe at least three ways that diet quality can influence associations of ultra-processed foods and health.
  • Identify important nuances to include in three key points for talking with patients and clients about ultra-processed foods in their diet.

 

Relationship Disclosures

Karen Collins, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND

Ongoing consultant role: Nutrition Advisor, American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
Paid speaking engagements: Soy Nutrition Institute Global

CDR Activity Type: 175

CDR Activity: 185056

Approved for CPEU through: 08/29/2027

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