Advancements in Human Nutrition Research

Human nutrition research using the NOVA classification system has been utilized to study the effects of diet on health and diseases. NOVA defined the terms “ultra-processed (UPF), processed, and minimally processed foods” according to the nature, extent and purpose of industrial processing and applies the classification to human foods and culinary ingredients. Using the NOVA system, a vast number of epidemiological studies have been published to include data from 45 meta-analysis and encompassing almost 10 million human study participants. Direct associations are reported between increased intake of UPFs and 32 health parameters including cancers, metabolic syndrome, mental health, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal diseases and life span. Currently countries are using the NOVA system and its UPF descriptor to update and develop human nutrition guidelines and policies. In the veterinary literature there are few studies, much less meta-analysis of diet effects on pet health, disease states, and longevity. Can we apply the concepts, science, and information derived from this growing body of human nutrition research to companion animal nutrition?