Effect of a single ultra processed meal on myocardial endothelial function, adenosine mediated effects and cognitive performances.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to various adverse health effects; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a single ultra-processed meal on myocardial blood flow (MBF), measured using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and its effects on cognitive performance. Fourteen healthy adult males were enrolled in a randomized crossover trial, receiving either a non-ultra-processed meal (comprising foods from NOVA groups 1 to 3) or an ultra-processed meal (comprising foods from NOVA groups 1 to 4) before crossing over to the alternate meal. After each meal, rubidium-chloride PET/CT scans were conducted at baseline and during intermediate (80 µg/kg/min) and high-dose adenosine (140 µg/kg/min). Neuropsychological testing followed each meal. MBF and MFR at intermediate-dose adenosine was significantly higher after the ultra-processed meal compared to the non-ultra-processed meal (1.62 vs. 1.22 mL/min/g, p = 0.015, and 2.43 vs. 1.88, p = 0.012, respectively), with a mean relative difference of 40.7%. No significant differences were observed between the meals at baseline or high-dose adenosine for both MBF and MFR. When considering carry-over and learning effects, overall performance on neuropsychological testing was worse following the ultra-processed meal during the first period. In healthy adult males, a single ultra-processed meal enhanced adenosine-mediated MBF and MFR at intermediate-dose adenosine and was associated with potentially reduced cognitive performance compared to a non-ultra-processed meal.Trial registration number: NCT06353009 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID). Trial registration Date: 08/04/2024 https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06353009 .