Grant: Project Grant

Our society and healthcare system face a significant challenge with the co-occurrence of multiple chronic health conditions, known as multimorbidity. With a worldwide prevalence exceeding 33%, the onset of multimorbidity is decreasing, affecting more children than ever before. Emerging evidence suggests that early childhood diet may directly impact multimorbidity development, and Canada is among the top five consumers of ultra-processed foods (UPF) globally, with the highest intake prevalence among children. Our study aims to investigate the impact of UPF on the development of multiple chronic health conditions during adolescence, using data from the Canadian CHILD Cohort Study. By analyzing detailed early childhood diet and health outcomes, we will evaluate the contribution of UPF intake trajectories to multimorbidity development. Understanding the impact of childhood UPF intake on multimorbidity development is critical for public health policymakers to inform regulatory approaches to improve the diet quality of Canadians and the current food environment. By identifying the prevalence of UPF intake, examining its associations with multimorbidity, and investigating the mediating role of gut microbiota composition, our study will provide evidence-based recommendations to reduce the risk of multimorbidity and improve the health outcomes of Canadians.