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(OR05-02-26) Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Pubertal Status at Age 12 Within The Infant Development and Environment Study

Saturday, July 25, 2026
10:12 AM - 10:24 AM ET
Location: Maryland Ballroom C
Disclosure(s):
Melissa M. Melough, PhD, RD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Objectives: Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are industrial formulations that are often high in energy density but low in essential nutrients. Children with high UPF consumption have higher risks of endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure, obesity, and insulin resistance, which can impact pubertal timing. Identifying modifiable dietary drivers of early pubertal timing is critical due to its links to long-term risks for metabolic disease and mental health. We investigated the association between UPF intake in mid-childhood and pubertal status at age 12.

Methods: We studied 360 children in the multi-site TIDES cohort with dietary data measured via 24-hr recall at age 9 and self-reported pubertal assessments [Sexual Maturity Scale (SMS) and Pubertal Development Scale (PDS)] at age 12. The percentage of total energy intake from UPF at age 9 was calculated after mapping all reported foods and beverages to NOVA classifications. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression to examine associations with PDS scores and late (stage 3-5) versus early (stage 1-2) SMS development, adjusting for race, ethnicity, maternal education, income, age, and study site. Sensitivity analyses adjusted for body mass index (BMI).

Results: Mean percentage of energy from UPF at age 9 was 60% for males and females. At age 12, 63% of females and 30% of males reported late-stage SMS. In females, each 10% greater consumption of UPF at age 9 was associated with a 19% greater likelihood of having advanced pubic hair development (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.40) and 9% greater likelihood of having advanced breast development (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.23). Associations were consistent when using the PDS and after adjusting for BMI. No associations were observed in males.

Conclusions: Higher mid-childhood UPF consumption is associated with more advanced pubic hair and breast maturation in girls by age 12. Stability of associations after adjustment for BMI suggests that influences of UPF intake on pubertal timing may be driven by factors other than adiposity, such as nutritional quality or exposure to EDCs. Because males enter puberty later than females, similar analyses at later ages should be conducted. Future research should replicate findings in larger datasets and investigate mechanisms of action.

Funding Sources: This work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.