Sex hormones are crucial for the development of children and adolescents. The increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among children and adolescents in the United States (US) has raised concerns about their potential impact on health, including hormonal balance.
Data from 3,354 participants aged 6–19 years from the NHANES 2013–2016 were analyzed. UPF intake was categorized using the NOVA food classification system, and the percentage of total daily energy intake from UPFs was calculated. The serum levels of total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and estradiol (E2) were measured. The free androgen index (FAI) and TT/E2 ratio were calculated to estimate bioavailable testosterone levels and the balance between androgens and estrogens, respectively. Multiple linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, estimated the associations.
Our results showed that higher intake of UPFs was marginally associated with decreased serum SHBG levels (quartile (Q) 2 vs. Q1:
Higher UPF consumption is associated with increased FAI in adolescents, particularly in girls, indicating higher bioavailable testosterone levels. Future studies should validate these findings with direct free testosterone measurements and more precise dietary intake assessments.