Zhang Z, Jackson SL, Steele EM, et al. - Among U.S. adolescents, a graded inverse association was found between the usual percentage of calories (%kcal) from ultraprocessed foods (UPF) and cardiovascular health (CVH) score.

• Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018 (n = 5,565) were analyzed.

• About two thirds of daily calories consumed were from UPF, in U.S. adolescents (mean usual %kcal from UPF was 65.7%).

• Every 5% increment in calories from UPF was related to .13 points lower CVH scores.

• The adjusted odds ratios for low vs high CVH, on comparing Q2, Q3, and Q4 to Q1 of UPF intake, were 1.43, 1.86, and 2.59, respectively.

• Across subgroups, the pattern of association was largely consistent.