Letter: If in doubt, it is best to stick with whole foods

From Norman Fry, Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, UK

As a scientist, I prefer to think in terms of components, causality and processes. It would be good to know more about these when it comes to ultra-processed foods (13 July, p 10).

There are many questions. Which additives might degrade the mucus lining of my gut, leaving me at risk of bowel irritation and infections? Which additives could perhaps kill good gut bacteria, affecting my comfort, nutrition and immune system? Which additives might contribute to the sabotage of my body’s ability to handle spikes in blood nutrients? Which bulk components of processed foods, by having all their micronutrients removed, are likely to contribute most to harming health through micronutrient deficiency?

Until we have answers, I guess the most sensible strategy is to stick to unprocessed whole foods.