Monica Linnea Dahlgren

• Dahlgren, Monica Linnea; Berstad, Paula Marianna; Henriksen, Hege Berg; Blomhoff, Rune & Kværner, Ane Sørlie (2025). Characterization of Nova-classified foods in a large cohort of Norwegian colorectal cancer screening participants. Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring (NTFE). ISSN 1503-5034. 23(1), p. 7–19. doi: 10.18261/ntfe.23.1.3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Epidemiological studies on Nova-classified ultra-processed foods (Nova 4) often rely on food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data without specifying the foods that fall into this category. We aimed to provide a detailed characterization of Nova-classified food intake relevant to the Norwegian context. Method: We applied the Nova classification system on FFQ data obtained from a large sample of Norwegian colorectal cancer screening participants (the CRCbiome study). The contribution of each Nova category (1–4) to the total diet was assessed, identifying the main food and beverage contributors within each group, both by weight (g/day) and as percentage of total energy intake (E%). Results: Nova categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 contributed 1633, 4, 329 and 562 g/day, respectively, accounting for 31, 1, 18 and 50% of total E%. Bread was the largest contributor to Nova 4, providing 19 E%. Other significant contributors included desserts and sweets (5 E%), processed meat (4 E%), processed fish (2 E%), margarine (2 E%), and dairy products (1 E%). For Nova categories 1, 2, and 3, the main contributors were fruits (4 E%), oils (1 E%), and cheese (5 E%), respectively. Although men had a slightly higher intake of Nova category 4 foods than women (51 vs. 47 E%), the overall distribution and within-group contributors were largely similar between sexes. Conclusion: Using FFQ data, as much as half of the energy intake of the present population was derived from ultra-processed foods. Bread was the predominant contributor to ultra-processed foods, far surpassing the other items.

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• Dahlgren, Monica Linnea; Kværner, Ane Sørlie; Berstad, Paula Marianna; Hjartåker, Anette & Meshkovska, Biljana (2026). Acceptability of a digital diet- and lifestyle intervention in the Norwegian colorectal cancer screening program – A qualitative interview study. Full text in Research Archive
• Kværner, Ane Sørlie; Dahlgren, Monica Linnea; Berstad, Paula Marianna & Hjartåker, Anette (2026). The KoloPrev Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Personalized Digital Diet and Lifestyle Intervention at Colorectal Cancer Screening. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

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