Does the association between patterns of fruit and vegetables and metabolic syndrome incidence vary according to lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status?

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Based on Sociodemographic Variables and Healthy Habits in Healthcare Workers: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW) are two multifactorial pathological conditions that have been increasing in prevalence worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate how various sociodemographic variables and healthy habits are associated with the presence or absence of MetS and HTW. Methodology: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a retrospective longitudinal study and a cross-sectional descriptive study, analyzing 44,939 healthcare workers with MS and HTW across four professional categories to evaluate the relationship between age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet using three diagnostic criteria. Descriptive analysis included categorical and quantitative variables, which were assessed through frequencies, Student's t-test, chi-square, and binary logistic regression models. Logistic regression and Cohen's kappa were used to evaluate associations and concordances. Age, sex, and lack of physical activity showed the strongest associations with MetS (OR: 2.65-2.84). The results highlight the importance of physical activity and other factors in metabolic prevention. Results: Age, sex, and physical activity were the variables most strongly associated with MetS and HTW across the three evaluated diagnostic criteria. The odds ratios revealed significant values: age (9.07-13.71 for MetS and 13.42 for HTW), sex (2.82-3.31 for MetS and 3.72 for HTW), and physical activity (2.65-2.84 for MetS and 2.40 for HTW). Conclusions: The risk of developing MetS and HTW among healthcare personnel is influenced by lifestyle habits, sex, and age, with the highest ORs observed in nursing assistants and orderlies. Future research that delves deeper into the causal relationship between lifestyle factors and the severity of MetS and HTW in healthcare personnel will improve understanding and facilitate the development of preventive activities to reduce their incidence.

Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Mexican Older Adult Population

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome poses a significant public health challenge globally, particularly among older adults. Dietary patterns play a crucial role in the development and management of metabolic syndrome. However, to our knowledge, no evidence exists regarding the association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome among the Mexican older adult population. Thus, the objective of the present study is to assess the association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome in Mexican older adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016 to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome in 804 OA (aged ≥60 years). Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis, and metabolic syndrome was defined based on established criteria. Logistic regression models were employed to assess associations, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Three dietary patterns were identified: a "Westernized" pattern characterized by high consumption of processed meat, red meat, and saturated fats; a "Transitional" pattern high in fresh vegetables and fruits; and a "Prudent" pattern high in fish and low-fat dairy products. The "Westernized" pattern exhibited a positive association with metabolic syndrome, while the "Prudent" pattern showed a negative association. The associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Biological mechanisms linking the "Westernized" pattern to metabolic syndrome include chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and dyslipidemia induced by components such as processed meats and soft drinks.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the importance of dietary patterns in influencing metabolic syndrome risk among Mexican older adults. Promoting dietary patterns rich in fish, vegetables, and legumes while reducing consumption of processed meats and sugary beverages may offer significant health benefits in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and inform targeted interventions for metabolic syndrome prevention and management in older adults.

Effect of weight change on the association between overall and source of carbohydrate intake and risk of metabolic syndrome: Tehran lipid and glucose study

BACKGROUND

In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to evaluate the association between dietary carbohydrates, whole grains, refined grains, and simple sugar with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and assess the effect of weight change on these associations.

METHODS

This study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). We included 1915 healthy participants with complete demographic, anthropometric and dietary measurements, among whom 591 developed MetS during 8.9 years of follow-up. Intake of dietary carbohydrates, whole grains, refined grains, and simple sugar was assessed with a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for MetS events across tertiles of dietary variables. Using joint classification, the effect of weight change on the association between dietary variables and risk of MetS was assessed by Cox regression.

RESULTS

Carbohydrate intake was not associated with the risk of MetS in multivariable-adjusted models. Whole grains intake was inversely associated with the risk of MetS (HR: 0.78, CI: 0.63-0.98), while this association disappeared after adjustment for weight change. The risk of MetS increased by 11% (1.11, 1.09-1.14) for each 3% energy increment from simple sugar, and by 5% (1.05, 1.03-1.08) for each 1 serving/day increment in refined grains. Consumption of refined grains increased the risk of MetS; an effect modification of this association was found by weight change. Among subjects with weight loss, intake of refined grains < median intake decreased the risk of MetS (0.59, 0.41-0.87). However, consumption of refined grains ≥ median intake increased the risk of MetS in individuals with weight gain (1.47, 1.08-2.01). Simple sugar was positively associated with an increased risk of MetS, after adjustment for weight change (3.00, 2.37-3.82). In joint classification, intake of simple sugar greater than median intake increased the risk of MetS, independent of weight change.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest an effect modification by weight change on the association between carbohydrates, and refined grains intake and the risk of MetS. Weight loss along with lower consumption of carbohydrates, and refined grains reduced the risk of MetS. However, simple sugar intake, regardless of weight change, was associated with an increased risk of MetS.

Associations between dietary patterns and the metabolic syndrome in older adults in New Zealand: the REACH study

The metabolic syndrome is common in older adults and may be modified by the diet. The aim of this study was to examine associations between a posteriori dietary patterns and the metabolic syndrome in an older New Zealand population. The REACH study (Researching Eating, Activity, and Cognitive Health) included 366 participants (aged 65-74 years, 36 % male) living independently in Auckland, New Zealand. Dietary data were collected using a 109-item FFQ with demonstrated validity and reproducibility for assessing dietary patterns using principal component analysis. The metabolic syndrome was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Associations between dietary patterns and the metabolic syndrome, adjusted for age, sex, index of multiple deprivation, physical activity, and energy intake were analysed using logistic regression analysis. Three dietary patterns explained 18 % of dietary intake variation - 'Mediterranean style' (salad/leafy cruciferous/other vegetables, avocados/olives, alliums, nuts/seeds, shellfish and white/oily fish, berries), 'prudent' (dried/fresh/frozen legumes, soya-based foods, whole grains and carrots) and 'Western' (processed meat/fish, sauces/condiments, cakes/biscuits/puddings and meat pies/hot chips). No associations were seen between 'Mediterranean style' (OR = 0·75 (95 % CI 0·53, 1·06), P = 0·11) or 'prudent' (OR = 1·17 (95 % CI 0·83, 1·59), P = 0·35) patterns and the metabolic syndrome after co-variate adjustment. The 'Western' pattern was positively associated with the metabolic syndrome (OR = 1·67 (95 % CI 1·08, 2·63), P = 0·02). There was also a small association between an index of multiple deprivation (OR = 1·04 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·06), P < 0·001) and the metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study provides further support for a Western dietary pattern being a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome in an older population.

The longitudinal association between coffee and tea consumption and the risk of metabolic syndrome and its component conditions in an older adult population

The present study aimed to assess the longitudinal associations of coffee and tea consumption with metabolic syndrome and its component conditions in a group of Australian older adults who participated in the Blue Mountains Eye Study (n 2554, mean age: 64 years, 43 % female). Participants' coffee and tea intake were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) over a 10-year period were estimated using Cox hazard regression models adjusting for lifestyle factors. Results showed that coffee consumption was not associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome, high fasting glucose, high triglycerides, central obesity, high blood pressure and low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). Tea consumption was not associated with incidence of metabolic syndrome and the component conditions except for the risk of having low HDL-C, in which a nominally inverse association was observed (multivariate-adjusted HR at 2-3 cups/d: 0⋅48, 95 % CI 0⋅26, 0⋅87, P = 0⋅016; 4 cups/d or more: 0⋅50, 95 % CI 0⋅27, 0⋅93, P = 0⋅029). After stratifying for fruit consumption (P _interaction between tea and fruit = 0⋅007), consuming four cups of tea per day was nominally associated with lower incidence of metabolic syndrome among those with high fruit consumption (multivariable-adjusted HR: 0⋅44, 95 % CI 0⋅20, 0⋅93, P = 0⋅033). Our results did not support a significant association between tea and coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome. Tea consumption may be associated with a lower risk of having low HDL-C, while high tea and fruit consumption together may be associated with a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

The protective effects of dietary intake of flavonoids and its subclasses on metabolic syndrome incidence

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the intake of total flavonoids and flavonoid subclasses and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk and to assess the modulating effects of lifestyle factors on these associations. A total of 1915 participants from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study were followed-up during 2006-2008 and 2016-2018. Their dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and within three-year intervals afterward. Moreover, the modifying effect of weight gain on the association between total flavonoids and MetS was assessed by Cox regression analysis. Participants in the highest tertile of flavonoid, flavonol, and flavone had a significantly lower MetS risk as compared to those in the lowest tertile. Also, in participants with weight gain <7%, all flavonoid subclasses had a more pronounced risk-reducing effect. Overall, the total flavonoid, flavonol, and flavone reduced the risk of MetS; this association could be modified by weight gain.

Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Are Independent of Physical Activity Behaviors in Older Adults

Although consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) is suggested to reduce metabolic risk, there is a paucity of studies taking advantage of objectively assessed physical activity (PA) behaviors when exploring links between FV intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between FV intake and MetS prevalence in a population of older community-dwelling adults, while considering time spent being sedentary and health-enhancing PA. Prevalence of MetS was determined in a population of 93 men and 152 women (age: 65–70 years). FV intake was determined by self-report and PA behaviors (time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and in sedentary) were assessed by accelerometry. Likelihood of having MetS by FV intake was determined using logistic regression with stepwise backward elimination including age, sex, educational level, total energy intake, adherence to MVPA guideline and total sedentary time as covariates. A main finding was that lower FV intakes were significantly related to higher prevalence of MetS (odds ratio [OR]: 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.47) after considering potential influences by covariates. Additionally, we found that lower intake of vegetables but not fruits was significantly related to higher prevalence of MetS (OR: 1.47; 95%CI: 1.04–2.07). In conclusion, lower intakes of FV in general, and of vegetables in particular, significantly increased likelihood of MetS, regardless of time spent sedentary and adherence to the MVPA guideline. From a public health perspective, our findings emphasize adequate intakes of FV as an independent contributor to metabolic health status in older adults.