The association between nutrient patterns and metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults: cross-sectional analysis of Shahedieh cohort study

Objective: To assess the association between patterns of nutrient intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a large sample of Iranian adults. Design: Baseline data from the Shahedieh cohort study were used in the current cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were assessed through the use of a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Nutrient patterns (NP) were derived using factor analysis. The MetS was defined according to criteria introduced from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, modified for Iranian adults. Setting: Yazd, Iran. Participants: A total of 7325 Iranian adults aged between 30 and 75 years. Results: Three NP were identified. A significant positive association was found between adherence to semi-plant NP (characterised by the high intakes of P; vitamins B-1, B-3, B-6 and B-5; Se; Mg; Fe; protein; Cr; Cu; fibre; biotin; Mn; Zn and Na) and odds of MetS (OR 1 center dot 68, 95 % CI 1 center dot 43, 1 center dot 98). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this association became non-significant. In addition, after taking potential confounders into account, individuals in the highest quintile of the semi-animal NP, rich in Ca; K; vitamins B-2, B-12, A, D, K and C; SFA; dietary cholesterol and trans-fatty acid, were 26 % more likely to have MetS compared with those in the lowest quintile (OR 1 center dot 26, 95 % CI 1 center dot 05, 1 center dot 51). No significant association was seen between adherence to the high-carbohydrate/low-fat NP and odds of MetS. Conclusions: We found that adherence to a semi-animal NP was associated with increased odds of MetS.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the association between nutrient intake patterns and metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults. Adherence to a semi-plant nutrient pattern was initially linked to increased odds of MetS but became non-significant after adjusting for potential confounders. On the other hand, adherence to a semi-animal nutrient pattern was associated with a 26% higher likelihood of having MetS, even after adjusting for potential confounders.