Examining associations between dietary patterns and metabolic CVD risk factors: a novel use of structural equation modelling

Author(s)

Castro, Michelle Alessandra ^[1] ; Baltar, Valeria Troncoso ^[2] ; Marchioni, Dirce Maria ^[1] ; Fisberg, Regina Mara ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, POB 01246-904, BR-715 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Fluminense, Inst Collect Hlth, Dept Epidemiol & Biostat, POB 24030210, BR-303 Niteroi, RJ - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION; v. 115, n. 9, p. 1586-1597, MAY 14 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

The association between dietary patterns and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors has long been addressed but there is a lack of evidence towards the effects of the overall diet on the complex net of biological inter-relationships between risk factors. This study aimed to derive dietary patterns and examine their associations with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors following a theoretic model for the relationship between them. Participants included 417 adults of both sexes, enrolled to the cross-sectional population-based study performed in Brazil. Body weight, waist circumference, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, blood pressure, total cholesterol: HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG: HDL-cholesterol ratio, fasting plasma glucose and serum leptin were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls adjusted for the within-person variation of intake. A total of three dietary patterns were derived by exploratory structural equation modelling: `Traditional', `Prudent' and `Modern'. The `Traditional' pattern had a negative and direct effect on obesity indicators (serum LEP, body weight and waist circumference) and negative indirect effects on total cholesterol: HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG: HDL-cholesterol ratio and fasting plasma glucose. The `Prudent' pattern had a negative and direct effect on systolic blood pressure. No association was observed for the `Modern' pattern and metabolic risk factors. In conclusion, the `Traditional' and `Prudent' dietary patterns were negatively associated with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors among Brazilian adults. Their apparent protective effects against obesity and high blood pressure may be important non-pharmacological strategies for the prevention and control of obesity-related metabolic disorders and CVD. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/15831-0 - Dietary factors, homocystein, MTHFR gene polymorphisms, and cardiovascular risk in adults and the elderly: a population-based study - ISA - Capital
• Grantee: Regina Mara Fisberg
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants