Dietary patterns associated with metabolic syndrome, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study

Objective: To examine the association between dietary patterns (DP) and risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS); and to identify differences in DP by socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle factors. Design: Dietary intake (from an FFQ), anthropometric/biochemical parameters and sociodemographic/lifestyle information (from a self-reported questionnaire) were evaluated, using a cross-sectional design. Statistical methods included principal component factor analysis, analysis of covariance and linear regression. All analyses were covariate-adjusted. Setting: The Bogalusa Heart Study (1995-1996), USA. Subjects: Young adults (19-39 years; n 995; 61% females/39% males; 80% whites/20% blacks) from a semi-rural southern US community were examined. Results: The 'Western Dietary Pattern' (WDP) consisted of refined grains, French fries, high-fat dairy foods, cheese dishes, red meats, processed meats, eggs, snacks, sweets/desserts, sweetened beverages and condiments. The 'Prudent Dietary Pattern' (PDP) consisted of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, 100% fruit juices, low-fat dairy products, poultry, clear soups and low-fat salad dressings. The DP explained 31% of the dietary intake variance. Waist circumference (P=0.02), triceps skinfold (P=0.01), plasma insulin (P=0.03), serum TAG (P=0.05), and the Occurrence of MetS (P=0.03) were all inversely associated with PDP. Insulin sensitivity (P<0.0005) was positively associated With PDP. Serum HDL cholesterol (P=0.05) was inversely associated with WDP. Blacks consumed more servings from WDP than whites (P=0.02). Females consumed more servings from PDP than males (P=0.002). Those with >12 years of education consumed more servings from PDP than their counterparts (P<0.0001), Current smokers consumed more servings from WDP than current non-smokers (P<0.0001). Physically very active young adults consumed fewer servings from WDP than their sedentary counterparts (P=0.02). Conclusions: More studies are warranted to confirm these findings in other populations.