Abstract P220: Plasma Trans-fatty Acids and Metabolic Syndrome Among US Adults: Findings From NHANES 1999-2000 and 2009-2010

Abstract

Background: Previous studies examined the association between trans-fatty acids (TFAs) and individual components of metabolic syndrome, not simultaneously. In addition, no study has examined if the relationship might become undetectable after significant reduction in TFA intakes. Objective: To examine and compare the association between plasma TFA levels and metabolic syndrome before and after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration enacted food labeling regulations for TFAs in 2006. Methods: We used data on 1442 and 2233 adults aged 20 years or older from NHANES 1999-2000 and 2009-2010, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between plasma TFAs concentration and metabolic syndrome and each of its five individual components. Results: The median plasma TFAs level was reduced from 79.8 μmol/L in 1999-2000 to 36.9 μmol/L in 2009-2010. The adjusted prevalence ratios comparing the highest quartile vs. those in the lowest quartiles of plasma TFAs concentration in 1999-2000 were 3.45 (95% confidence interval, 2.42-4.92) for metabolic syndrome, 1.71 (1.37-2.13) for large waistline, 8.45(6.62-10.77) for high triglycerides level, 1.96 (1.48-2.59) for low HDL cholesterol level, 1.14 (0.85-1.52) for high blood pressure, and 1.49 (1.19-1.85) for high fasting blood sugar, respectively. The corresponding adjusted prevalence ratios in 2009-2010 were 2.92 (2.41-3.54), 1.62 (1.40-1.88), 15.10 (9.39-24.30), 3.09 (2.19-4.37), 1.27 (1.11-1.47), and 1.24 (1.06-1.46), respectively. The observed associations were consistent across age groups, sexes, race-ethnicities, education, dietary intake, physical activity, body mass index, and statin use categories. Conclusions and Relevance: Plasma TFAs concentration was positively associated with risk of metabolic syndrome and its individual components except for blood pressure in 1999-2000. Our findings support initiatives to remove TFAs from industrially-produced foods.