Consumption of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Is Associated with Improved Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Four African-Origin Populations Spanning the Epidemiologic Transition.

Estelle Vicki Lambert,Pascal Bovet,Lara Ruth Dugas,Amy Luke,Kweku Bedu-Addo,Terrence Forrester,Walter Riesen,Jacob Plange-Rhule,Candice Choo-Kang,Supal Mehta,Wolfgang Korte

doi:10.3390/nu13072442

Abstract

Long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are of increasing interest because of their favorable effect on cardiometabolic risk. This study explores the association between omega 6 and 3 fatty acids intake and cardiometabolic risk in four African-origin populations spanning the epidemiological transition. Data are obtained from a cohort of 2500 adults aged 25–45 enrolled in the Modeling the Epidemiologic Transition Study (METS), from the US, Ghana, Jamaica, and the Seychelles. Dietary intake was measured using two 24 h recalls from the Nutrient Data System for Research (NDSR). The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk was analyzed by comparing the lowest and highest quartile of omega-3 (EPA+ DHA) consumption and by comparing participants who consumed a ratio of arachidonic acid (AA)/EPA + DHA and >4:1. Data were analyzed using multiple variable logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, activity, calorie intake, alcohol intake, and smoking status. The lowest quartile of EPA + DHA intake is associated with cardiometabolic risk 2.16 (1.45, 3.2), inflammation 1.59 (1.17, 2.16), and obesity 2.06 (1.50, 2.82). Additionally, consuming an AA/EPA + DHA ratio of >4:1 is also associated with cardiometabolic risk 1.80 (1.24, 2.60), inflammation 1.47 (1.06, 2.03), and obesity 1.72 (1.25, 2.39). Our findings corroborate previous research supporting a beneficial role for monounsaturated fatty acids in reducing cardiometabolic risk.

Highlights

Metabolic syndrome or, more recently, cardiometabolic risk, is captured by a cluster of abnormalities that includes hypertension, central obesity, elevated fasting glucose, and dyslipidemia [1]
We found a heterogeneous pattern of cardiometabolic risk factors in the four populations spanning the epidemiologic transition
The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors is lowest in Ghana and highest in the US

Summary

Introduction

More recently, cardiometabolic risk, is captured by a cluster of abnormalities that includes hypertension, central obesity, elevated fasting glucose, and dyslipidemia [1]. These abnormalities are associated with a state of chronic inflammation and an increased risk of developing both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [2]. In low-middle income countries (LMICs), the increasing prevalence of both obesity and type 2 diabetes are thought to be attributed to the epidemiological transition This describes a complex change in disease patterns based on the interactions between demographic, economic and sociologic determinants [4]. Weight control is central to addressing the rise in cardiometabolic risk factors, the impact of different dietary components (e.g., fatty acids) remains unclear

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