Abstract
Inadequate diet influences chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in Spain. CVD figures vary from one geographical region to another; this could be associated with different food choices. Our aim was to analyse the influence of geographical area on nutrient intakes among the Spanish adult population with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). We analysed cross-sectional baseline data from the PREDIMED-Plus study: 6646 Spanish adults, aged 55–75 years, with overweight/obesity and MetS in four geographical areas. A validated 143-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess energy and nutrient intakes. The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake was estimated according to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between geographical area (North, Central, East and South areas) and inadequate nutrient intake. People in the North area consumed significantly lower amounts of vegetables and fish but more sugar and alcohol (p < 0.001) than other areas. Dietary fibre, vitamin A, E, calcium and magnesium intakes were all lower among men of North area than in the other areas (p < 0.001). Sex (women), non-smoker and physical activity were also associated to adequate nutrient intake. Geographical area influences nutrient intakes. Its effect on dietary quality should be taken into account when planning food policies.
Highlights
Over the last decades, overweight and obesity have increased in most regions and countries worldwide [1]
When baseline characteristics were compared according to the four geographical areas included, differences were found in age, smoking habits, physical activity, cultural level and civil status
Results are expressed as OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the inadequate intake of ≥3 micronutrients as categorical variables according to geographical area
Summary
Overweight and obesity have increased in most regions and countries worldwide [1]. The global burden of obesity and overweight can be explained by the increase in the consumption of diets with high energy density and low nutritional value, a consequence of the acquisition of Westernized dietary patterns [3]. A healthy dietary pattern which includes low amounts of saturated fat, salt and refined carbohydrates and promotes the consumption of high amounts of fruit, vegetables and whole grains have proved to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity and to have a direct effect on chronic diseases incidence and prognosis which affect global health [4]. The traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) described in the 1950s and 1960s [5], is characterized by frugality or moderation on food consumption, a high intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits and nuts, unrefined cereals, fish and olive oil and a low intake of saturated lipids, dairy products and red meat [6]. MetS is a well-described condition in the causative pathway of cardiovascular disease attributable to clustering factors that includes central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension [13]
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