Do Dietary Behaviors of Adult Preterms Explain Some of the Elevated Future Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?

Abstract

Prematurity may increase CVD risk via altered cortisol and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis response. We examined if dietary behaviors could add to CVD risk in 128 adults born prematurely (67 female, P‐) and 37 full‐terms (20 female, F‐), followed since birth and tested at 23 yrs. Each completed surveys (food and non‐food preference, dietary restraint, food neophobia) and measured for adiposity, blood pressure, and serum lipids. Data were analyzed with ANCOVA (p<.05). P‐adults reported least liking for thrill‐seeking activities/foods, carrots, and protein‐rich foods, but greatest liking for high‐fat sweets or carbohydrates. P‐adults had lowest level of dietary restraint and highest food neophobia, which in turn, associated with liking a narrow range of healthy foods. Dietary behavior differences between P‐ and F‐generally were seen when excluding medical/neurological cases or small for gestational age. The birth‐term groups did not vary significantly in adiposity or serum lipids. P‐adults had higher systolic blood pressure than F‐adults, independent of adiposity.SummaryDietary behaviors observed in preterms may increase future CVD risk via energy‐dense food preference and low cognitive control on eating. Lower liking for new and thrill‐seeking activities and alcohol may correspond to avoidance of stressful situations.Grant Funding Source: NIH NINR R01 003695 & USDA Hatch Project