Higher Intakes of Nutrients are Associated with Improved Health-Related Quality of Life among Individuals with Comorbidities

Abstract

There is a dearth of evidence on the association between nutrient intakes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among populations with comorbidities. Thus, this study aimed to identify the relationships between nutrient intake and HRQOL in a Korean population with comorbidities (4,136 adults aged ≥18 years). The EuroHRQOL five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and 24-hour recall methods were used to measure HRQOL and nutrient intake, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted logistic and linear regression models, marginal effects, and cutoff levels were applied to assess associations between nutrient intake and each dimension and the EQ-5D-3L index, as well as interactions of nutrient intake with comorbidities and sex for HRQOL. Interactions were identified between vitamin C, total vitamin A, potassium consumption, and sex for problems with depression and anxiety, problems with pain and discomfort, and any problem. Interactions were observed between monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and sodium intake and comorbidities for problems with mobility and self-care problems among participants with comorbidities, respectively; between vitamin B1, vitamin B3, potassium, saturated fatty acids (SFA), fat, and cholesterol intake and comorbidities for problems with pain and discomfort; and between vitamin B1, MUFA, potassium, fiber, SFA, fat, and carbohydrate intake and comorbidities for any problems. Our findings found higher nutrient intake is associated with enhanced HRQOL in the Korean adult population. More work is needed to improve QOL by quitting smoking, eating more nutritional meals, and exercising regularly.