Subcutaneous and visceral fat volumes measured by MRI and their relationships with nutrient intakes among adults.

Abstract

Types and amounts of nutrients may influence the volume of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). This study targeted to investigate the relationship between SAT and VAT volumes and macro- and micronutrients intake among adults. Data were collected via a private face-to-face interview, in which diet history was obtained using validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The different fat volumes were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Participants with the lowest VAT volume had the highest intake of saturated fats, monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (p<0.05). VAT volume was significantly associated with the highest level of total energy and energy from carbohydrate consumption among participants while significantly associated with the lowest energy intake from fat among participants (p=0.013). There was a significant relationship with the highest consumption of total carbohydrate, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber and VAT volume (p<0.05). Participants in the highest VAT volume had significantly the highest intake of vitamin A, β- carotene, and copper. This study underscores the importance of quantifying depot-specific body fat and highlights the unique responsiveness of various fat depots to dietary intake.