Temporal dietary patterns derived from Spectral clustering and factor analysis are associated with diet quality using NHANES 1999‐2004.

Abstract

ObjectiveThe study evaluated the relationship of temporal dietary patterns derived from a novel application of spectral clustering and factor analysis, to dietary quality among adult participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999‐2004).MethodsNHANES adult participants (20‐65y) with a complete day‐one 24‐hour dietary recall were clustered based on proportional energy intake, time of eating, and number of eating occasions, using algorithms of spectral clustering analysis and factor analysis. The association between clusters and mean dietary quality, as indicated by the 2005 Healthy Eating Index (HEI), was evaluated using multiple linear regression and controlled for potential confounders.ResultsMean dietary quality among the four clusters representing distinct temporal dietary patterns was significantly different (P<0.0001). The cluster representing a pattern with proportionally equivalent energy intake consumed at three evenly spaced intake occasions throughout the daytime had the highest HEI score (50.1±0.3, mean±SEM).ImplicationKnowledge of the temporal aspect of dietary patterns may enhance understanding of the relationship of diet to health within the context of daily patterns.FundingPurdue University