The association between nutritional exposures and metabolic syndrome in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS): a cohort study

ObjectivesThis study was conducted with the goal of investigating the effect of various food consumption on the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).Study designProspective cohort study.MethodsThis study conducted on 3616 healthy adults aged ≥20 years, who were not affected with MetS. Nutritional intake was determined at the beginning of the study (2008-2011) by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and the incidence of MetS was investigated after a median of 24.6 months follow-up. Data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression, with 95% confidence interval.ResultsAfter adjusting the effect of other variables in the model many foods in the whole grains group such as Sangak bread (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.11-1.56), multiple types of vegetables and fruits - such as peach (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01-0.75), and mushroom (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11-0.71) had protective effects against MetS. From the dairy group yoghurt (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.18-1.01) and ice cream (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12-1.06) had similar such effects.ConclusionBased on our findings, there was a significant rise in the incidence of MetS in Iran. The daily consumption of foods from the whole grains, dairy, vegetable and fruit groups can help reduce the odds of MetS.