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

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the goal of investigating the effect of various food consumption on the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

METHODS: This 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.

RESULTS: After 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.

CONCLUSION: Based 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.