Is there any association between dietary diversity score and cardiovascular risks in Tehranian adults?

The importance of food variety in relation to reduction of chronic disease has not been sufficiently emphasized. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between dietary diversity score (DDS) and cardiovascular risk factors in Tehranian adults.

In this population-based cross-sectional study, a representative sample of 581 subjects (295 males and 286 females) aged over 18 years, residents of Tehran, participated. Usual dietary intake was assessed using two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires. Weight and height were measured according to standard protocols and body mass index was calculated. Blood glucose, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were measured and LDL-cholesterol was calculated. Hypercholestrolemia hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C were defined according to Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines. Diabetes was defined as a fasting plasma glucose concentration of ≥ 126 mg/dl or a 2-h postchallenge glucose concentration of ≥ 200 mg/dl. Hypertension was defined based on JNC VI. Subjects were categorized based on quartile cut-points of DDS.

Mean±SD of age, body mass index and DDS were 37±12 years 25.7±4.3 kg/m2, and 6.15±1.02 respectively. Mean (±SD) of dietary diversity score was 6.15±1.02. Higher DDS was associated with lower levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The probability of having diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia decreased with quartiles of the diversity score of whole grain (P for trend<0.04). The probability of having hypercholestrolemia decreased with quartiles of the diversity score of vegetables (P for trend<0.03). The probability of having hypercholestrolemia, hypertension and diabetes decreased with quartiles of DDS (P for trend<0.03, <0.03, and 0.04, respectively).

DDS was inversely associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Increasing diversity scores of diets, may be attempted in programs for change of life style.