Is HDL-C Associated with Nutritional Factors and Anthropometric Indices in Overweight Individuals with Low HDL-C Level

This study aimed at assessing the association of HDL-C level with nutritional factors and anthropometric indices in subjects with low HDL-C levels.

This descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 138 overweight adults with HDL-C < 40 mg/dL. After 14-h fast, HDL-C levels were measured. Physical activity level, fat mass, lean mass, height, weight, waist and hip circumference were measured using standardized protocols, and body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. Dietary intakes were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls.

The mean±SD age of participants (61% males) was 46.6 ±13.6 years. After adjustment for confounding factors, no significant association between HDL-C level and intakes of energy or, macro-and micro nutrients were observed. Among the nutritional factors studied, intakes of total polyunsaturated fatty acid (β= 0.213, P=0.012), linoleic acid (β= 0.148, P=0.046), alpha linolenic acid (β= 0.136, P=0.044) and docosahexaenoic acid (β= 0.165, P=0.035) were found to have significant positive associations with HDL-C levels. Also linear regression analysis showed an inverse association between HDL-C levels and weight (β= -0.224, P=0.041), waist circumference (β= -0.187, P=0.050) and waist to hip ratio (β= -0.236, P=0.036).

HDL-C level had significant associations with some of the dietary and anthropometric factors.