Association Between Healthy Eating Index and Metabolic Syndrome in Women: a Cross Sectional Study

Healthy nutrition is an important preventive measure for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to evaluate the association of Healthy Eating Index(HEI) with MetS. This cross-sectional study was performed among 420 Isfahani female nurses, selected by a multistage cluster random sampling method. Usual dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). HEI was calculated according to the consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains, the ratio of white to red meat, dietary fiber and the ratio of unsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid. Anthropometric (weight, height, BMI, WHR), biochemical measurements (Fasting blood glucose, TG, LDL-c, HDL-c) and blood pressure were collected. MetS was defined according to ATP III. After adjustment for potential confounders including age, energy intake and BMI, individuals in the highest tertile of HEI were 91% lower odds of the MetS, compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR:0/09; 95%CI 0/01-0/60). Women in the highest tertile of HEI were 89% less risk of hypertriglyceridemia (OR:0/11; 95%CI 0/09-0/89) and 87% less risk for hypertension (OR:0/13; 95%CI 0/08-0/66). There was no significant association between HEI score and risk of enlarged waist circumference (Pvalue=0/64), abnormal glucose homeostasis (Pvalue=0/64) and low HDL-C levels (Pvalue=0/94). Discussion & The results indicated there might be a significant inverse association between HEI and MetS and some of its components. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.