Gender difference of metabolic syndrome and its association with dietary diversity at different ages

Previous research indicated that dietary diversity had favorable association with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and it has not been investigated in China.

Adults (aged 18+) with complete dietary and biochemical data were collected from 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey (n=4308). Dietary diversity was measured by modified Dietary Diversity Score (DDS). MetS was defined by the harmonized criteria. The association between DDS and MetS was investigated by multivariable adjusted logistic regression.

An inverse-U shape relationship between MetS risk and age was detected for both genders, and female were more vulnerable than male at old times. More diversified diet decreased the risk of MetS for young female (≥18 & ≤45), similar trends were detected in serum TGs, abdominal adiposity, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose (all P<0.05). However, this association reversed for old female (>60) and male adults (>45&≤60). Greater DDS was associated with higher serum TGs, and lower HDL-C level for male adults, higher blood pressure for old men, but lower blood pressure and fasting blood glucose in young men (all P<0.05).

Male adults and old female had the highest risk of getting MetS. More diversified diet decreased MetS risk for young female, but increased the risk for male adults and old female.