Association between dietary patterns and renal function in a cross-sectional study using baseline data from the...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Nutrition Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Dietary patterns (DP) are crucial for overall health and can influence chronic disease development.
• Previous research in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) identified four distinct dietary patterns.
• The relationship between these specific dietary patterns and renal function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between four defined dietary patterns and indicators of renal function.
• To investigate potential mediation by metabolic syndrome in the diet-renal function relationship.
• To identify specific dietary patterns linked to renal dysfunction in a large adult cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the ELSA-Brasil cohort.
• Evaluation of four dietary patterns: "traditional", "fruits and vegetables", "bakery", and "low sugar/low fat".
• Assessment of metabolic syndrome (MS), microalbuminuria (MA), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using established criteria and equations.

Main Results:

• Both "bakery" and "fruits and vegetables" dietary patterns were indirectly associated with decreased eGFR and increased albuminuria across genders.
• A direct association was observed between the "bakery" pattern and microalbuminuria in men.
• The "fruits and vegetables" pattern showed a direct association with reduced eGFR in women, though not statistically significant after adjustments.

Conclusions:

• The "fruits and vegetables" and "bakery" dietary patterns are associated with renal dysfunction.
• The "bakery" dietary pattern has an independent, direct association with microalbuminuria in men, indicating potential renal damage.
• Dietary choices significantly impact kidney health, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional guidance.