Macronutrient consumption in adults and association with oral and systemic parameters: A cross-sectional study

Oral conditions, such as tooth loss and changes in taste perception, can affect the consumption of dietary macronutrients. Our aim was to study systemic and oral alterations associated with inadequate consumption of macronutrients in adults and elderly with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

This cross-sectional study included 170 individuals. Sociodemographic variables and clinical parameters were collected, such as weight status, waist circumference risk, T2D, smoking history, presence of removable dentures, worsening taste, among others. Outcomes included intakes of carbohydrates, lipids, fibers, and proteins. Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

Individuals reporting a worsening in taste perception were nearly four times more likely to have a high carbohydrate intake (PR=3.84; 95 % CI: 1.36-10.83). Saliva flow rate was significantly associated with increased lipid intake (PR=0.21; 95 % CI: 0.05-0.89). The presence of removable dentures in both arches (PR=1.40; 95 % CI: 1.07-1.81) and high cardiovascular risk (based on waist circumference) (PR=1.86; 95 % CI: 1.06-3.26) were associated with a higher prevalence of low fiber intake. These associations with fiber were influenced by saliva flow rate. Individuals aged ≥ 60 years (PR=1.12; 95 % CI: 1.00-1.24), using removable dentures in one arch (PR=1.23; 95 % CI: 1.04-1.46) or both arches (PR=1.22; 95 % CI: 1.04-1.45) had a higher prevalence of inadequate protein intake.

Demographic factors, systemic and oral conditions were significantly associated with inadequate macronutrient intake, highlighting the essential contribution of dentistry to addressing broader systemic health issues.