Analysis of dietary pattern effects on metabolic risk factors using structural equation modeling

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary patterns on metabolic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a Nordic population.

The study sample comprised 9,988 participants aged 40-79 years from the seventh Tromsø study (Norway). Available data included food intake values collected by a food frequency questionnaire. Exploratory structural equation models were utilized to analyse direct, indirect, and total effects of dietary patterns on metabolic CVD risk factors, using obesity as a mediator. The CVD risk factors included CRP, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin, and blood pressure. All structural equations were adjusted for available lifestyle and demographic variables.

Three common dietary patterns for women and men were identified, named Snacks and Meat, Health-conscious, and a Processed Dinner pattern. Additionally, a Porridge pattern was identified for women and a Cake pattern for men. The Health-conscious pattern showed a direct favorable effect on HDL-cholesterol (both sexes) and triglycerides (women). The Snacks and Meat pattern showed an unfavorable direct effect on triglycerides (men), while the Cake pattern had a favorable effect. All patterns, except the Health-conscious pattern for women, had direct effects on obesity, indirect effects on all metabolic risk factors, and a total effect on CRP. Snacks and Meat and the Processed Dinner patterns had unfavorable total effects on HDL-cholesterol (both sexes).

Dietary patterns showed direct associations with HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. Obesity was an important mediator in explaining the indirect effects of dietary patterns on all metabolic risk factors.