The association between chronotype and dietary nutrient patterns

This study examines how dietary nutrient patterns vary among individuals with different chronotypes. In other words, this research explores the potential connections between nutrient intake and circadian rhythm. In this secondary data analysis, we used data from 3,072 adult participants (mean age: 30.16 y (SD = 10.92); 49.8% males) who completed a survey between September 2022 and July 2023. Chronotypes were assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and dietary intake was measured through 24-h dietary recall. One-way ANOVA and Multinomial regression analysis were used to investigate the associations. The intermediate chronotype was the most common among participants (73% vs 13% early and 14% late chronotype). Unlike morning types, intermediate and evening chronotypes had similar demographic and dietary characteristics. Four nutrient patterns were identified: "Vit B-rich," "Plant-based," "Antioxidant," and "High-fat." "Vit B-rich pattern" was linked to a morning chronotype. Greater adherence to the "antioxidant pattern," characterized by nutrients such as vit A, vit C, and folate, was associated with a lower likelihood of being an evening type. Adherers of "high-fat pattern" were less likely to be intermediate types. "Plant-based" pattern characterized by fibre, magnesium, etc. was not associated with any chronotype. Morning chronotypes may gravitate toward or consume more foods rich in vit B. People with an intermediate chronotype may be less likely to follow a "high-fat" diet, and evening types may be less likely to follow an "antioxidant" diet. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the direction of the relationship between chronotype and dietary intake.