Association between macronutrients and metabolic syndrome among adults

The association between macronutrients and metabolic syndrome is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between macronutrients، and metabolic syndrome in adults referring to the outpatient clinics of the Taleghani hospital in 2009.

This case control study was conducted on adults; aged 25-55 y. 80 subjects with metabolic syndrome as cases and 160 subjects without metabolic syndrome as controls participated and were matched by age (±5 year) and gender. The metabolic syndrome was defined based on Adult Treatment Panel III. Anthropometric and biochemical profiles were documented. Dietary data were collected using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnair.

Intake of energy، carbohydrate، protein، fat، saturated fatty acid، monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid was higher in metabolic syndrome compared with subject without metabolic syndroem. Subjects in the higher intake of carbohydrate (more than 55% of total energy intake) had a higher odds of metabolic syndrome compared with those with lower intake (lower than 55% of total energy intake).

Intake of carbohydrate was positively associated with metabolic syndrome. Future studies using clinical trial data are needed to clarify the effects of macronutrients on the metabolic syndrome.