Dietary diversity and the risk of metabolic syndrome in a Japanese population: an analysis of baseline cross-sectional data from the J-MICC study.

Background: With the increasing burden of metabolic syndrome, it is crucial to focus on lifestyle factors to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Objectives: This study aims to quantify the associations between dietary diversity and the risk of metabolic syndrome among the Japanese population.

Methods: This study was conducted using baseline data from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) study. The baseline survey was conducted from 2005 to 2014 by recruiting individuals aged 35-69. Information regarding dietary intake and biometric measurements were obtained. Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was calculated from the data based on the food frequency questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association between DDS and metabolic syndrome.

Results: In total, 75,332 participants were included for analysis. Inverse associations were observed between a high DDS and metabolic syndrome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83 [95% confidential interval 0.76-0.92]). Likewise, a high DDS was associated with reduced odds of a high body mass index and hypertension. No significant associations were observed between the DDS and serum triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values.

Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize that dietary diversity has inversed associations with metabolic syndrome. Promoting a diverse and balanced diet can be a potential strategy for mitigating the burden of metabolic syndrome.