Instant Noodle Intake and Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Distinct Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Korea

Abstract

The consumption of instant noodles is relatively high in Asian populations. It is unclear whether a higher intake of instant noodles is associated with cardiometabolic risk independent of overall dietary patterns. We therefore investigated the association using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV 2007-2009, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of the Korean population with a clustered, multistage, stratified, and rolling sampling design. A total of 10,711 adults (54.5% women) 19-64 y of age were analyzed, with adjustment for sampling design complexity. Diet was assessed by using a 63-item food-frequency questionnaire. We identified 2 major dietary patterns with the use of principal components analysis: the "traditional dietary pattern" (TP), rich in rice, fish, vegetables, fruit, and potatoes, and the "meat and fast-food pattern" (MP), with less rice intake but rich in meat, soda, fried food, and fast food including instant noodles. The highest MP quintile was associated with increased prevalence of abdominal obesity (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.90), LDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL (1.3 g/L) (OR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.26, 1.95), decreased prevalence of low HDL cholesterol (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.80), and high triglycerides [≥150 mg/dL (1.5 g/L); OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.93]. The highest quintile for the TP was associated with decreased prevalence of elevated blood pressure (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.90) and marginally lower trends for abdominal obesity (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.98; P-trend = 0.06), but neither of the dietary patterns was associated with prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The consumption of instant noodles ≥2 times/wk was associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.55) in women but not in men (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.49; P-interaction = 0.04). The 2 major dietary patterns were associated with distinct cardiometabolic risk factors. The consumption of instant noodles was associated with increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women, independent of major dietary patterns.

Instant noodle consumption is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors among college students in Seoul

“…Researchers at Harvard University reported a 68% higher risk of metabolic syndrome among women who consume instant noodles ≥ twice/week [1], but not in men. We found that frequent consumption of instant noodles was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure in women.…”

“…The questionnaire listed several potential candidate foods important for cardiometabolic risk in addition to instant noodles (fruits [110], vegetables [110], milk and dairy products [11], high-fat fish [112], high-fat and processed meats [113], sweets and confectionery [114], and carbonated beverages [115]), which was divided into nine frequency categories: barely eat, once/month, 2–3 times/month, 1–2 times/week, 3–4 times/week, 5–6 times/week, once/day, twice/day, and 3 times/day. Those food groups were fruits, vegetables (except Kimchi), milk and dairy products (yogurt/cheese, etc.…”

“…Overconsumption of instant noodles has recently received special attention, owing to its association with obesity and cardiometabolic syndrome among adults in South Korea [1]. The high-calorie content and the high concentration of refined carbohydrates, fats, and sodium [2] in instant noodles, contribute to an increased risk of metabolic disease [1].…”

“…The high-calorie content and the high concentration of refined carbohydrates, fats, and sodium [2] in instant noodles, contribute to an increased risk of metabolic disease [1]. Consumption of instant noodles as a staple food source is rising in many Asian countries [3] but South Korea is ranked the world's number one per capita in instant noodle consumption (72.8 servings of instant noodles per annum) [4].…”

“…Recent studies that report a positive relationship between instant noodles and obesity and cardiometabolic syndrome among Korean adults [18], have focused on the general population, including all adult age groups. Despite an increasing trend in the proportion of young Korean adults in their 20s and 30s, with elevated metabolic markers, no study, to our knowledge, has previously investigated this association, by specifically targeting young adults, such as college students [9], which are known to be the most frequent consumers of instant noodles.…”