Nut consumption and incidence of metabolic syndrome after 6-year follow-up: the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra Follow-up) cohort

Abstract

Objective: To assess the long-term relationship between tree nut consumption and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Design: Nut consumption was collected using a validated 136-item FFQ. The MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation and American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute harmonizing definition. The association between nut consumption and MetS was assessed with logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders. We compared the incidence of MetS between extreme categories of nut intake ($2 servings/week v. never/almost never) after 6 years of follow-up. Setting: The SUN Project (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra Follow-up) is a prospective cohort study, formed of Spanish university graduates. Information is gathered by mailed questionnaires collected biennially. Nut consumption and MetS information was collected by self-reported data. Subjects: Participants (n 9887) initially free of MetS or diabetes and followed up for a minimum of 6 years were included. Results: We observed 567 new cases of MetS during follow-up. Participants who consumed nuts $2 servings/week presented a 32 % lower risk of developing MetS than those who never/almost never consumed (adjusted OR 5 0?68, 95 % CI 0?50, 0?92). The inverse association was stronger among participants who were health professionals. Conclusions: Nut consumption was significantly associated with lower risk of developing MetS after a 6-year follow-up period in a cohort of Spanish graduates.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Obesity and Overweight in Elementary School-Age (5 to 15 Years Old) Children in South-eastern Turkey

“…Similarly, it was found in a Mediterranean cohort study that participants who ate nuts two or more times per week had a significantly lower risk of weight gain (32). Moreover, nuts consumption is significantly associated with lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome (33). These results support the recommendation of nuts consumption without fear of weight gain.…”

Avocado consumption is associated with better diet quality and nutrient intake, and lower metabolic syndrome risk in US adults: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2008

“…Insulin resistance, a key pathogenic link underlying the cluster of metabolic abnormalities seen in metabolic syndrome, is adversely effected by saturated fat and improved with MUFA [39-41]. Tree nuts, which are similar to avocado in dry weight composition including dietary fiber and MUFA content, have not been shown to increase body weight or metabolic syndrome risk in numerous clinical and epidemiological studies [42-46]. …”

Walnut Consumption Is Associated with Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women

“…Despite their high energy and high fat content, nut consumption does not appear to induce weight gain in many intervention studies (29) and may increase satiation (30). Cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies showed that nut consumption was related to a low risk of metabolic syndrome (31, 32). Several short-term intervention studies suggested beneficial effects of nut consumption on lipid profile (33, 34), inflammatory markers and endothelial function (35), oxidative stress (36, 37), insulin secretion (38), and glucose homeostasis (39), which may explain the inverse association between habitual nut consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes.…”