The role of dietary diversity in preventing metabolic‐related outcomes: Findings from a systematic review

Abstract

Summary Dietary diversity has been linked to insulin resistance; however, studies are inconsistent on whether dietary diversity protects against metabolic‐related outcomes. We aimed to comprehensively assess metabolic‐related outcomes of greater diversity across the diet and within major food groups. A systematic search of peer‐reviewed literature was done in bibliographic databases (Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science) for longitudinal studies that reported on original research. Data extraction and quality appraisal used predefined criteria; reported findings were synthesized through a narrative approach. Fourteen studies were identified as eligible. Greater dietary diversity across major food groups, and diversity within fruits and/or vegetables, was associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Effects varied based on exposure definition and adjustment for known confounders. While diversity of less healthy foods was associated with greater adiposity, diversity of all foods and healthy foods was associated with reduced incidence of depression and cognitive decline. Evidence supports the protective effect of dietary diversity against cognitive decline and T2D. The association between dietary diversity and adiposity may be dependent on the healthiness of foods. Public health efforts to prevent metabolic‐related diseases should include an emphasis on a varied diet as a healthy eating strategy.

Does online food shopping boost dietary diversity? Application of an endogenous switching model with a count outcome variable

“…1 Numerous studies have confirmed the salubrious effects of consuming a diverse diet. It is associated with longer life spans and healthspans (Miyamoto et al 2019 ; Lagström et al 2020 ; Otsuka et al 2020 ), lower incidence of ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (Mozaffari et al 2021 ; Sezaki et al 2021 ; Tosi and Rettaroli 2022 ), and reduced depression, stress and anxiety (Poorrezaeian et al 2017 ; Jiang et al 2018 ; Freire and Rudkin 2019 ). These findings underscore why promoting dietary diversity should be an integral part of multifaceted public health initiatives.…”

Protein-Balanced Dietary Habits Benefit Cognitive Function in Japanese Older Adults

“…It is possible that not only the single effects of these specific foods and nutrients on cognitive function, but also the synergistic effects of multiple nutrients through well-balanced intake of various foods may contribute to the improvement of cognitive function. Dietary diversity, also known as food variety, is a concept related to nutritional intake that has received much attention in terms of disease prevention in recent years and may have a unique impact on health beyond being an indicator of nutritional sufficiency [ 16 ]. Previous studies examining the relationship between cognitive function and dietary diversity in elderly subjects have shown that cognitive decline is suppressed as dietary diversity scores increase [ 62 ], and that higher scores for recommended food intake are associated with less cognitive decline [ 63 ].…”

“…A number of studies examining the relationship between dietary patterns and cognitive function suggest that specific food combinations may have a greater effect than individual nutrients alone [ 15 ]. Therefore, establishing a high-quality dietary habit rich in food diversity, rather than a dietary pattern high in a single food such as staple grains, is attracting attention as a dietary strategy for disease prevention [ 16 ]. In particular, the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, which combine these elements to reduce cognitive decline, have been actively studied and associated with lower cognitive decline and risk of AD [ 17 ].…”

Dietary diversity and determinants of young adults in central China: A cross-sectional study from 2015 to 2020

“…A systematic review including 14 studies indicated that the relationship between diversity and adiposity depends on the healthy degree of eatables. Though variety of less healthy intake had a connection with greater adiposity, variety of all kinds of foods and healthy eating related to reduced risk of metabolic-related outcomes (45). For example, the intake of low energy-dense items (fruits and vegetables) contributes to dietary diversity and that higher diet diversity is linked to a lower risk of obesity (46).…”