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Title: Tree nut consumption is associated with better adiposity measures and cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome health risk factors in U.S adults: NHANES 2005-2010

Author
item O'NEIL, CAROL - Louisiana State University Agcenter
item FULGONI III, VICTOR - Nutrition Impact, Llc
item NICKLAS, THERESA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Nutrition Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/19/2015
Publication Date: 6/28/2015
Citation: O'Neil, C.E., Fulgoni III, V.L., Nicklas, T.A. 2015. Tree nut consumption is associated with better adiposity measures and cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome health risk factors in U.S adults: NHANES 2005-2010. Nutrition Journal. 14:64. doi: 10.1186/s12937-015-0052-x.

Interpretive Summary: The association between tree nut consumption and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) has been inconsistent. The goal of this study was to determine the association of tree nut consumption with CVRF and metabolic syndrome in adults. This study showed that tree nut consumption resulted in lower body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, insulin resistance and higher good cholesterol compared with no tree nut consumption. More longitudinal studies and intervention trails are needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Technical Abstract: Previous research has shown inconsistencies in the association of tree nut consumption with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). To determine the association of tree nut consumption with risk factors for CVD and for MetS in adults. NHANES 2005-2010 data were used to examine the associations of tree nut consumption with health risks in adults 19+ years (n = 14,386; 51% males). Tree nuts were: almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, filberts [hazelnuts], macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Group definitions were non-consumers < (1/4) ounce/day and consumers of >/= (1/4) ounce/day tree nuts using data from 24-h dietary recalls. Means and ANOVA (covariate adjusted) were determined using appropriate sample weights. Using logistic regression, odds ratios of being overweight (OW)/obese (OB) (body mass index [BMI] >25/<30 and >/=30, respectively) and having CVRF or MetS, were determined. Tree nut consumption was associated with lower BMI (p = 0.004), waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.008), systolic blood pressure (BP) (p = 0.001), Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (p = 0.043), and higher high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = 0.022), compared with no consumption, and a lower likelihood of OB (-25%), OW/OB (-23%), and elevated WC (-21%). The study concluded that tree nut consumption was associated with better weight status and some CVRF and MetS components.