Dietary pattern as identified by factorial analysis and its association with lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose among Iranian individuals with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000294 · Published: January 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study explores the relationship between dietary habits and lipid profiles in Iranian individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It identifies common dietary patterns and examines how these patterns are linked to cholesterol levels and blood glucose. The research uses a method called principal component analysis (PCA) to find the most common dietary patterns among the participants. These patterns are then analyzed to see if they have any connection with lipid levels (like cholesterol) in the blood. The findings reveal that a 'Western' dietary pattern, high in processed meats and sweets, is associated with increased cholesterol levels in men with SCI. A 'healthy' dietary pattern did not show a significant influence on lipid profiles.

Study Duration

3 years

Participants

100 persons (83 male and 17 female) with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The most common dietary pattern, similar to a ‘Western’ diet, included processed meat, sweets, desserts, and soft drinks.
2
The 'Western' dietary pattern was related to higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in male participants.
3
A 'healthy' food pattern showed no significant influence on lipid profiles in the study participants.

Research Summary

This study identified four common dietary patterns among Iranian individuals with SCI using principal component analysis. The most prevalent pattern resembled a 'Western' diet, characterized by processed meats, sweets, and soft drinks. The 'Western' dietary pattern was associated with increased total cholesterol and LDL-C levels specifically in male participants, suggesting a potential link between this diet and adverse lipid profiles in this population. A 'healthy' dietary pattern identified in the study did not show a significant association with lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure or body mass index among the participants.

Practical Implications

Dietary Intervention

Targeted dietary interventions may be beneficial for managing cholesterol levels in men with SCI who consume a 'Western' diet.

Further Research

Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing dietary patterns in individuals with SCI and the impact of specific dietary components on lipid profiles.

Personalized Nutrition

Personalized nutrition strategies should consider sex differences and individual dietary patterns to optimize lipid management in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Anthropometric characteristics like waist and hip measurements and body composition were not measured.
2
The study used 24-hour dietary recall interviews, which may overestimate calorie intake.
3
Total energy expenditure and basal metabolic expenditure were not measured.

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