Endocrine Abstracts

Background

To examine the secular trends of dietary food groups and diet quality among adults, overall and by sex, education, and occupation status.

Methods

This study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Demographic and anthropometric measurements were gathered using standard questionnaires. In terms of socioeconomic information, participants were divided into two groups according to their education and occupation levels. Regular dietary intakes of participants were gathered by a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire over the previous year and the DASH scores were computed to evaluate the diet quality. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess secular trends in food groups within the four phases.

Results

From 2006 to 2017, the intakes of whole grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds increased, and the intakes of refined grains, dairy products, and solid fats decreased significantly (P for trend < 0.001). Dietary fruits, vegetables, meats, and soft drinks intakes did not change significantly. According to socioeconomic groups, meats intake decreased significantly among men, non-educated, and non-occupied participants, and fruits intake increased in both women and educated participants. Based on a 40-point scale, the DASH score increased from 18.1 ± 0.0 in phase1 to 22.7 ± 0.1 in phase 4 of the TLGS (P for trend < 0.001).

Conclusions

Over a decade, in addition to improvements in intakes of a number of dietary food groups, the estimated overall diet quality of the study population showed a modest improvement. These findings may determine areas for more attention to improve the overall dietary intake of the population.

Keywords: Food groups; DASH score; Trend; socioeconomic status; Adults; TLGS