A Western dietary pattern is associated with elevated level of high sensitive C-reactive protein among adolescent girls.

BACKGROUND: Serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), is an indicator of low-grade inflammation, and is associated with several non-communicable diseases. The effects of diet on inflammation have not been extensively investigated, particularly among adolescents. We aimed to examine the association between major dietary patterns and elevated serum level of hs-CRP among Iranian adolescent girls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 670 adolescent girls were recruited from several schools in different areas of Mashhad and Sabzevar cities, Iran. The dietary intakes of study participants were collected using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire. To identify major dietary patterns based on the 40 food groups, we used principal component analysis. Serum concentration of hs-CRP was measured using commercial kits and the BT-3000 auto-analyser. To investigate the association between dietary patterns and elevated serum level of hs-CRP, we used logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Three specific dietary patterns were identified: (i) healthy, (ii) traditional and (iii) western dietary patterns. A significant association was found between more adherence to Western dietary pattern and elevated serum level of hs-CRP (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.02-2.42, P-trend = .03); these association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders. However, there was no significant relationship between healthy and traditional dietary patterns and elevated serum level of hs-CRP. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that there is a significant positive association between more adherence to Western dietary pattern and higher serum levels of hs-CRP among Iranian adolescent girls. Further studies, particularly longitudinal intervention studies may be required to clarify these relationships.

Dietary behaviors in relation to prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in adolescent girls.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: There is limited evidence regarding the relationship between dietary behaviors and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to explore the association between diet-related practices and prevalence of IBS. METHODS: The study was conducted among 988 adolescent girls living in Iran. Dietary behaviors were pre-defined and assessed in nine domains using a pre-tested questionnaire. To investigate the association between diet-related practices and the presence of IBS, this study used logistic regression analysis in crude and adjusted models. RESULTS: The prevalence of IBS was 16.9% in this population. Compared with individuals who did not consume fluid with their meal, those who always consumed fluid with meals had a greater chance of IBS (odds ratio [OR]: 2.91; P: 0.01). This study found a direct relationship between a greater intake of spicy food and IBS prevalence (OR: 5.28; P: 0.02). The individuals who ate fried foods every day also had a greater risk of IBS compared with those who did not consume fried foods (OR: 1.65; P: 0.01). The subjects who had lost ≥ 5 teeth had 2.23 times greater odds for IBS than the individual who had lost ≤ 1 tooth (OR: 2.23; P: 0.01) was a significant inverse relationship between the chewing sufficiency and the risk of IBS (OR: 4.04; P: 0.02). These associations remained significant after controlling for potential confounder. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-meal fluid intake, chewing insufficiency, higher tooth loss, and the consumption of spicy and fried food were associated with increased risk of IBS. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.