Clusters of carbohydrate-rich foods and associations with type 2 diabetes incidence: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: About one in ten adults are living with diabetes worldwide. Intake of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-rich foods are often identified as modifiable risk factors for incident type 2 diabetes. However, strong correlation between food variables can make it difficult to identify true associations. The purpose of this study was to identify clusters of carbohydrate-rich foods and analyse their associations with type 2 diabetes incidence in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cohort in southern Sweden. METHODS: Dietary intake of 26 622 participants was assessed using a validated three-part diet history method: a 7-day food diary, a 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and a 60-minute interview. K-means clustering analysis identified five clusters from 21 food variables. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was applied to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between clusters and incident type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: The cluster analysis resulted in five clusters; high vegetables/low added sugar, high sugar-sweetened beverages, high juice, high fruit, and high refined carbohydrates/low fruit & vegetables (reference). During mean follow-up of 18 years, 4046 type 2 diabetes cases were identified. After adjustment for potential confounding (including lifestyle, body mass index, and diet), a high fruit cluster (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78, 0.94) was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes compared to the reference cluster. No other significant associations were identified. CONCLUSIONS: A dietary pattern defined by a high intake of fruits was associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. The findings provide additional evidence of a potential protective effect from fruit intake in reducing type 2 diabetes risk. Future studies are needed to explore this association further.

Comparisons of Different Carbohydrate Quality Indices for Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study.

Carbohydrate quality might be more important than quantity to reduce type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. Various metrics of carbohydrate quality exist; however, their associations with T2D have only been studied to a limited extent. Consequently, the aim was to investigate the association between four different pre-defined carbohydrate quality indices, with various amounts of fiber (≥1 g) and free sugar (<1 or <2 g) per 10 g of carbohydrates, and T2D risk among 26,622 individuals without diabetes from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. Dietary data were collected through a food diary, diet frequency questionnaire, and interview. After a mean follow-up of 18 years, 4046 cases were identified through registers. After adjusting for potential confounders, no statistically significant associations were found for any of the indices. When excluding individuals with past dietary changes and potential misreporting of energy (36% of the population), lower risk was found for the following intake ratios: 10:1:2 carbohydrate:fiber:free sugar (HR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.70-0.97), and 10:1&1:2 carbohydrate:fiber and fiber:free sugar, respectively (HR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.72-0.97). Our findings indicate that adherence to a diet with high amounts of fiber and moderate amounts of free sugar in relation to total carbohydrate intake may be associated with a lower risk of T2D.

Association Between Dietary Habits in Midlife With Dementia Incidence Over a 20-Year Period.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dementia cases are expected to triple during the next 30 years, highlighting the importance of finding modifiable risk factors for dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether adherence to conventional dietary recommendations or to a modified Mediterranean diet are associated with a subsequent lower risk of developing all-cause dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), or with future accumulation of AD-related ß-amyloid (Aß) pathology. METHODS: Baseline examination in the prospective Swedish population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study took place in 1991-1996 with a follow-up for incident dementia until 2014. Nondemented individuals born 1923-1950 and living in Malmö were invited to participate. Thirty thousand four hundred forty-six were recruited (41% of all eligible). Twenty-eight thousand twenty-five had dietary data and were included in this study. Dietary habits were assessed with a 7-day food diary, detailed food frequency questionnaire, and 1-hour interview. Main outcomes were incident all-cause dementia, AD, or VaD determined by memory clinic physicians. Secondary outcome was Aß-accumulation measured using CSF Aß42 (n = 738). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations between diet and risk of developing dementia (adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol). RESULTS: Sixty-one percent were women, and the mean (SD) age was 58.1 (7.6) years. One thousand nine hundred forty-three (6.9%) were diagnosed with dementia (median follow-up, 19.8 years). Individuals adhering to conventional dietary recommendations did not have lower risk of developing all-cause dementia (hazard ratio [HR] comparing worst with best adherence, 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.08), AD (HR 1.03, 0.85-1.23), or VaD (HR 0.93, 0.69-1.26). Neither did adherence to the modified Mediterranean diet lower the risk of developing all-cause dementia (HR 0.93 0.75-1.15), AD (HR 0.90, 0.68-1.19), or VaD (HR 1.00, 0.65-1.55). The results were similar when excluding participants developing dementia within 5 years or those with diabetes. No significant associations were found between diet and abnormal Aß accumulation, conventional recommendations (OR 1.28, 0.74-2.24) or modified Mediterranean diet (OR 0.85, 0.39-1.84). DISCUSSION: In this 20-year follow-up study, neither adherence to conventional dietary recommendations nor to modified Mediterranean diet were significantly associated with subsequent reduced risk for developing all-cause dementia, AD dementia, VaD, or AD pathology.

Association between Adherence to Swedish Dietary Guidelines and Mediterranean Diet and Risk of Stroke in a Swedish Population.

Dietary factors associated with stroke risk are still rather unknown. The aim was to examine the association between adherence to healthy dietary patterns and incidence of stroke among 25,840 individuals from the Swedish Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cohort. Dietary data were obtained using a combination of a 7-day food record, diet questionnaire, and interview. A Swedish Dietary Guidelines Score (SDGS), including five dietary components based on the current Swedish dietary guidelines, and a modified Mediterranean diet score (mMDS), composed of ten dietary components, were constructed. Over a mean follow-up period of 19.5 years, 2579 stroke cases, of which 80% were ischaemic, were identified through national registers. Weak, non-significant associations were found between the dietary indices and the risk of stroke. However, after excluding potential misreporters and individuals with unstable food habits (35% of the population), we observed significant inverse association (p-trend < 0.05) between SDGS and mMDS and total and ischaemic stroke (HR per point for total stroke: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92−1.00 for SDGS and 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91−0.99 for mMDS). In conclusion, high quality diet in line with the current Swedish dietary recommendations or Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of total and ischaemic stroke.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Close Proximity to the Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) Gene Found to Be Associated with Sugar Intake in a Swedish Population.

Hereditary mechanisms are partially responsible for individual differences in sensitivity to and the preference for sweet taste. The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations between 10 genetic variants and the intake of total sugar, added sugar, and sugars with sweet taste (i.e., monosaccharides and sucrose) in a middle-aged Swedish population. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the Fibroblast grow factor 21 (FGF21) gene, seven top hits from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on total sugar intake, and one SNP within the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene (the only SNP reaching GWAS significance in a previous study), were explored in relation to various forms of sugar intake in 22,794 individuals from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a population-based cohort for which data were collected between 1991-1996. Significant associations (p = 6.82 × 10-7 - 1.53 × 10-3) were observed between three SNPs (rs838145, rs838133, and rs8103840) in close relation to the FGF21 gene with high Linkage Disequilibrium, and all the studied sugar intakes. For the rs11642841 within the FTO gene, associations were found exclusively among participants with a body mass index ≥ 25 (p < 5 × 10-3). None of the remaining SNPs studied were associated with sugar intake in our cohort. A further GWAS should be conducted to identify novel genetic variants associated with the intake of sugar.

Association between Sugar Intake and Intima Media Thickness as a Marker for Atherosclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (Sweden).

It has been suggested that sugar intake may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. However, studies on this matter are lacking. Intima media thickness (IMT) is a well-established measurement of subclinical atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between sugar intake (i.e., added, free and total sugar and sugar-rich foods and beverages) and IMT. Our study comprised 5269 individuals (45-73 years, 40% men) of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a population-based cohort conducted in Sweden with data collected from 1991 to 1994. Measurements of IMT were performed with B-mode ultrasound at the right common carotid artery (IMTcca) and the bifurcation of the carotids (IMTbif). Dietary intake was estimated using a combination of a 7-day food record, diet questionnaire and interview. After adjusting for methodological, lifestyle and dietary confounders, no statistically significant associations were observed for any of the sugar intake variables and IMT. For example, added sugar intake presented no significant linear association with IMTcca or IMTbif (Ptrends: IMTcca 0.81 for men and 0.98 for women and IMTbif 0.20 for men and 0.40 for women). In conclusion, we found no clear association between sugar intake and IMT measurements in this study.

Associations of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-rich foods with incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Dietary carbohydrates have long been expected to be associated with risk of type 2 diabetes; however, the associations for many carbohydrates and carbohydrate-rich foods remain inconclusive. This study analysed associations between intakes of six types of carbohydrates and thirteen carbohydrate-rich foods with incident type 2 diabetes in 26 622 participants (61 % women) in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study in southern Sweden. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline (1991-1996) by using a modified diet history method. During mean follow-up of 18 years, 4046 cases were identified. Adjusting for potential confounders (including lifestyle, BMI and dietary factors), comparing highest v. lowest quintile of intake, monosaccharides (hazard ratio (HR) 0·88; 95 % CI 0·79, 0·98; Ptrend = 0·02) and fruits (HR 0·91; 95 % CI 0·82, 1·01; Ptrend = 0·03) were inversely associated with incident type 2 diabetes, while disaccharides (HR 1·17; 95 % CI 1·04, 1·30; Ptrend = 0·002) and sweets (HR 1·09; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·19; Ptrend = 0·02) were positively associated. After stratification by sex, marmalade/honey/jam (HR 0·82; 95 % CI 0·72, 0·94; Ptrend < 0·001) and vegetables (HR 0·85; 95 % CI 0·73, 0·98; Ptrend = 0·06) were inversely associated with incident type 2 diabetes in men and chocolate (HR 1·26; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·46; Ptrend < 0·001) was positively associated in women. In conclusion, we identified inverse associations for intake of monosaccharides and fruits with type 2 diabetes risk, and positive associations for disaccharides and sweets. Additional sex-specific associations were also identified. Future studies are needed to explore these associations further.

Association between added sugar intake and micronutrient dilution: a cross-sectional study in two adult Swedish populations.

BACKGROUND: The evidence on the impact of high sugar consumption on micronutrient dilution does not yet allow for the establishment of clear thresholds of consumption. To establish upper and lower limit intake thresholds for added sugar, more studies from different countries and multiple populations are needed. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the intakes of added sugar and various micronutrients among the adult Swedish population across almost two decades. METHODS: The data were obtained from the samples from two populations: 1) Riksmaten Adults, a national dietary survey (n = 1797, 44% male, aged 18-80 years, data collection from 2010 to 11) that assessed dietary intake using a 4-day web-based food diary; and 2) the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a population-based cohort study (n = 12,238, 45% male, aged 45-68 years, data collection from 1991 to 1994) that assessed dietary intake via a combination of a 7-day food diary, a food frequency questionnaire and an interview. The mean daily intake of nine micronutrients (calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc), adjusted for age, sex, BMI and energy intake, were examined across six added-sugar-intake groups (< 5%E, 5-7.5%E, 7.5-10%E, 10-15%E, 15-20%E, and >  20%E). RESULTS: We observed significant inverse associations between the intake of added sugar and the intake of all micronutrients in both populations. The associations were linear; however, we could not determine the threshold of added sugar intake beyond which the micronutrient intake was clearly compromised. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that in two Swedish populations the higher the intake of added sugar in the diet, the more likely it is that the intake of micronutrients will be compromised, in two Swedish populations. However, although the trends are significant and consistent with those obtained in other studies on the subject, future studies are needed in order to build the necessary scientific knowledge to establish a threshold of added sugar intake based on micronutrient dilution.

Associations Between Added Sugar Intake and Risk of Four Different Cardiovascular Diseases in a Swedish Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

Aims: Although diet is one of the main modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease, few studies have investigated the association between added sugar intake and cardiovascular disease risk. This study aims to investigate the associations between intake of total added sugar, different sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, and the risks of stroke, coronary events, atrial fibrillation and aortic stenosis. Methods: The study population consists of 25,877 individuals from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a Swedish population-based prospective cohort. Dietary data were collected using a modified diet history method. National registers were used for outcome ascertainment. Results: During the mean follow-up of 19.5 years, there were 2,580 stroke cases, 2,840 coronary events, 4,241 atrial fibrillation cases, and 669 aortic stenosis cases. Added sugar intakes above 20 energy percentage were associated with increased risk of coronary events compared to the lowest intake category (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.09-1.78), and increased stroke risk compared to intakes between 7.5 and 10 energy percentage (HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.03 and 1.66). Subjects in the lowest intake group for added sugar had the highest risk of atrial fibrillation and aortic stenosis. More than 8 servings/week of sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with increased stroke risk, while ≤2 servings/week of treats were associated with the highest risks of stroke, coronary events and atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: The results indicate that the associations between different added sugar sources and cardiovascular diseases vary. These findings emphasize the complexity of the studied associations and the importance of considering different added sugar sources when investigating health outcomes.

Association between added sugar intake and mortality is nonlinear and dependent on sugar source in 2 Swedish population-based prospective cohorts.

Background: Although sugar consumption has been associated with several risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases, evidence for harmful long-term effects is lacking. In addition, most studies have focused on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), not sugar per se. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between added and free sugar intake, intake of different sugar sources, and mortality risk. Methods: Two prospective population-based cohorts were examined: the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS; n = 24,272), which collected dietary data by combining a food diary, interview, and food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and the Northern Swedish Health and Disease Study (NSHDS; n = 24,475), which assessed diet with an FFQ. Sugar intakes defined as both added and free sugar and different sugar sources were examined. The associations with mortality were examined using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Higher sugar consumption was associated with a less favorable lifestyle in general. The lowest mortality risk was found with added sugar intakes between 7.5% and 10% of energy (E%) intake in both cohorts. Intakes >20E% were associated with a 30% increased mortality risk, but increased risks were also found at intakes <5E% [23% in the MDCS and 9% (nonsignificant) in the NSHDS]. Similar U-shaped associations were found for both cardiovascular and cancer mortality in the MDCS. By separately analyzing the different sugar sources, the intake of SSBs was positively associated with mortality, whereas the intake of treats was inversely associated. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a high sugar intake is associated with an increased mortality risk. However, the risk is also increased among low sugar consumers, although they have a more favorable lifestyle in general. In addition, the associations are dependent on the type of sugar source.

Elevada prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en los estudiantes de medicina de Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias (España) / High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in medical students in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain)

Fundamento: Se ha descrito la existencia de deficiencia de vitamina D tanto en la población general como en un gran número de enfermedades. Sin embargo, se han publicado pocos estudios realizados en población joven y sana en España. Teóricamente no debería encontrarse deficiencia de vitamina D entre los estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, porque disponen de todos los medios para evitarla. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de deficiencia de vitamina D en una población de estudiantes de Medicina de ambos sexos de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Método: Se estudiaron 103 alumnos de Medicina de ambos sexos de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. A todos se les realizó un cuestionario y una exploración física. Se determinó la vitamina D 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-HCC), la hormona paratiroidea, varios marcadores bioquímicos de remodelado óseo y un estudio bioquímico general. Se estimó la densidad mineralósea por absorciometría radiológica dual en la columna lumbar y en la extremidad proximal del fémur. Asimismo, se midieron los parámetros ultrasonográficos en el calcáneo. Resultados: Sólo el 38,8% de los estudiantes de Medicina (el 42,1% de los varones y el 44,9%de las mujeres) presentaron niveles de 25-HCC superiores a 30 ng/dl tal y como se recomienda (..) (AU)

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been described in many diseases and indeed in the general population. However fewer reports have been published in young and healthy people. Vitamin D deficiency should not be found in medical students of the Canary Islands, because they have all the resources to avoid it. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a population of medical students of both gender from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Methods: 103 medical students of both genders from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. They completed a questionnaire and a physical examination. Vitamin D (25- hydroxycholecalciferol [25-HCC]), parathyroid hormone, biochemical markers of bone remodeling and ag eneral biochemical study were performed. Bone mineral density was assessed by dual energyX-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and the proximal femur. Quantitative ultrasounds parameters were measured at the calcaneus. Results: Only 38.8% of the students of Medicine (42.1% of males and 44.9% of females) have25-HCC values higher than 30 ng/dl as widely recommended nowadays. Vitamin D deficiency(< 20 ng/ml) is observed in 32.6% and vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 ng/ml) in 28.6% of the students of Medicine in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Conclusion: Although they have optimal conditions for having good levels of vitamin D, near two thirds of the medical students in the Canaries have low values of vitamin D (AU)

[High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in medical students in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain)]. / Elevada prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en los estudiantes de medicina de Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias (España).

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been described in many diseases and indeed in the general population. However fewer reports have been published in young and healthy people. Vitamin D deficiency should not be found in medical students of the Canary Islands, because they have all the resources to avoid it. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a population of medical students of both gender from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. METHODS: 103 medical students of both genders from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. They completed a questionnaire and a physical examination. Vitamin D (25- hydroxycholecalciferol [25-HCC]), parathyroid hormone, biochemical markers of bone remodeling and a general biochemical study were performed. Bone mineral density was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and the proximal femur. Quantitative ultrasounds parameters were measured at the calcaneus. RESULTS: Only 38.8% of the students of Medicine (42.1% of males and 44.9% of females) have 25-HCC values higher than 30 ng/dl as widely recommended nowadays. Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) is observed in 32.6% and vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 ng/ml) in 28.6% of the students of Medicine in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. CONCLUSION: Although they have optimal conditions for having good levels of vitamin D, near two thirds of the medical students in the Canaries have low values of vitamin D.