Food intake in South African children and retinal microvascular health: The ExAMIN Youth SA study.
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis
; 34(1): 188-197, 2024 Jan.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37798229
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:
Retinal arteriolar narrowing and venular widening are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, even at young ages. Whether diet contributes to early microvascular changes in children is not widely explored. We explored the associations of frequency of healthy and unhealthy food group intake with retinal vessel calibers in black and white children. METHODS ANDRESULTS:
This study included school-aged (5-9 years) black (N = 433, 7.46 ± 0.98 years), and white (N = 403, 7.43 ± 0.82 years) children. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken, along with retinal vessel calibers (central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) equivalents). Frequencies of food group intake were assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire. A factor analysis was performed to describe food group patters. Independent associations between retinal vessel calibers and frequencies of food group intake and food group patters were explored. In black children, cookies, cakes, and biscuits were associated with narrower arterioles (p < 0.05). In white children, cold sweetened beverages were associated with narrower arterioles (p = 0.02), whereas salty snacks were associated with narrower arterioles (p = 0.01) and wider venules (p < 0.05). Fruits were positively associated with CRAE (p = 0.03) in white children only.CONCLUSION:
A higher frequency of unhealthy food group consumption was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing and venular widening in both black and white children. However, fruit intake was shown beneficial for retinal microvascular health in white children only. Our findings may highlight the importance of promoting healthy eating patterns from early childhood which may reduce the risk of premature cardiovascular disease development.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Vasos Retinianos
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Doenças Cardiovasculares
Limite:
Adolescent
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Humans
País como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article