Association of the Elderly Dietary Index with cardiovascular disease risk factors in elderly men: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim There is limited evidence regarding the association between the Elderly Dietary Index (EDI) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of the study was to examine how the EDI relates to CVD risk factors in elderly men. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 362 elderly men aged 60 to 80 years old. Diet was measured with a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. The EDI assesses adherence to nutritional recommendations for older adults based on the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults. The EDI includes meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, olive oil, bread and dairy products. Anthropometric indices, biochemical markers and blood pressure were measured using standard methods. Multivariate logistic regression assessed relationships between tertiles of EDI scores and CVD risk factors. Results The mean age and body mass index of participants were 65.43 +/- 5.63 years and 25.34 +/- 3.17 kg/m(2), respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the EDI was inversely associated with the risk of obesity and overweight (Odds ratio OR: 0.49, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.27, 0.89; P = .004) and was associated with a reduced likelihood of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.41; P < .001). Conclusions Higher EDI was associated with lower risk of overweight and obesity and high LDL-C concentrations. However, there was no significant association between EDI and other CVD risk factors in elderly men.