Dietary Animal to Plant Protein Ratio Is Associated with Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Participants of the AHS-2 Calibration Study

Abstract

Background: Few research studies have focused on the effects of dietary protein on metabolic syndrome and its components. Our objective was to determine the relationship between the type of dietary protein intake and animal to plant (AP) protein ratio with metabolic syndrome and its components. Methods: This population-based study had a cross sectional design and conducted on 518 participants of the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2) Calibration Study. Two sets of three dietary 24-h recalls were obtained six months apart. Anthropometric measures and biochemical tests were performed in clinics. Regression calibration models were used to determine the association of type of dietary protein with metabolic syndrome and its components (raised triglyceride, raised blood pressure, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), raised fasting blood glucose and increased waist circumference). Results: The likelihood of metabolic syndrome was lower in those with higher total dietary protein and animal protein intake (p = 0.02).Total protein (β = 0.004, [95%CI: 0.002, 0.007]), animal protein intake (β = 0.004, [95%CI: 0.001, 0.007]) and AP protein intake ratio (β = 0.034, [95%CI: 0.021, 0.047]) were positively associated with waist circumference. Higher AP protein ratio was related to higher fasting blood glucose (β = 0.023, [95%CI: 0.005, 0.041]). Conclusion: Our study suggests that considering a significant amount of plant protein as a part of total dietary protein has beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Macronutrients quality indices and risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in Iranian adults

“…This study showed that a diet with a high protein score, characterized by a higher intake of plant proteins and a lower intake of animal proteins, may be linked to a reduced risk of CKD [ 16 ]. Similar to our study, other studies also looked at the link between plant and animal protein and the risk of MetS and other cardiometabolic diseases [ 53 – 55 ]. Azmati et al [ 53 ] found that higher animal protein consumption and the ratio of animal protein to plant protein are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors such as increased WC and FPG.…”

“…Similar to our study, other studies also looked at the link between plant and animal protein and the risk of MetS and other cardiometabolic diseases [ 53 – 55 ]. Azmati et al [ 53 ] found that higher animal protein consumption and the ratio of animal protein to plant protein are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors such as increased WC and FPG. Their study revealed that including a substantial amount of plant protein in the total protein intake has positive effects on cardiometabolic risk factors.…”

“…Their study revealed that including a substantial amount of plant protein in the total protein intake has positive effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. Previous studies have mainly compared the effects of plant and animal protein [ 53 – 56 ], but there is limited research on a comprehensive protein quality score including total protein and the ratio of plant to animal protein. This study is unique and examines these relationships for the first time.…”

Associations of Adherence to a Dietary Index Based on the EAT–Lancet Reference Diet with Nutritional, Anthropometric, and Ecological Sustainability Parameters: Results from the German DONALD Cohort Study

“…Interestingly, the amount of animal protein consumed was higher in the first tertile than in the third tertile (23 compared with 19 g/1000 kcal; P < 0.001). Likewise, the AP ratio was found to be higher in the first than in the third tertile (1.75; 95% CI: 1.56, 1.95 compared with 1.25; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.39; P < 0.001), and it has been shown that a better AP ratio may have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors ( 26 ).…”

Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Low Diet Quality Assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Low Concentrations of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

“…Preservatives such as nitrates and the high sodium content of processed meat may have the strongest association with CVD risk [ 52 , 53 ]. The results of a study by Azemati et al [ 54 ] suggested that including a significant amount of plant protein as part of total protein in the diet has a beneficial effect on cardiometabolic risk factors such as waist circumference and fasting glucose levels. The authors of numerous studies have also found that adherence to vegetarian dietary patterns is associated with a lower risk of developing MetS [ 55 , 56 , 57 ] and that plant protein may have a protective effect in the prevention of excessive weight and obesity in the general population [ 58 ].…”