Food Compass Score predicts incident cardiovascular disease: The ATTICA cohort study (2002–2022)

Abstract

BackgroundThe Food Compass Score (FCS) is a novel nutrient profiling system, which evaluates food and diet quality. The present study aimed to prospectively assess the relationship of FCS with short‐term (10 years) and long‐term (20 years) cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and to explore whether this relationship is modified by long‐term adherence to a Mediterranean type diet (MTD).MethodsVolunteers of the ATTICA cohort study, with complete data for the calculation of FCS and incident CVD were included (n = 759). Development of CVD was determined at 10 and 20 years after baseline. Dietary intake was assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire. The FCS was calculated for each participant based on the published algorithm. Long‐term adherence to a MTD was evaluated through MedDietScore.ResultsFCS was inversely associated with CVD incidence (hazard ratio [HR] for 20‐year follow‐up = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95–0.99; HR for 10‐year follow‐up = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96–1.01) in the total sample, as well as in those with a high baseline adherence to a MTD (HR for 20‐year follow‐up = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93–0.99; HR for 10‐year follow‐up = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95–1.02). FCS was also inversely associated with CVD risk in those who went away from the MTD (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96–0.99).ConclusionsFCS, a novel tool for assessing overall diet quality, was also found to be useful in identifying potential CVD candidates in a long‐term period, even in populations with good background dietary habits, such as those following a MTD.

The relationship between the dietary index based Meiji nutritional profiling system for adults and lifestyle-related diseases: a predictive validity study from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences—Longitudinal Study of Aging

“…These findings support the relevance of the Food Compass as a tool for guiding public health and private sector strategies to identify and promote healthier diets ( 68 ). Furthermore, several other studies have confirmed associations between the Food Compass and inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease risk and have evaluated its clinical utility ( 69 , 70 ).…”

A changing of the guard: reflecting on the past and looking to the future at JHND

“…We will draw from the strength of UK‐based nutrition researchers, while driving recognition of the journal across new and existing audiences. Recently accepted manuscripts from researchers in Greece, 9 United States, 10 Australia 11 and Malawi 12 demonstrate we have a richness in new knowledge in nutrition from around the world.…”