Shift workers have a similar diet quality but higher energy intake than day workers

Abstract

Shift workers have a similar diet quality but higher energy intake than day workers by Hulsegge G, Boer JMA, van der Beek AJ, Verschuren WMM, Sluijs I, Vermeulen R, Proper KI Shift workers, particularly those with five or more night shifts, had a higher energy intake than day workers but similar diet quality. A higher energy intake among shift workers may contribute to shift work-induced adverse health outcomes. If confirmed in future studies, those adverse health outcomes may be alleviated by measures aimed at decreasing energy intake among shift workers. Objective Shift work is associated with adverse health outcomes, and an unhealthy diet may be a contributing factor. We compared diet quantity and quality between day and shift workers, and studied exposure-response relationships regarding frequency of night shifts and years of shift work. AffiliationMethods Cross-sectional general population data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Netherlands (EPIC-NL) cohort was used. Dietary intake was assessed in 1993-1997 among adults aged 20-70 years using a food frequency questionnaire. We calculated energy intake, the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and WHO-based Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI). In 2011-2014, we retrospectively identified 683 shift workers and 7173 day workers in 1993-1997. Using multivariable-adjusted linear regression analysis, we estimated regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of the differences in dietary intake between day and shift workers.Results Shift workers had a higher energy intake than day workers (β:56 kcal/d, 95% CI 10-101), and a higher consumption of grains, dairy products, meat and fish (P<0.05). The difference in energy intake was largest for shift workers with ≥5 night shifts/month. They consumed 103 kcal/d (95% CI 29-176) more than day workers.No associations were found with MDS and HDI.Conclusion Shift workers and particularly those with a high frequency of night shifts had a higher energy intake than day workers. Regardless of number of night shifts and years of shift work, shift workers had similar diet quality as day workers. This suggests that increased energy intake among shift workers may contribute to shift work-induced adverse health outcomes.

Sleep Duration and Chronic Fatigue Are Differently Associated with the Dietary Profile of Shift Workers

“…In contrast, a subsequent study adjusting for confounding factors, such as age and BMI, found that shift workers reported a higher energy intake compared to day workers [15]. Although this study did not find any differences in the quality of the diet, several previous studies have suggested that shift work might alter macronutrient distribution and food consumption patterns, such as an increased intake of snacks on night shift.…”

Does higher energy intake explain weight gain and increased metabolic risks among shift workers?

“…In a paper by Hulsegge et al (14) in this issue, shift workers were found to have a higher energy intake than day workers (56 kcal/d) and a slightly higher consumption of grains, dairy products, meat and fish and lower consumption of cakes and biscuits. No difference in savory snacks, sweets, soft drinks or juices were found.…”

Calidad de la dieta del personal de salud de un hospital chileno según el índice de alimentación saludable

“…El consumo de alimentos de los diferentes grupos alimentarios entre hombres y mujeres se presenta en la tabla 3. Otros estudios aplicados a trabajadores de la salud, tampoco lograron encontrar resultados que permitieran asociar modificaciones significativas en la alimentación y el trabajar bajo un sistema por turnos (38,39). En contraposición, un estudio desarrollado en enfermeras en Japón, si demostró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre las participantes que trabajaron en turnos rotativos y una dieta deficiente (40).…”