Dietary diversity and the risk of metabolic syndrome in a Japanese population: An analysis of baseline cross-sectional data from the J-MICC study

Background: With the increasing burden of metabolic syndrome, it is crucial to focus on lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk. Diet is a modifiable factor that can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods: We examined the association between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and risk of metabolic syndrome using baseline data from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) study. In total, 75,332 participants were included in this study. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association between the DDS and metabolic syndrome. Results: Inverse associations were observed between a high DDS and metabolic syndrome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83 [95% confidential interval 0.76-0.92]). Likewise, a high DDS was associated with reduced odds of a high body mass index and hypertension. No significant associations were observed between the DDS and serum triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values. Conclusion: To reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, public health interventions should focus on promoting a diverse and balanced diet.