Sugar intake and metabolic syndrome among older adults in Peninsular Malaysia

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Sugar is widely consumed and excessive intake has been associated with increased risk of weight gain, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, leading to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). However, the association between sugar intake and MetSyn has seldom been studied among multi-ethnic Malaysian older adults. Methods: A total of 1,057 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited through multistage random sampling from selected states. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, blood test for sugar and lipid profile were determined. Dietary intake was derived using a 7-day dietary history questionnaire (DHQ) and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for added sugar intake. Results: Prevalence of MetSyn was 39.9%, 30.9% and 42.2% using the harmonised definition, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) definitions respectively. Mean total sugar intake was 40.5±32.0 g (8 tsp) and added sugar intake was 33.0±31.0 g (6 tsp). Excessive added sugar consumption at 100th percentile increased risks of high total cholesterol by two-fold (p<0.001) and triglyceride by 1.8 fold (p<0.001). Total sugar intake at 50th percentile increased risk of high blood pressure by 0.68 fold (p<0.05) and total sugar intake at 50th, 75th and 100th percentile increased total cholesterol risk by 1.7 fold (p<0.01), 1.5 fold (p<0.05) and 2.3 fold (p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Excessive sugar consumption among older adults showed no association with MetSyn but revealed significant associations with blood pressure and lipid profiles. Effects of long term excessive consumption of sugar on health outcomes in older persons should be investigated.