Relationship between Temperament (Mizaj) and Metabolic Parameters in a Healthy Adult Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Temperament is a critical concept in Persian Medicine (PM) school, and its determinants independently affect human metabolism. Objectives: The present study investigated the potential relationship between PM-based temperament and metabolic parameters. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the PERSIAN Organizational Cohort Study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The participants temperament, physical activity, and dietary intakes were assessed through valid questionnaires. Anthropometric indices were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and energy expenditure components were evaluated using indirect calorimetry. Results: A total of 334 individuals entered the study. Cold-tempered participants were similar to the warm-tempered in terms of age, sex, general physical activities, and environmental conditions. Warm-tempered participants had lower intakes of spices (P=0.01). Moreover, warm-tempered subjects had more muscle mass (P=0.008) and body water (P=0.007). Finally, the lower metabolic rate in cold-tempered participants was not significant (resting energy expenditure=1468±337 vs. 1519±366 Kcal/day, for cold and warm-tempered subjects, respectively) Conclusion: Findings of the present study supported the potential relationship between PM-based temperaments and dietary intakes, anthropometric indices, and metabolic parameters. However, further large-population-based studies are required to find the exact mechanisms and interrelations between modern nutrition propositions and PM concepts.