Associations of starchy and non-starchy vegetables with risk of metabolic syndrome: evidence from the NHANES 1999–2018

Abstract

Abstract Background Higher dietary quality, including increased vegetable consumption, was associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, specific vegetable consumption in the development of MetS remains obscure. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between starchy and non-starchy vegetables and MetS. Methods Secondary data analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2018). MetS was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) and dietary consumption was assessed by trained staff using two 24-h diet recall methods. Weighted logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were performed to further investigate specific vegetable subtypes and MetS. Results This research enrolled 24,646 individuals (11,725 females and 12,921 males), with an average age of 45.84 ± 0.23 years. Approximately 15,828(64.22%) participants were defined to be with non-MetS and 8818(35.78%) were with MetS. Both total starchy vegetables and potatoes were associated with increased MetS risk, with the corresponding OR per standard deviation (SD) (95%CI, p-trend) being 1.06(1.02–1.11, p-trend = 0.028) and 1.08(1.04–1.13, p-trend = 0.011), respectively. However, an inverse correlation was found between dark-green vegetables and MetS, and the OR per SD (95%CI, p-trend) was 0.93(0.90–0.97, p-trend = 0.010). Subgroup analyses showed that the positive associations of starchy vegetables and potatoes on MetS risk were stronger in non-Hispanic White participants (p for interaction < 0.050). Conclusion Total starchy vegetables and white potatoes were both associated with an increased risk of MetS, while consumption of dark-green vegetables was negatively associated with MetS risk. These findings might provide a promising and healthy dietary strategy for preventing MetS.