Potato consumption and cardiovascular disease risk factors among Iranian population

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies investigated the effects of dietary glycaemic index and glycaemic load on cardiovascular risk factors. Little evidence is available regarding the association between potato intake and cardiovascular risk factors in Iran. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the first stage of Isfahan Healthy Heart Programme. METHODS: A total of 4774 subjects were included in the present study. Dietary intake was assessed with a 49-item food frequency questionnaire. Biochemical assessments were done according to the standard protocol. RESULTS: There were significant associations between potato consumption and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR): 1.38; 95% CI: 1.14-1.67; p < 0.001), high fasting blood sugar level (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.17-1.68; p < 0.001) and low serum high density lipoprotein level (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20; p = 0.02) remained after adjustments for possible confounding factors. CONCLUSION: We found a positive relation between potato consumption, high fasting blood glucose level and diabetes mellitus.