Associate Professor Qatar University Doha, Ar Rayyan, Qatar
Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between folate status and MetSyn in US adults using nationally representative sample surveys.
Methods: Data from five cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2007-2008, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018 were combined into one analytic database (NHANES 2007-2018). After excluding data for missing variables, the final study sample consisted of 9458 adults. National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III criteria were used to define the MetSyn. The relation between folate status markers (serum total folate and 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate) and MetSyn was investigated using multivariable logistic regression.
Results: The likelihood of having MetSyn in the 4th quartile of serum total folate was significantly lower compared to the 1st quartile (odds ratio, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.57, 0.87 vs 1; P < 0.001), Also, the likelihood of having MetSyn in the 4th quartile of 5-menthyl tetrahydrofolate was significantly lower compared to the 1st quartile (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57, 0.88 vs. 1; P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Serum total folate and 5-menthyl tetrahydrofolate concentrations are inversely associated with the prevalence of MetSyn in the adult US population. Persons with MetSyn phenotype especially those who have suboptimal folate status may benefit from consuming diets rich in folate and folic-acid-fortified foods.
