Association of Higher Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Diet with Higher Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in North India

Abstract

Background: The epidemic of obesity, over the last two decades, in the middle and high income countries is associated with marked rise in the incidence of metabolic syndrome. Objective: To measure the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and determine its association with ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Design and methods: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 20 urban streets in the city of Moradabad, India. Randomly selected subjects with MS aged 25 years and above were evaluated and graded according to omega-6/omega-3 ratio in the diet. Physical examination, sphygmomanometer, questionnaire and blood tests were done. Results: The overall prevalence of MS was 19.3% (n = 387) without any gender difference. The prevalence of MS, type 2 diabetes, CAD and hypertension showed a higher rate, in relation to omega-6/omega- 3 ratio in the diet. Subgroup analysis showed that subjects eating low omega-6/omega-3 ratio (<5.0) diets had significantly lower prevalence of MS, and related components compared to higher ratio diets, among both sexes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment of age showed, that hypertriglyceridemia (odds ratio 0.90 in men, 0.76 in women) was strongly (P < 0.01) associated with MS. Hypertension, HDL-C, and central obesity were weakly associated with MS in both sexes. Hypercholesterolemia was weakly associated with MS only in women. Conclusion: MS has become a public health problem in India. Higher w-6/w-3 ratio is a major risk factor of MS and CAD. It is possible that a low w-6/w-3 ratio in the diet (<5.0) may be protective against MS.