Unhealthy diet in childhood found to be linked to increased arterial stiffness

Researchers from the University of Bristol examined the effect of dietary quality in childhood on arterial stiffness and arterial wall thickness in adolescence. The results of the study are published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

According to the findings, consuming more obesogenic foods at ages 7-10 years was found to be associated with an average 0.07-0.10 m/s increase in pulse wave velocity at age 17 years. Consuming more foods consistent with a Mediterranean diet was associated with an average 0.07 m/s decrease in pulse wave velocity. Consuming more foods with anti-inflammatory properties resulted in a 0.06 m/s decrease in pulse wave velocity.

The diet quality of 4700 children aged 7, 10, and 13 years was analyzed. Arterial stiffness was then measured at ages 17 and 24 years by assessing pulse wave velocity and intima-media complex thickness.

Participants were divided into groups based on diet quality. A child was considered to be following a Mediterranean diet if they consumed fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, fish and unsaturated fats, and little meat and meat products.

The diet with more anti-inflammatory components included fruits, vegetables, and berries (especially brightly colored ones), as well as nuts, seeds, spices, and seafood. The rest of the participants followed the DASH diet, ate according to British guidelines, or consumed large amounts of foods that lead to obesity (high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods low in fiber).

The authors believe that to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and its complications, it is important to improve diet quality early in life and adhere to it throughout life.