Relationship between mediterranean diet and phase angle in a sample of patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome

Introduction: The potential influence of a Mediterranean diet (MD), on PhA values has been little researched. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adherence of a MD and PhA on adult sample population with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 331 patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Anthropometrics' data (weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference), BIA parameters (resistance reactance, PhA, fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM)), and biochemical parameters were recorded. Dietary intakes with a 3 days written food records and MD adherence with a validated 14-item questionnaire were evaluated. Patients were divided in two groups by median value of PhA. Results: Percentage of patients with high Mediterranean diet adherence (score>7) in high PhA group was 77.2% and in low PhA group was 41.4% (Odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI=1.27-3.54; p=0.01). Total fat intake (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), protein intake and cholesterol intake were higher in High PhA group than Low PhA group. Total score of Mediterranean diet was higher in High PhA than Low PhA group (3.5 +/- 1.1 points; p=0.04). Fat free mass (3.3 +/- 0.9 kg;p=0.01), fat free mass index (3.9 +/- 1.1 kg/m(2);p=0.01), skeletal muscle mass (4.6 +/- 1.2 kg;p=0.01) and skeletal muscle mass index (3.3 +/- 0.7 kg/m(2);p=0.03) were higher in subjects of High adherence of MD group than subjects of Low adherence. Fat mass (-3.2 +/- 1.1 kg;p=0.03) was lower in subjects with good adherence to Mediterranean Diet. MD score (Beta 1.71, CI95% 1.06-2.16), (FFM) (Beta 3.99, CI95% 1.87-7.16) and (SMM) (Beta 4.21, CI95% 1.76-8.19) remained in the multivariate model. Conclusion: We concluded that a high adherence to a MD in subjects with obesity and metabolic syndrome is associated with values of PhA.