Greater frequency of nut consumption is associated with lower prevalence of peripheral arterial disease

Prev Med. 2015 Mar:72:15-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.12.014. Epub 2014 Dec 19.

Abstract

Nut consumption has been associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality. The association between nut intake and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is uncertain.

Objective: We sought to investigate the association between nut consumption and presence of prevalent PAD in a large cross-sectional sample.

Methods: Self-referred participants at >20,000 US sites who completed a medical and lifestyle questionnaire were evaluated by screening ankle brachial indices for PAD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds of PAD in different nut consumption categories.

Results: Among 3,312,403 individuals, mean age was 63.6 ± 10.6 years and 62.8% were female. There were 219,527 cases of PAD. After multivariable adjustment there was an inverse association of nut intake with PAD. Compared to subjects with consumption of nuts<once/month, daily nut consumption was associated with a 21% (95% CI 20%-23%) lower odds of having PAD.

Conclusion: These observations suggest the need for more rigorous testing evaluating the role of nuts in PAD prevention.

Keywords: Nutrition; Nuts; Peripheral arterial disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ankle Brachial Index / methods
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuts*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / epidemiology
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / prevention & control*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires