Global diet quality score (GDQS) in relation to Chronic inflammation in adults: A cross-sectional study

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of several non-communicable diseases. Dietary quality has been recognized as an important modifiable factor influencing inflammatory status. The Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) is a novel food-based metric developed to evaluate overall diet quality and its relationship with health outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the GDQS and increased serum concentration of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) among Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study was performed on ۵۲۷ Iranian adults (۴۵.۷% female) selected by multistage cluster random-sampling method. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). GDQS comprises ۲۵ food groups, including ۱۶ healthy food groups, ۷ unhealthy food groups and ۲ food groups categorized as unhealthy in excessive amounts, which are scored based on predefined criteria. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured using standard laboratory methods, and values above the ۹۰th percentile or ۶.۱۴ mg/L were considered as elevated hs-CRP. Participants were categorized according to tertiles of GDQS. After controlling for potential confounders, participants in the highest tertile of GDQS had lower odds of elevated hs-CRP levels, compared with those in the lowest tertile (ORT۳ vs. T۱ = ۰.۴۲; ۹۵% CI: ۰.۱۸-۰.۹۹). Based on our findings, greater adherence to GDQS was associated with lower hs-CRP concentrations. These findings suggest that improving overall diet quality may contribute to reducing systemic inflammation and related chronic disease risk. Further prospective investigations are needed to confirm the results.

کلیدواژه ها:

Global diet quality score ، Chronic inflammation ، Adults ، Cross-sectional study.