Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare dietary patterns and nutrient intakes between cold and non-cold regions of China, and to assess the associations between dietary mineral intake and the risks of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity and hypertension in residents of cold region. Methods A total of 12,190 participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were included, of whom 1261 were residents of Heilongjiang province. Dietary intake was assessed using three consecutive 24 h individual dietary recalls. General linear models were applied to compare dietary differences between Heilongjiang and other provinces, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations between mineral intake and the aforementioned health outcomes among Heilongjiang residents. Results Significant differences were observed in the intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, processed meats, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium between Heilongjiang and other provinces (all P < 0.05). In Heilongjiang residents, higher intakes of phosphorus, iron, and calcium were more strongly associated with lower risks of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and hypertension than potassium or magnesium. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across tertiles of calcium, phosphorus and iron intake were as follows: 0.37 (0.28-0.50), 0.37 (0.28-0.49), 0.48 (0.36-0.64) for overweight; 0.53 (0.35-0.79), 0.50 (0.34-0.75), 0.45 (0.30-0.69) for obesity; 0.49 (0.38-0.64), 0.52 (0.40-0.66), 0.59 (0.46-0.77) for abdominal obesity; and 0.42 (0.32-0.54), 0.42 (0.33-0.53), 0.49 (0.38-0.63) for hypertension. Conclusion Distinct dietary patterns exist between cold and other region of China. Adequate intake of phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium consumption may help protect against obesity and hypertension in populations living in cold environments.
Wang et al. (Sat,) studied this question.