Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) in relation to hyper-triglyceridemic-waist (HTGW) phenotype in Iranian adults

Several studies have revealed a significant link between dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and the hypertriglyceridemia-waist (HTGW) phenotype, but some others did not. To clarify this association, we conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the connection between DASH diet adherence and HTGW phenotype in Iranian adults. This study was conducted among Iranian adults (n = 528) living in Isfahan. Dietary intakes were assessed via a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters were assessed. Participants with serum triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL and enlarged waist circumference were considered individuals with an HTGW phenotype. Individuals in the top tertile of DASH, in comparison to those in the bottom tertile, had lower odds of HTGW in both crude (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32–0.90) and fully adjusted models (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.16–0.82). In stratified analysis by sex, a protective significant association was observed only in female participants (fully-adjusted model: OR T3 vs. T1 = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02–0.46). Among DASH components, more consumption of nuts and legumes were related to lower odds of HTGW phenotype (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16–0.71). This cross-sectional study shows an association between the DASH diet and a lower prevalence of the HTGW phenotype in Iranians, especially in women. Further research is needed to explain the reasons behind this connection and generalize the results to all adult populations.