Dietary intake of total saturated fatty acids increased the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OR 1.47), whereas long-chain saturated fatty acids (SFA 12.0, 14.0, 16.0) reduced the risk.
Cross-Sectional (n=13,563)
Does dietary intake of saturated fatty acids affect the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in adults?
Dietary mixtures of saturated fatty acids increase the risk of OSA, though specific long-chain saturated fatty acids may reduce the risk, with cardiovascular health (LC9) mediating some of these effects.
Effect estimate: OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.01, 2.13)
p-value: p=0.04
Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a global public health issue. Life’s Crucial 9 (LC9) is recognized as a powerful tool for assessing cardiovascular health. Although the etiology of OSA remains unclear, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and cardiovascular health are increasingly regarded as a non-negligible element. This study aims to assess the association between dietary intake of SFAs and the risk of OSA, and the mediating effect of LC9. Methods Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), dietary questionnaires of participant were collected, and the average values of 24-h dietary recall data over 2 days were obtained. A continuous cross-sectional analysis with dietary energy adjustment was employed. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the weighted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for SFAs and OSA. Evaluate the mediating role of LC9 in the relationship between SFAs and OSA. Results A total of 13,563 participants aged 20 years and above were included in this study. The intakes of Sfa 4.0 and LC9 among participants with OSA were significantly lower than those in the normal population. After adjusting for confounding factors, total SFAs could increase the risk of OSA Model 1, Q3, 0.03, 1.49 (1.03, 2.15); Model 2, Q3, 0.04, 1.47 (1.01, 2.13). It was emphasized that dietary intake of Sfa 12.0, Sfa 14.0, and Sfa 16.0 were protective factors for OSA, especially among participants aged 45–64 years and white individuals. Moreover, Sfa 12.0 exhibited a better protective effect in female participants Q3, 0.04, 0.66 (0.45, 0.99). In addition, the cardiovascular health score - LC9 had a mediating effect in Sfa4.0 on OSA Proportion of mediation: −0.035, 95% CI: (−0.058, −0.01); p = 0.002. There was a nonlinear relationship between dietary intake of Sfa 12.0, Sfa 16.0, and Sfa 18.0 and OSA ( P-Nonlinear = 0.013). Discussion These findings suggest that dietary mixtures of saturated fatty acids increase the risk of OSA. Among them, SFA 4:0 can increase the risk of OSA through the level of cardiovascular health. However, contrary to traditional beliefs, long-chain saturated fatty acids can reduce the risk of OSA.
Gou et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (n=13,563). Dietary intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) vs. Lowest quartile (Q1) of SFA intake was evaluated on Risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01, 2.13, p=0.04). Dietary intake of total saturated fatty acids increased the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OR 1.47), whereas long-chain saturated fatty acids (SFA 12.0, 14.0, 16.0) reduced the risk.