Evaluation of nutritional interventions and their impact on metabolic syndrome risk markers in older adults

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is extremely common in the elderly and strongly increases the chances of cardiovascular disease, diabetes with a type 2, and functional impairment. Although the positive effects of certain dietary interventions have been proved by controlled trials, little evidence has been provided concerning the usefulness of nutritional strategies in the ordinary clinical settings among the elderly population. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of documented nutritional intervention on the metabolic syndrome risk markers in older adults based on real-world clinical data. Methods: The retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of 1,300 adults aged ≥ 60 years with MetS, who received treatment in January 2019-December 2024 in tertiary hospitals and their affiliated outpatient clinics, was conducted. Exposures to nutrition were Mediterranean-style diets, DASH-type diets, low-carbohydrate and high-fiber counseling, calorie limited diets, Omega-3 and vitamin D, and combined interventions. The alterations in the anthropometric parameters, glycemic parameters, lipid parameters, blood pressure parameters, inflammatory/oxidative stress parameters, nutritional intake and MetS status were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish predictors of MetS improvement. Results: The findings were significant in all the MetS components. Body weight (-2.9 kg), waist circumference (-3.8 cm), visceral fat index (-1.3), fasting glucose (-7.9 mg/dL), HbA1c level (-0.3%), HOMA-IR (-0.7), triglycerides (-24.9 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (-11.8 mg/dL), systolic blood pressure (-7.7mmH). There was a significant increase in diet quality scores and also the increase in fiber, omega-3, vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium dietary consumption and decrease in sodium, dietary consumption. All in all, 41.4% of the respondents had partial or total MetS resolution. Dietary style of Mediterranean origin, fiber consumption ≥ 25 g/day, ≥ 5% weight loss, omega-3 supplementation, vitamin D deficiency, low sodium consumption, and exercise alone forecasted MetS improvement. Conclusion: Nutritional interventions are linked to significant changes in metabolic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular risk factors in older adults with MetS in their routine clinical practice. These observations favor the position of real-life dietary interventions as good measures to counteract MetS and enhance healthier aging.