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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Various food groups have been associated with measures of left ventricular geometry and function. Whether the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern in mid-life is associated with a favorable cardiac structure and function later in life is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants free of cardiovascular disease at study visit 3 in 1993 to 1995. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire at study visits 1 (1987–1989) and 3 (1993–1995). Participants who underwent transthoracic echocardiograms at the Jackson field center at visit 3 (n=1,974) and at all field centers at study visit 5 (2011–2013; n=4,651) were included in this study. General linear regression was used to evaluate associations between dietary intake and markers of cardiac structure and function adjusting for potential confounders. Higher DASH score was associated with lower left ventricle mean wall thickness and higher absolute value of longitudinal strain at visit 5 (p(trend)=0.004 and

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated whether plant-centered diets prevent progression of early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between plant-centered diet quality and early CKD markers. METHODS: We prospectively examined 2869 black and white men and women in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study free of diagnosed kidney failure in 2005–2006 [examination year 20 (Y20); mean age: 45.3 ± 3.6 y]. CKD marker changes from Y20 to 2015–2016 (Y30) were considered, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; serum creatinine), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and both. Diet was assessed through interviewer-administered diet histories at Y0, Y7, and Y20, and plant-centered diet quality was quantified with the A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS). Linear regression models were used to examine the association of APDQS and subsequent 10-y changes in CKD markers. RESULTS: After adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral, and diet factors, we found that higher APDQS was related to less adverse changes in CKD markers in the subsequent 10-y period. Compared with the lowest APDQS quintile, the highest quintile was associated with an attenuated increase in lnACR (−0.25 mg/g; 95% CI: −0.37, −0.13 mg/g; P-trend

Background Current evidence supports the adoption of healthy diet and physical activity (PA) behaviors in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), given the positive effects of those behaviors on physical well-being. An improved understanding of the associations between diet and PA with PCOS is needed to ascertain whether tailored dietary and PA recommendations are needed for this population. Thus, we investigated the associations of diet and PA with PCOS and its isolated features. Methods Cross-sectional study. Of the 748 women who were included in this study from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Women’s Study, 40 were classified as having PCOS, 104 had isolated hyperandrogenism (HA) and 75 had isolated oligomenorrhea (OA). Dietary intake was measured using the CARDIA diet history questionnaire and diet quality was scored using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010; a higher score indicated a better quality diet. Self-reported PA was measured using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire. Polytomous logistic regression analyses examined the associations between diet and PA with PCOS, HA, and OA status (outcomes), adjusting for age, race, total energy intake, education, and/or body mass index. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p Results Mean age of the participants was 25.4 years (SD 3.6) and 46.8% of participants were Black women. There was little to no association of total energy intake, nutrients, diet quality, and PA with PCOS, HA or OA status. Conclusion Energy intake, nutrient composition, diet quality, and PA were not associated with PCOS, supporting recent PCOS guidelines of using national recommendations for the general population to encourage health-promoting behaviors among women with PCOS. However, longitudinal studies evaluating changes in diet and physical activity in relation to the development and/or the progression of PCOS are needed to establish a causal association.

BACKGROUND: High diet quality is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases. Metabolomics can be used to identify objective biomarkers of diet quality. OBJECTIVES: We used metabolomics to identify serum metabolites associated with 4 diet indices and the components within these indices in 2 samples from African Americans and European Americans. METHODS: We studied cross-sectional associations between known metabolites and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Trial (DASH) diet, alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED), and their components using untargeted metabolomics in 2 samples (n(1) = 1,806, n(2) = 2,056) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (aged 45–64 y at baseline). Dietary intakes were assessed using an FFQ. We used multivariable linear regression models to examine associations between diet indices and serum metabolites in each sample, adjusting for participant characteristics. Metabolites significantly associated with diet indices were meta-analyzed across 2 samples. C-statistics were calculated to examine if these candidate biomarkers improved prediction of individuals in the highest compared with lowest quintile of diet scores beyond participant characteristics. RESULTS: Seventeen unique metabolites (HEI: n = 6; AHEI: n = 5; DASH: n = 14; aMED: n = 2) were significantly associated with higher diet scores after Bonferroni correction in sample 1 and sample 2. Six of 17 significant metabolites [glycerate, N-methylproline, stachydrine, threonate, pyridoxate, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactate)] were associated with ≥1 dietary pattern. Candidate biomarkers of HEI, AHEI, and DASH distinguished individuals with highest compared with lowest quintile of diet scores beyond participant characteristics in samples 1 and 2 (P value for difference in C-statistics

Background: Previous studies have suggested that adherence to healthy dietary patterns during late life may be associated with improved cognition. However, few studies have examined the association between healthy dietary patterns during midlife and incident dementia. Objective: Our study aimed to determine the association between adherence to healthy dietary patterns at midlife and incident dementia. Methods: We included 13,630 adults from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study in our prospective analysis. We used food frequency questionnaire responses to calculate four dietary scores: Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), alternate Mediterranean (aMed) diet, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Participants were followed until the end of 2017 for incident dementia. Cox regression models adjusted for covariates were used to estimate risk of incident dementia by quintile of dietary scores. Results: Over a median of 27 years, there were 2,352 cases of incident dementia documented. Compared with participants in quintile 1 of HEI-2015, participants in quintile 5 (healthiest) had a 14% lower risk of incident dementia (hazard ratio, HR: 0.86, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.74–0.99). There were no significant associations of incident dementia with the AHEI-2010, aMed, or DASH scores. There were no significant interactions by sex, age, race, education, physical activity, hypertension, or obesity. Conclusion: Adherence to the HEI-2015, but not the other dietary scores, during midlife was associated with lower risk of incident dementia. Further research is needed to elucidate whether timing of a healthy diet may influence dementia risk.

OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between change in plant-centered diet quality and type 2 diabetes risk and change in body size. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A prospective study conducted in the U.S. enrolled adults ages 18–30 years in 1985–1986 (examination year [Y0]) and followed them through 2015–2016. We analyzed the associations between change in plant-centered diet quality over 20 years (Y0–Y20) and diabetes (Y20–30; n = 2,534) and change (Y0–Y20 and Y20–30) in BMI, waist circumference (WC), and weight (n > 2,434). Plant-centered diet quality was measured using the A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS); a higher score favors nutritionally rich plant foods. Cox regression models were used to assess diabetes risk, and linear regression models were used to examine change in body size. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 9.3 (± 1.7) years, 206 case subjects with incident diabetes were observed. In multivariable analysis, participants with the largest increase in APDQS over 20 years had a 48% (95% CI 0.31–0.85; Ptrend < 0.001) lower risk of diabetes over the subsequent 10 years compared with participants whose score remained stable. Each 1-SD increment in APDQS over 20 years was associated with lower gains in BMI (−0.39 kg/m2; SE 0.14; P = 0.004), WC (−0.90 cm; SE 0.27; P < 0.001) and weight (−1.14 kg; SE 0.33; P < 0.001) during the same period, but not with subsequent changes. CONCLUSIONS Young adults who increased plant-centered diet quality had a lower diabetes risk and gained less weight by middle adulthood.

Background Very-long-chain SFAs (VLSFAs) have recently gained considerable attention as having beneficial effects on health and aging. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the associations of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs [arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), tricosanoic acid (23:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0)] with 20-y cognitive decline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) participants. Furthermore, this study compared the associations of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs with 5 common groups of fatty acids [i.e., total SFAs, total MUFAs, total ω-3 (n-3) PUFAs, total marine-derived ω-3 PUFAs, total ω-6 PUFAs]. Methods This study used a cohort study design of 3229 ARIC participants enrolled at the Minnesota field center. Fatty acids were measured at visit 1 (1987-1989); and cognition was assessed at visits 2 (1990-1992), 4 (1996-1998), and 5 (2011-2013) using 3 tests: the Delayed Word Recall Test (DWRT), the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Word Fluency Test (WFT). Results Higher proportions of plasma phospholipid total VLSFAs and each individual VLSFA were associated with less decline in WFT, a test of verbal fluency. For example, 1 SD higher in total VLSFAs at baseline was associated with 0.057 SD (95% CI: 0.018, 0.096, P = 0.004) less cognitive decline over 20 y as measured by WFT score. None of the 5 common fatty acid groups were associated with change in WFT, but a higher proportion of plasma phospholipid total MUFAs was associated with greater decline in DWRT; higher total ω-6 PUFAs with less decline in DWRT; and higher total ω-3 and total marine-derived ω-3 PUFAs with less decline in DSST. Conclusions This study suggests that higher proportions of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs in midlife may be associated with less 20-y cognitive decline.

Background Cost-effective primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) relies on accuracy of risk assessment. Current risk scores require clinical and laboratory measures, are expensive and are often difficult to apply in the population setting. Objective This study sought to estimate CVD risk from individuals' knowledge of their own CVD risk factors and compare it to the risk calculated from measured risk factors. Methods Using the ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Risk Equations (PCE), we calculated 10-year CVD risk for 9856 primary prevention individuals aged 40-79 in the Minnesota Heart Survey (MHS). Using log-linear regression models, we estimated PCE risk from the individual's self-reported knowledge of four dichotomous risk factors: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and smoking. Age was included in all models, and models were developed separately in women and men. Model performance was assessed internally using leave-one-out cross-validation. Results The median measured PCE CVD risk in women was 2.1% (IQR: 0.8-5.6%), and in men was 6.3% (3.1-13.0%). Using the newly developed equations, the median estimated risk was 2.2% (0.9-5.8%) in women, and 6.9% (3.2-13.1%) in men. Using a threshold of 7.5% to categorize low and high risk, the novel risk calculation gave an accuracy of 95% for women and 87% for men compared to the measured PCE risk. The negative predictive value was 97% for women and 91% in men. Conclusion Self-reported knowledge of risk may be useful in the identification of individuals at low risk for CV events, however, should always be followed up with measurement of risk factors if symptoms or history suggest CVD.

Background The association between diets that focus on plant foods and restrict animal products and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is inconclusive. We investigated whether cumulative intake of a plant‐centered diet and shifting toward such a diet are associated with incident CVD. Methods and Results Participants were 4946 adults in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) prospective study. They were initially 18 to 30 years old and free of CVD (1985–1986, exam year [year 0]) and followed until 2018. Diet was assessed by an interviewer‐administered, validated diet history. Plant‐centered diet quality was assessed using the A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS), in which higher scores indicate higher consumption of nutritionally rich plant foods and limited consumption of high‐fat meat products and less healthy plant foods. Proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios of CVD associated with both time‐varying average APDQS and a 13‐year change in APDQS score (difference between the year 7 and year 20 assessments). During the 32‐year follow‐up, 289 incident CVD cases were identified. Both long‐term consumption and a change toward such a diet were associated with a lower risk of CVD. Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.28–0.81) when comparing the highest quintile of the time‐varying average ADPQS with lowest quintiles. The 13‐year change in APDQS was associated with a lower subsequent risk of CVD, with a hazard ratio of 0.39 (95% CI, 0.19–0.81) comparing the extreme quintiles. Similarly, strong inverse associations were found for coronary heart disease and hypertension‐related CVD with either the time‐varying average or change APDQS. Conclusions Consumption of a plant‐centered, high‐quality diet starting in young adulthood is associated with a lower risk of CVD by middle age.

Context No universal waist circumference (WC) percentile cutoffs used have been proposed for screening central obesity in children and adolescents. Objective To develop international WC percentile cutoffs for children and adolescents with normal weight based on data from 8 countries in different global regions and to examine the relation with cardiovascular risk. Design and Setting We used pooled data on WC in 113,453 children and adolescents (males 50.2%) aged 4 to 20 years from 8 countries in different regions (Bulgaria, China, Iran, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Seychelles, and Switzerland). We calculated WC percentile cutoffs in samples including or excluding children with obesity, overweight, or underweight. WC percentiles were generated using the general additive model for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS). We also estimated the predictive power of the WC 90th percentile cutoffs to predict cardiovascular risk using receiver operator characteristics curve analysis based on data from 3 countries that had available data (China, Iran, and Korea). We also examined which WC percentiles linked with WC cutoffs for central obesity in adults (at age of 18 years). Main Outcome Measure WC measured based on recommendation by the World Health Organization. Results We validated the performance of the age- and sex-specific 90th percentile WC cutoffs calculated in children and adolescents (6-18 years of age) with normal weight (excluding youth with obesity, overweight, or underweight) by linking the percentile with cardiovascular risk (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.69 for boys; 0.63 for girls). In addition, WC percentile among normal weight children linked relatively well with established WC cutoffs for central obesity in adults (eg, AUC in US adolescents: 0.71 for boys; 0.68 for girls). Conclusion The international WC cutoffs developed in this study could be useful to screen central obesity in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years and allow direct comparison of WC distributions between populations and over time.

BACKGROUND: Vegetables and fruits (VF) may differentially affect cognitive functions, presumably due to their various nutrient contents, but evidence from epidemiologic studies is limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the long-term association between VF intakes, including VF subgroups, in young adulthood and cognitive function in midlife. METHODS: A biracial cohort of 3231 men and women aged 18–30 y at baseline in 1985–1986 were followed up for 25 y in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. Diet was measured at baseline, and in examination years 7 and 20. Cognitive function was assessed at examination year 25 through the use of 3 tests: the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Stroop test. The mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs in cognitive scores across intake categories were estimated through the use of the multivariable-adjusted general linear regression model. RESULTS: Excluding potatoes, intake of whole vegetables was significantly associated with a better cognitive performance after adjustment for potential confounders in all 3 cognitive tests (quintile 5 compared with quintile 1—RAVLT, MD: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.64; P-trend = 0.08; DSST, MD: 2.84; 95% CI: 0.93, 4.75; P-trend

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal association between seafood and intake of long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCω-3 PUFA) and cognitive function and to explore the possible effect modifications owing to mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) levels. Methods Participants (N = 3231) from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study underwent baseline examination and were reexamined in eight follow-up visits. Diet was assessed at baseline and in exam years 7 and 20. Toenail Hg and Se were measured at exam year 2. Cognitive function was measured at exam year 25 using three tests: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Stroop test. The general linear regression model was used to examine cumulative average intakes of LCω-3 PUFA and seafood in relation to the cognitive test scores; and to explore the possible effect modifications caused by Hg and Se. Results LCω-3 PUFA intake was significantly associated with better performance in the DSST test (quintile 5 versus quintile 1; mean difference = 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–3.29; Ptrend, 0.048]), but not in the RAVLT and Stroop tests. Similar results were observed for intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and non-fried seafood. The observed associations were more pronounced in participants with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, but not significantly modified by toenail Hg or Se. Conclusion This longitudinal study supported the hypothesis that LCω-3 PUFA or non-fried seafood intake is associated with better cognitive performance in psychomotor speed among US adults, especially those who are overweight or obese.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The association between plant-based diets, incident CKD, and kidney function decline has not been examined in the general population. We prospectively investigated this relationship in a population-based study, and evaluated if risk varied by different types of plant-based diets. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Analyses were conducted in a sample of 14,686 middle-aged adults enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Diets were characterized using four plant-based diet indices. In the overall plant-based diet index, all plant foods were positively scored; in the healthy plant-based diet index, only healthful plant foods were positively scored; in the provegetarian diet, selected plant foods were positively scored. In the less healthy plant-based diet index, only less healthful plant foods were positively scored. All indices negatively scored animal foods. We used Cox proportional hazards models to study the association with incident CKD and linear mixed models to examine decline in eGFR, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 24 years, 4343 incident CKD cases occurred. Higher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet (HR comparing quintile 5 versus quintile 1 [HR(Q5 versus Q1)], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.78 to 0.96; P for trend =0.001) and a provegetarian diet (HR(Q5 versus Q1), 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.99; P for trend =0.03) were associated with a lower risk of CKD, whereas higher adherence to a less healthy plant-based diet (HR(Q5 versus Q1), 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.21; P for trend =0.04) was associated with an elevated risk. Higher adherence to an overall plant-based diet and a healthy plant-based diet was associated with slower eGFR decline. The proportion of CKD attributable to lower adherence to healthy plant-based diets was 4.1% (95% CI, 0.6% to 8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to healthy plant-based diets and a vegetarian diet was associated with favorable kidney disease outcomes.

BackgroundEvidence on the role of very low or very high volumes of leisure time physical activity (PA) on the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality is limited. We aimed to examine the associations of different levels of leisure time PA with the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer-specific mortality.MethodsData were from 12 waves of the National Health Interview Surveys (1997–2008) linked to the National Death Index records through 31 December 2011. A total of 88 140 eligible participants aged 40–85 years were included.ResultsCompared with inactive individuals, those performing 10–59 min/week of PA had 18% lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72–0.95). Those who reported 1–2 times (150–299 min/week) the recommended level of leisure time PA had 31% (HR: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.63–0.75) reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Importantly, the continued benefits were observed among those performing leisure time PA 10 or more times (≥1500 min/week) the recommended minimum level (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.45–0.64). For 10–59, 150–299 and ≥1500 min/week of PA, the corresponding HRs (95% CIs) for CVD-specific mortality were 0.88 (0.67–1.17), 0.63 (0.52–0.78) and 0.67 (0.45–0.99), respectively: for cancer-specific mortality were 0.86 (0.66–1.11), 0.76 (0.64–0.89) and 0.53 (0.39–0.73), respectively. In addition, there was a larger reduction in all-cause and cause-specific mortality for vigorous vs. moderate intensity PA.ConclusionsWe found that beneficial association between leisure time PA and mortality starts from a low dose. Doing more vigorous exercise could lead to additional health benefits.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether dietary patterns (Mediterranean diet [MedDiet], Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH], and A Priori Diet Quality Score [APDQS]) during adulthood are associated with midlife cognitive performance.MethodsWe studied 2,621 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) participants; 45% were black, 57% were female, and mean age was 25 ± 3.5 years at baseline (year 0). Mean diet scores were calculated from diet history at baseline, year 7, and year 20 (mean age 25, 32, and 45 years, respectively). Cognitive function was assessed at years 25 and 30 (mean age 50 and 55 years, respectively). Linear models were used to examine association between tertiles of diet score and change in composite cognitive function and cognitive z scores (verbal memory [Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test], processing speed [Digit Symbol Substitution Test], and executive function [Stroop Interference test]) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at year 30.ResultsDASH was not associated with change in cognitive performance. Higher MedDiet and APDQS scores were associated with less decline in cognitive function (MedDiet: low −0.04, middle 0.03, high 0.03, p = 0.03; APDQS: low −0.04, middle −0.00, high 0.06, p < 0.01) and Stroop Interference (MedDiet: low 0.09, middle −0.06, high −0.03; APDQS: low 0.10, middle 0.01, high −0.09, both p < 0.01). Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for poor global cognitive function (≥1 SD below mean MoCA score) comparing extreme tertiles of diet scores were 0.54 (0.39–0.74) for MedDiet, 0.48 (0.33–0.69) for APDQS, and 0.89 (0.68–1.17) for DASH.ConclusionGreater adherence to MedDiet and APDQS dietary patterns during adulthood was associated with better midlife cognitive performance. Additional studies are needed to define the combination of foods and nutrients for optimal brain health across the life course.

Background and Purpose— Dietary sodium reduction with concurrent increase in potassium intake is a current public health priority to reduce risk of cardiovascular events. This study explored associations between the spot urine sodium-to-potassium ratio and cardiovascular events in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) longitudinal cohort. Methods— The MESA is a prospective cohort study of 6814 adults from 4 ethnic groups (European-, Asian-, African- and Hispanic-American) with a mean age of 62 (±10.2) years and an average of 11.7 (±2.2) years of follow-up. Participants were free of clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline. Spot urine sodium and potassium excretion, as a marker of dietary intake, was collected at baseline. The impact of urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio on adjudicated cardiovascular events was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Results— Only 39% of MESA participants had a urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio ≤1, and these participants experienced only 74 of the 236 strokes. A sodium-to-potassium ratio >1 was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.47 (95% CI,1.07–2.00) for risk of stroke, adjusting for age, sex, race, cardiovascular risk factors, socio-demographic characteristics, body size, and kidney function. Conclusions— The spot urine sodium-to-potassium ratio (measurable in routine care) is associated with stroke. A urine sodium-to-potassium ratio of ≤1, may be related to a clinically relevant reduction in stroke risk and is a feasible target for health interventions.

Geographic differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among African Americans (AAs) are well-established, but not well-characterized. Using the Minnesota Heart Survey (MHS) and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, we aimed to assess whether CVD risk factors drive geographic disparities in CVD mortal­ity among AAs.ARIC risk factors were measured be­tween1987-1989 from a population-based sample of AAs, aged 45 to 64 years, living in Jackson, MS and Forsyth County, NC. Simi­lar measures were made at MHS baseline, 1985, in AAs from Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. CVD mortality was identified using ICD codes for underlying cause of death. We compared MHS and ARIC on CVD death rates using Poisson regression, risk factor prevalences, and hazard ratios using Cox regression.After CVD risk factor adjustment, AA men in MHS had 3.4 (95% CI: 2.1, 4.7) CVD deaths per 1000 person-years vs 9.9 (95% CI: 8.7, 11.1) in ARIC. AA women in MHS had 2.7 (95% CI: 1.8, 3.6) CVD deaths per 1000 person-years vs 6.7 (95% CI: 6.0, 7.4) in ARIC. A 2-fold higher CVD mortality rate remained in ARIC vs MHS after additional adjustment for education and income. ARIC had higher total cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and BMI, as well as less education and income than MHS. Risk factor hazard ratios of CVD death did not differ.The CVD death rate was lower in AAs in Minnesota (MHS) than AAs in the South­east (ARIC). While our findings support maintaining low risk for CVD preven­tion, differences in CVD mortality reflect unidentified geographic variation.Ethn Dis. 2019;29(1):47-52; doi:10.18865/ ed.29.1.47

Background Problematic relationship to eating and food (PREF) captures a broad range of unhealthy eating behaviors. We previously reported that higher BMI is associated with PREF and graded by the number of PREF endorsed. In this study, we prospectively examined the association between PREF and metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Method Eight PREF behaviors were assessed and summed to form the PREF score in 3800 black and white adults (age 27-41 years) in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. Diagnoses of incident metabolic syndrome and diabetes were made through 15 years of follow-up. Logistic regression estimated the association with metabolic syndrome. Proportional hazards regression estimated the association with diabetes. Results The odds ratio of metabolic syndrome was 1.25 per PREF point through 5 years of follow-up (95% CI: 1.17-1.34) and 1.17 per point from 5 to 10 years of follow-up (95% CI: 1.08-1.27). Hazard of diabetes was 1.20 per PREF point through 15 years of follow-up (95% CI: 1.12-1.28). Both associations attenuated after adjustment for BMI. Discussion Among participants with PREF, higher scores associate with metabolic syndrome and diabetes, with partial attenuation after adjustment for BMI. Early identification of PREF in middle-aged adults may reduce the burden of metabolic health outcomes.

The evidence linking low-carbohydrate diets to cardiovascular disease is controversial, and results from epidemiologic studies are inconsistent. We aimed to assess the relationship between low-carbohydrate-diet (LCD) patterns and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores from computed tomography in the MESA cohort. Our sample included 5,614 men and women free of clinical cardiovascular disease at baseline (2000–2002) who had a food frequency questionnaire, a baseline measure and ≥1 measure of CAC during follow-up. We excluded those with implausible energy intake or daily physical activity. The overall, animal-based, and plant-based LCD scores were calculated based on intakes of macronutrients. Relative risk regression and robust regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between LCD score quintile and CAC outcomes, after adjustment for multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The mean age of participants was 63 years. The median intakes of total carbohydrate, fat, and protein were 53.7%, 30.5%, and 15.6% energy/d, respectively. Among 2,892 participants with zero CAC scores at baseline, 264 developed positive scores during 2.4-year follow-up (11–59 months). Among those with positive scores at baseline, the median increase in CAC was 47 units over the course of follow-up. Neither the overall, nor the animal-based nor the plant-based LCD scores were associated with CAC prevalence, incidence, and progression. In conclusion, diets low in carbohydrate and high in fat and/or protein, regardless of the sources of protein and fat, were not associated with higher levels of CAC, a validated predictor of cardiovascular events, in this large multi-ethnic cohort.

AIMS: To determine the association between 20-year trajectories in insulin resistance (IR) since young adulthood and appendicular lean mass (ALM) at middle-age in adults without diabetes. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was designed among young and middle-aged US men (n=925) and women (n=1,193). Fasting serum glucose and insulin were measured five times in 1985–2005. IR was determined using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). ALM was measured in 2005 and ALM adjusted for BMI (ALM/BMI) was the outcome. Sex-specific analyses were performed using latent class models and multivariable linear regressions. RESULTS: Three HOMA-IR trajectories were identified. Compared to the low-stable group, the adjusted ALM/BMI difference was −0.041 (95% CI: −0.060 to −0.022) and −0.114 (−0.141 to −0.086) in men, and −0.052 (−0.065 to −0.039) and −0.043 (−0.063 to −0.023) in women, respectively, for the medium-increase and high-increase group. Further adjusting for the treadmill test duration attenuated these estimates to −0.022 (−0.040 to −0.004) and −0.061 (−0.089 to −0.034) in men and −0.026 (−0.038 to −0.014) and −0.007 (−0.026 to 0.012) in women. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the low-stable insulin resistance trajectory between early and middle adulthood, the high-increase insulin resistance trajectory was associated with lower ALM/BMI middle-aged men, but not women, without diabetes, after taking into account cardiorespiratory fitness.

Background: - Excess added sugar (AS) intake was shown to promote insulin resistance in skeletal muscle in animal studies, while sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake was associated with insulin resistance and lipids in skeletal muscle in humans. However, SSBs account for only 40% of AS intake. US adults consume excessive AS from foods and beverages relative to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommendation which limit AS intake to Methods: - After exclusions for diabetes defined as MD diagnosis, insulin or oral agent use, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, or HbA1c ≥6.5%, outlying energy intake, and missing 2-hour glucose, 2,016 adults were included in the analyses. Dietary intake was assessed by Diet History at Y0, Y7 and Y20. At Y25 follow-up, participants free of diabetes underwent a fasting blood draw for glucose, insulin, and triglycerides, an oral glucose tolerance test for 2-hour post-challenge glucose, and an abdominal CT scan for lean MA (an indicator of muscle quality). AS intake was averaged across Y0, Y7, and Y20 and divided into tertiles. General linear regression models estimated the associations across tertiles of AS intake with 2-hour glucose, fasting glucose, insulin, and triglycerides, and lean MA adjusted for potential confounders. Results: - AS intake (Table) was positively associated with 2-hour glucose and fasting insulin and triglycerides (p trend =0.004, 0.04, and 0.01, respectively) and inversely associated with lean MA (p trend =0.02). AS intake was not associated with fasting glucose (p trend =0.57). Conclusions: - Among adults free of diabetes, greater long-term AS intake was associated with higher 2-hour glucose and fasting insulin and triglycerides, and lower muscle quality. Our findings are consistent with the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation to limit AS intake.

OBJECTIVE Prospective associations between n-3 fatty acid biomarkers and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk are not consistent in individual studies. We aimed to summarize the prospective associations of biomarkers of α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with T2D risk through an individual participant-level pooled analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS For our analysis we incorporated data from a global consortium of 20 prospective studies from 14 countries. We included 65,147 participants who had blood measurements of ALA, EPA, DPA, or DHA and were free of diabetes at baseline. De novo harmonized analyses were performed in each cohort following a prespecified protocol, and cohort-specific associations were pooled using inverse variance–weighted meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 16,693 incident T2D cases were identified during follow-up (median follow-up ranging from 2.5 to 21.2 years). In pooled multivariable analysis, per interquintile range (difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles for each fatty acid), EPA, DPA, DHA, and their sum were associated with lower T2D incidence, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of 0.92 (0.87, 0.96), 0.79 (0.73, 0.85), 0.82 (0.76, 0.89), and 0.81 (0.75, 0.88), respectively (all P < 0.001). ALA was not associated with T2D (HR 0.97 [95% CI 0.92, 1.02]) per interquintile range. Associations were robust across prespecified subgroups as well as in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Higher circulating biomarkers of seafood-derived n-3 fatty acids, including EPA, DPA, DHA, and their sum, were associated with lower risk of T2D in a global consortium of prospective studies. The biomarker of plant-derived ALA was not significantly associated with T2D risk.

Introduction Most previous studies on food insecurity and cardiovascular disease risk factors are cross-sectional. Without longitudinal data, it is unclear whether food insecurity precedes poor health and how exposure timing impacts these relationships. Methods Data from 2000 to 2001, 2005 to 2006, and 2010 to 2011 of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study were used. Food insufficiency—a screener measure related to food insecurity—was assessed in 2000–2001 and 2005–2006 using a single item. Cardiovascular disease risk factors were objectively assessed in 2010–2011. Impacts of food insufficiency patterns (food sufficient, food insufficient in 2000–2001 only, food insufficient in 2005–2006 only, food insufficient in both 2000–2001 and 2005–2006) on cardiovascular disease risk factors were estimated using inverse probability weighting of marginal structural models. Covariates that change over time were adjusted for using stabilized weights; baseline covariates were adjusted for in the marginal structural models. Analyses were conducted in 2020–2021. Results The baseline sample included 2,596 participants (56% women, 47% White). In unadjusted analyses, all food insufficiency patterns were associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure than food sufficiency. After accounting for covariates, estimates were attenuated but still consistent with adverse effects of food insufficiency, particularly among women. Conclusions After covariate adjustment, food insufficiency was associated with several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Findings from this study should be replicated in other settings and populations. If verified, this evidence could provide justification for intervening in food insecurity to reduce future cardiovascular disease risk.

The health effects of omega-3 fatty acids have been controversial. Here we report the results of a de novo pooled analysis conducted with data from 17 prospective cohort studies examining the associations between blood omega-3 fatty acid levels and risk for all-cause mortality. Over a median of 16 years of follow-up, 15,720 deaths occurred among 42,466 individuals. We found that, after multivariable adjustment for relevant risk factors, risk for death from all causes was significantly lower (by 15–18%, at least p, Associations between of omega-3 fatty acids and mortality are not clear. Here the authors report that, based on a pooled analysis of 17 prospective cohort studies, higher blood omega-3 fatty acid levels correlate with lower risk of all-cause mortality.

Introduction: There is growing data regarding the potential for plant-centered diets to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. However, additional investigation is needed to strengthen and address inconsistencies in the existing evidence base. We examined the association between cumulative consumption of a plant-centered diet and a shift toward a more plant-centered diet and onset of CVD and all-cause mortality. Hypothesis: Nutritionally-rich plant-centered diets will be related to decreased risk of CVD and mortality. Methods: We included 4,926 black and white men and women from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort, ages 18-30 years and free of CVD at baseline (1985-1986, exam year [Y0]) and followed until 2018. Diet was assessed through an interviewer-administered diet history at Y0, Y7, and Y20. A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS) was used to assess plant-centered diet quality, and high index scores were characterized by higher consumption of nutritionally-rich plant foods with limited consumption of meats and less healthful plant foods. Proportional hazards regression estimated the association of time-varying APDQS, which were cumulatively averaged over follow-up and 13-year change in APDQS (Y7-Y20) with CVD and all-cause mortality. The model was adjusted for sociodemographic factors, energy intake, parental history of CVD, smoking, and physical activity. Results: We documented 289 new CVD cases and 445 all-cause deaths during the median 32-years of follow up. In multivariable analysis, the highest quintile of cumulative APDQS was associated with a 52% lower risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.81) compared with the lowest quintile of cumulative APDQS. Increased APDQS over 13 years was related to a 62% lower subsequent 12-year risk of CVD (95% CI: 0.18-0.78) when comparing extreme quintiles. The association for all-cause mortality was only apparent among high educational groups. Conclusions: Following a plant-centered, high-quality diet staring from young adulthood was associated with a lower risk of developing CVD and death by middle age. Our findings support the concept that a plant-centered diet may help prevent early CVD and death.

Background Published studies are inconsistent about whether differences in diet are associated with risk of venous thromboembolism. We studied the association between dietary patterns and incident venous thromboembolism in a large US cohort. Methods The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study followed 14,818 middle-aged males and females for incident venous thromboembolism over an average of 22 years between 1987 and 2015. Trained interviewers assessed dietary intake at visits 1 and 3, using a food frequency questionnaire. We derived 2 dietary pattern scores using principal component analysis and ascertained and verified hospitalized venous thromboembolism. In separate proportional hazards regression analyses, we examined associations of quintiles of the prudent and the Western dietary pattern scores with risk of developing non-cancer-related and total venous thromboembolism, adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and diabetes. Results With 860 total incident venous thromboembolism events, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of incident non-cancer-related venous thromboembolism (n = 631) across quintiles of the prudent dietary pattern score were 1 (reference), 1.04 (0.81-1.32), 0.84 (0.65-1.08), 0.70 (0.53-0.91), and 0.88 (0.67-1.15), Ptrend = .04. Across quintiles of the Western dietary pattern score, hazard ratios of non-cancer-related venous thromboembolism were 1 (reference), 1.13 (0.87-1.45), 1.20 (0.92-1.56), 1.03 (0.77-1.39), and 1.58 (1.13-2.21), Ptrend = .04. Associations were similar for total venous thromboembolism. Conclusions In this community-based cohort, a prudent dietary pattern was associated with a lower risk of future venous thromboembolism, whereas a Western dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk.

Background and Aims Observational studies and clinical trials have shown cardiovascular benefits of nut consumption, including walnuts. However, the relations of walnut consumption with systolic and diastolic function, risk factors for heart failure, are unknown. We examined the associations of walnut consumption with cardiac structure and function parameters in black and white adults enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Methods and Results After exclusions, the study population included 3,341 participants. Dietary intake was assessed using the CARDIA Diet History questionnaire at baseline, year 7 and year 20 exams. Cardiac structure and function were measured by echocardiography at year 25. Multivariable linear regression evaluated the associations of walnut consumption with blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and cardiac phenotypes, adjusting for age, sex, race, lifestyle habits, and clinical characteristics. We found the majority of walnut consumers compared to non-consumers were females, whites, and more highly educated, and had lower waist circumference, diastolic BP, and heart rate, and higher diet quality score. Even though cardiac structure and function measures were generally within normal ranges among participants, walnut consumers had significantly better values for diastolic function parameters A wave, E/A ratio, septal and lateral e’ than non-consumers. Further adjustment for body mass index and diabetes status did not materially change the significance between walnut consumer groups. Systolic function parameters did not differ by walnut group. Conclusion Compared to non-consumers, walnut consumption is associated with better diastolic dysfunction in young to middle-aged adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Data on the relation of egg consumption with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are limited and inconsistent. Few studies have controlled for overall dietary patterns in egg-T2D or egg-CHD analyses, and it is unclear whether any observed elevated risks of T2D and CHD with frequent egg consumption is real or due to confounding by dietary habits. We tested the hypothesis that frequent egg consumption is associated with a higher risk of T2D and CHD risk after adjustment for overall dietary patterns among adults. DESIGN: We used prospective cohort design to complete time-to-event analyses. METHODS: We pooled de novo, harmonized, individual-level analyses from nine US cohorts (n=103,811). Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios separately in each cohort adjusting for age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), exercise, smoking, alcohol intake, and dietary patterns. We pooled cohort-specific results using an inverse-variance weighted method to estimate summary relative risks. RESULTS: Median age ranged from 25 to 72 years. Median egg consumption was 1 egg per week in most of the cohorts. While egg consumption up to one per week was not associated with T2D risk, consumption of ≥2 eggs per week was associated with elevated risk [27% elevated risk of T2D comparing 7+ eggs/week with none (95% CI: 16% to 37%)]. There was little evidence for heterogeneity across cohorts and we observed similar conclusions when stratified by BMI. Overall, egg consumption was not associated with the risk of CHD. However, in a sensitivity analysis, there was a 30% higher risk of CHD (95% CI: 3%-56%) restricted to older adults consuming 5-6 eggs/week. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed an elevated risk of T2D with egg consumption of ≥2 eggs per week but not with

The authors wish to correct the following erratum in this paper [...]

Very few studies have examined the association between light cigarette smoking (i.e., &le, 5 cigarettes per day) and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the association of light cigarette smoking with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults in the United States. Data were from 13 waves of the National Health Interview Survey (1997 to 2009) that were linked to the National Death Index records through December 31, 2011. A total of 329,035 participants aged &ge, 18 years in the United States were included. Deaths were from all cause, cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory disease and were confirmed by death certification. During a median follow-up of 8.2 years, 34,862 participants died, of which 8415 were from cancer, 9031 from CVD, and 2040 from respiratory disease. Compared with never-smokers, participants who smoked 1&ndash, 2 (hazard ratios (HR) = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.73&ndash, 2.16) and 3&ndash, 5 cigarettes (HR = 1.99, 1.83&ndash, 2.17) per day were at higher risk of all-cause mortality after adjustment for demographic variables, lifestyle factors and physician-diagnosis of chronic disease. The associations were stronger for respiratory disease-specific mortality, followed by cancer-specific mortality and CVD-specific mortality. For example, the HRs (95% CIs) of smoking 1&ndash, 2 cigarettes per day were 9.75 (6.15&ndash, 15.46), 2.28 (1.84&ndash, 2.84) and 1.93 (1.58&ndash, 2.36), respectively, for these three cause-specific mortalities. This study indicates that light cigarette smoking increases risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults.

Background Smokers have lower risk of obesity, which some consider a “beneficial” side effect of smoking. However, some studies suggest that smoking is simultaneously associated with higher central adiposity and, more specifically, ectopic adipose deposition. Little is known about the association of smoking with intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), an ectopic adipose depot associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and a key determinant of muscle quality and function. We tested the hypothesis that smokers have higher abdominal IMAT and lower lean muscle quality than never smokers. Methods and findings We measured abdominal muscle total, lean, and adipose volumes (in cubic centimeters) and attenuation (in Hounsfield units [HU]) along with subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volumes using computed tomography (CT) in 3,020 middle-aged Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) participants (age 42–58, 56.3% women, 52.6% white race) at the year 25 (Y25) visit. The longitudinal CARDIA study was initiated in 1985 with the recruitment of young adult participants (aged 18–30 years) equally balanced by female and male sex and black and white race at 4 field centers located in Birmingham, AL, Chicago, IL, Minneapolis, MN, and Oakland, CA. Multivariable linear models included potential confounders such as physical activity and dietary habits along with traditional CVD risk factors. Current smokers had lower BMI than never smokers. Nevertheless, in the fully adjusted multivariable model with potential confounders, including BMI and CVD risk factors, adjusted mean (95% CI) IMAT volume was 2.66 (2.55–2.76) cm3 in current smokers (n = 524), 2.36 (2.29–2.43) cm3 in former smokers (n = 944), and 2.23 (2.18–2.29) cm3 in never smokers (n = 1,552) (p = 0.007 for comparison of former versus never smoker, and p < 0.001 for comparison of current smoker versus never and former smoker). Moreover, compared to participants who never smoked throughout life (41.6 [41.3–41.9] HU), current smokers (40.4 [39.9–40.9] HU) and former smokers (40.8 [40.5–41.2] HU) had lower lean muscle attenuation suggesting lower muscle quality in the fully adjusted model (p < 0.001 for comparison of never smokers with either of the other two strata). Among participants who had ever smoked, pack-years of smoking exposure were directly associated with IMAT volume (β [95% CI]: 0.017 [0.010–0.025]) (p < 0.001). Despite having less SAT, current smokers also had higher VAT/SAT ratio than never smokers. These findings must be viewed with caution as residual confounding and/or reverse causation may contribute to these associations. Conclusions We found that, compared to those who never smoked, current and former smokers had abdominal muscle composition that was higher in adipose tissue volume, a finding consistent with higher CVD risk and age-related physical deconditioning. These findings challenge the belief that smoking-associated weight loss or maintenance confers a health benefit., James Terry and colleagues reveal the higher levels of abdominal adipose tissue in smokers compared to nonsmokers., Author summary Why was this study done? Smoking and obesity are, separately, well-known health risks for cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Smokers often have lower risk of obesity measured using BMI, leading to the misconception of a “beneficial side effect” to smoking. Even with a lower BMI, smokers may have a higher risk of depositing fat (more properly called adipose tissue) in and around organs and tissues compared to those who never smoked. This type of fat carries higher risk and may interfere with organ and tissue functions. What did the researchers do and find? We used computed tomography (CT) to measure abdominal fat deposited just below the skin’s surface (subcutaneous fat), around organs including the intestines (visceral fat) and abdominal muscles (intermuscular fat), and inside the muscles (intramuscular fat) in 3,020 middle-aged participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. We found that current smokers had higher proportions of fat within their abdominal muscles and visceral fat around their internal organs compared to never smokers, whereas those who had quit smoking had intermediate levels of visceral and intramuscular fat. What do these findings mean? Despite lower BMI and subcutaneous fat, smokers appear to be at risk of accumulating organ-associated fat and intramuscular fat that have been shown to increase circulating blood fats and sugar. This may, in turn, explain some of the hidden, higher risk of CVD and disability in smokers.

AimThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of pericardial adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue volume with added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage intakes. We hypothesized that both added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages were positively associated with pericardial adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue volumes in black and white men and women enrolled in the prospective Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study.Methods and resultsDietary intake was assessed by diet history at baseline, year 7 and year 20 examinations in 3070 participants aged 18-30 and generally healthy at baseline. After 25 years follow-up, participants underwent a computed tomography scan of chest and abdomen; the computed tomography scans were read, and pericardial adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes were calculated. Quintiles were created for the average of baseline, year 7 and year 20 added sugar and for the average of sugar-sweetened beverages. General linear regression analysis evaluated the associations of pericardial adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue volumes across quintiles of added sugar and across quintiles of sugar-sweetened beverage intakes adjusted for potential confounding factors. In a multivariable model, pericardial adipose tissue volume was higher across increasing quintiles of added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage intakes (ptrend = 0.001 and ptrend ConclusionsLong-term intakes of added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with higher pericardial adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes. Because these ectopic fat depots are associated with greater risk of disease incidence, these findings support limiting intakes of added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages.

OBJECTIVES: Diet beverages are calorie free beverages sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners. People with diabetes are the highest per-capita consumers of diet beverages, tending to consume them as a replacement for sugar sweetened beverages. This behavior is endorsed by dietetic and scientific organizations and diet beverages are marketed synonymously with better health. The underlying concern is the lack of data to support or refute this concept. To begin addressing this gap we examined the association between diet beverage intake and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a population at high risk for CKD. METHODS: We pooled data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (years 1987–2014), Cardiovascular Health Study (1989–2014), Jackson Heart Study (2000–2012), and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (2000–2013) to conduct a prospective study of the association of diet beverage intake with the incidence of CKD among participants with clinically ascertained type 2 diabetes (T2D) without prevalent CKD and with valid dietary data (n = 3250). CKD was defined using serum creatinine to define estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) via the CKD-EPI creatinine equation. Incident CKD was defined as (eGFR 0 and

Background: Results are inconsistent from published studies about the association between dietary intake and risk of incident venous thromboembolism (VTE). Therefore we proposed to study the association between diet patterns and incident non-cancer related VTE. We hypothesized that a Western diet pattern is positively associated, and a Prudent diet pattern is inversely associated with incident non-cancer related VTE. Methods: In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, 14,873 middle-aged men and women were followed for incident VTE over an average of 22 years between 1987 and 2015. VTE cases were ascertained via annual phone calls and community hospital surveillance. Hospital records were reviewed to validate cases. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire at baseline and year 6. The Western and the Prudent diet pattern scores were derived by principal components analysis. In separate proportional hazards regression analyses, associations of quintiles of the Western and the Prudent diet pattern scores with risk of developing non-cancer related VTE were examined, adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and diabetes. Results: Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of incident non-cancer related VTE (n=634) across quintiles of the Prudent diet pattern score were 1.0 (reference), 0.99 (0.78-1.26), 0.79 (0.61-1.02), 0.66 (0.51-0.87), and 0.81 (0.61-1.07), p trend =0.01 (see Figure). Across quintiles of the Western diet pattern score, hazard ratios (95% CI) of incident non-cancer related VTE were 1.0 (reference), 1.14 (0.88-1.47), 1.20 (0.92-1.56), 1.10 (0.82-1.47), and 1.63 (1.17-2.28), p trend =0.02. Conclusions: In this community-based cohort, a Prudent diet pattern was associated with a lower risk of developing non-cancer related VTE, whereas higher risk was associated with a Western diet pattern.

Healthy dietary habits are the cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Numerous researchers have developed diet quality indices to help evaluate and compare diet quality across and within various populations. The availability of these new indices raises questions regarding the best selection relevant to a given population. In this perspective, we critically evaluate a priori–defined dietary indices commonly applied in epidemiological studies of CVD risk and mortality. A systematic literature search identified 59 observational studies that applied a priori–defined diet quality indices to CVD risk factors and/or CVD incidence and/or CVD mortality. Among 31 different indices, these scores were categorized as follows: 1) those based on country-specific dietary patterns, 2) those adapted from distinct dietary guidelines, and 3) novel scores specific to key diet-related factors associated with CVD risk. The strengths and limitations of these indices are described according to index components, calculation methods, and the application of these indices to different population groups. Also, the importance of identifying methodological challenges faced by researchers when applying an index are considered, such as selection and weighting of food groups within a score, since food groups are not necessarily equivalent in their associations with CVD. The lack of absolute cutoff values, emphasis on increasing healthy food without limiting unhealthy food intake, and absence of validation of scores with biomarkers or other objective diet assessment methods further complicate decisions regarding the best indices to use. Future research should address these limitations, consider cross-cultural and other differences between population groups, and identify translational challenges inherent in attempting to apply a relevant diet quality index for use in CVD prevention at a population level.

The PREDIMED clinical trial provided strong evidence that a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) could help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in high risk middle-aged/older people. This report considers the feasibility of replicating PREDIMED in the U.S., including recommendations for dietary and behavioral principles. A 14-point Mediterranean diet Adherence Score (MEDAS) guided the PREDIMED MedDiet recommendations. At baseline MEDAS points were ~8.5. During intervention this score increased to nearly 11 in MedDiet vs. 9 in control. In the MedDiet groups, only about 0.5 points of the net 2 point MEDAS increase was attributable to the gratis supplements of olive oil or nuts. An issue in a U.S. replication is the large difference in typical U.S. versus Spanish diet and lifestyle. A typical U.S. diet would achieve a MEDAS of 1–2. A replication is scientifically feasible with an assumption such as that the MedDiet reflects a continuum of specific food choices and meal patterns. As such, a 2 point change in MEDAS at any point on the continuum would be hypothesized to reduce incident CVD. A conservative approach would aim for a randomized 4 point MEDAS difference, e.g. 5–6 points vs. an average U.S. diet group that achieved only 1–2 points.

BACKGROUND: Moderate coffee consumption has been suggested to be associated with lower risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, a major precursor to chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the association between coffee and CKD has not been fully established. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 14,209 participants aged 45–64 years from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. PREDICTORS: Coffee consumption (cups/day) was assessed at visit 1 (1987–89) and visit 3 (1993–95) using food frequency questionnaires. OUTCOMES: Incident CKD defined as eGFR

Objective— Excess deposition of fat within and around vital organs and nonadipose tissues is hypothesized to contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We evaluated the association of abdominal intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) volume with coronary artery calcification in the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) participants. Approach and Results— We measured IMAT in the abdominal muscles, visceral adipose tissue and pericardial adipose tissue, and coronary artery calcification using computed tomography in 3051 CARDIA participants (56% women) at the CARDIA year 25 examination (2010–2011). Mean IMAT volume and mean IMAT/total muscle volume (IMAT normalized for muscle size) were calculated in a 10-mm block of slices centered at L3–L4. Multivariable analyses included potential confounders and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Compared with the lowest quartile, the upper quartile of abdominal IMAT volume was associated with higher coronary artery calcification prevalence (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.6 [1.2–2.1]) after adjusting for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Results were similar for highest versus lowest quartile of IMAT normalized to total muscle volume (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.5 [1.1–2.0]). Significant associations of higher IMAT and normalized IMAT with coronary artery calcification prevalence persisted when body mass index, visceral adipose tissue, or pericardial adipose tissue were added to the models. Conclusions— In a large, community-based, cross-sectional study, we found that higher abdominal skeletal muscle adipose tissue volume was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and other adipose depots.

OBJECTIVES: A low-saturated fat diet has been suggested to reduce serum cholesterol and thereby presumably lower the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We compared associations of a low-saturated fat diet vs a plant-centered diet with lower serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration and risk of incident CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke. METHODS: We followed 4,887 Black and White men and women in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort, ages 18–30 years and free of CVD at baseline from 1985–86 (exam year 0) to 2018 (year 32). The A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS), a measure of plant-centered diet quality, was assessed in an interviewer-administered diet history at years 0, 7, and 20. Higher APDQS implies higher intake of nutritionally-rich plant foods with less high-fat meats and unhealthy plant foods. Low-saturated fat diet was judged by lower the Keys score, based on saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and dietary cholesterol intake. Linear and proportional hazards regression models were used, the latter with time-varying average APDQS and CVD outcomes, both adjusted for age, sex, race, education, energy intake, physical activity, smoking, and parental history of CVD (CVD outcome only). RESULTS: Higher APDQS had higher dietary fiber and lower total and saturated fat. Keys score and APDQS 7-year changes correlated similarly with lower concurrent LDL-C change. During the 32 year follow-up, we documented 280,135, and 92 incident cases of CVD, CHD, and stroke, respectively. LDL-C predicted CVD and CHD, but not stroke. APDQS, but not Keys score, was associated with a lower risk of each CVD outcome. Multivariable-adjusted HRs per 1-SD increment for the APDQS were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68 − 0.96) for CVD, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.61 − 1.00) for CHD, and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.52 − 0.98) for stroke. The primary results for APDQS and for LDL-C were not substantially altered in mutually adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Both a plant-centered and a low-saturated fat diet were associated with lower LDL-C. A plant-centered diet and LDL-C, but not a low-saturated fat diet, were associated with long-term CVD risk. Our findings imply that dietary strategies aimed solely to lower saturated fat may be less effective in reducing CVD burden than recommendations for a plant-centered diet. FUNDING SOURCES: HFHL, MnDRIVE, NHLBI.

Objective Dietary protein restriction is recommended for patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency. Long-term data on the relationship between dietary protein sources and risk for incident kidney disease in individuals with normal kidney function are largely missing. This study aimed to assess the association between dietary protein sources and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). Design Prospective cohort. Setting Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants from 4 US communities. Subjects A total of 11,952 adults aged 44-66 years in 1987-1989 who were free of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . Main Outcome Measure A 66-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess food intake. CKD stage 3 was defined as a decrease in eGFR of ≥25% from baseline resulting in an eGFR of less than 60 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 ; CKD-related hospitalization; CKD-related death; or end-stage renal disease. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results During a median follow-up of 23 years, there were 2,632 incident CKD cases. Red and processed meat consumption was associated with increased CKD risk (HR Q5 vs. Q1 : 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.42, p trend = 0.01). In contrast, higher dietary intake of nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy products was associated with lower CKD risk (nuts: HR Q5 vs. Q1 : 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.92, p trend Q5 vs. Q1 : 0.75, 95% CI: 0.65-0.85, p trend Q5 vs. Q1 : 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.95, p trend = 0.03). Conclusion There were varied associations of specific dietary protein sources with risk of incident CKD; with red and processed meat being adversely associated with CKD risk; and nuts, low-fat dairy products, and legumes being protective against the development of CKD.

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a costly source of morbidity and mortality among older persons in the United States. Dietary intake plays a role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, few studies have examined the relation of food intake or dietary patterns with PAD.Objective: We examined the relation between habitual dietary intake at midlife and incident PAD over ∼20 y of follow-up.Design: Among 14,082 participants enrolled in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study initially free of PAD, dietary intake was assessed at baseline in 1987-1989 by using a modified Harvard food-frequency questionnaire. Food groups were created, and principal components analysis was used to develop "healthy" and "Western" dietary patterns; both were categorized into quintiles or quartiles. Incident PAD was determined by an ankle-brachial index

The US Fourth Report (2004) recommended that elevated blood pressure (BP) on at least three occasions should be used to define hypertension in children and adolescents. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support this decision. This study aimed to assess the change in the prevalence of elevated BP obtained on three separate visits in children and adolescents worldwide using a meta-analysis. The PubMed database was searched for eligible studies published in English until 20 April 2016. Included studies were population based and reported on the prevalence of elevated BP measured on two or three separate occasions in pediatric populations. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate a summary prevalence of elevated BP over three different visits. A total of 21 studies with 179 561 participants aged 3-20 years were included in the present meta-analysis. The summary prevalence of elevated BP decreased across visits, from 12.1% (95% confidence interval (CI)=10.1-14.0%) during the first visit to 5.6% (95% CI=4.3-7.0%) during the second visit and to 2.7% (95% CI=2.1-3.3%) during the third visit. These findings were independent of sex, age group, ethnicity/race and the definition of elevated BP. When compared with visit 1, the prevalence of elevated BP decreased by 53.7% during visit 2 and by 77.7% during visit 3. Our study suggested that the prevalence of elevated BP decreased substantially from the first visit to the subsequent visits. Worldwide, the true prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents is ~3% over three different visits.

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the prospective association between diet quality, as well as a 6-year change in diet quality, and risk of incident CVD and diabetes in a community-based population.Design:We used Cox regression models to estimate the prospective association between diet quality, assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and the Alternative HEI (AHEI)-2010 scores, as well as change in diet quality, and incident CVD and diabetes.Setting:The ARIC Study recruited 15 792 black and white men and women (45–64 years) from four US communities.Participants:We included 10 808 study participants who reported usual dietary intake via FFQ at visit 1 (1987–1989) and who had not developed CVD, diabetes, or cancer at baseline.Results:Overall, 3070 participants developed CVD (median follow-up of 26 years) and 3452 developed diabetes (median follow-up of 22 years) after visit 1. Higher diet score at the initial visit was associated with a significantly lower risk of CVD (HR per 10 % higher HEI-2015 diet quality score: 0·90 (95 % CI: 0·86, 0·95) and HR per 10 % higher AHEI-2010 diet quality score: 0·96 (95 % CI: 0·93, 0·99)). We did not observe a significant association between initial diet score and incident diabetes. There were no significant associations between change in diet score and CVD or diabetes risk in the overall study population.Conclusions:Higher diet quality assessed using HEI-2015 and AHEI-2010 was strongly associated with lower CVD risk but not diabetes risk within a middle-aged, community-based US population.

Summary: Background: Low carbohydrate diets, which restrict carbohydrate in favour of increased protein or fat intake, or both, are a popular weight-loss strategy. However, the long-term effect of carbohydrate restriction on mortality is controversial and could depend on whether dietary carbohydrate is replaced by plant-based or animal-based fat and protein. We aimed to investigate the association between carbohydrate intake and mortality. Methods: We studied 15 428 adults aged 45–64 years, in four US communities, who completed a dietary questionnaire at enrolment in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (between 1987 and 1989), and who did not report extreme caloric intake (4200 kcal per day for men and 3600 kcal per day for women). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We investigated the association between the percentage of energy from carbohydrate intake and all-cause mortality, accounting for possible non-linear relationships in this cohort. We further examined this association, combining ARIC data with data for carbohydrate intake reported from seven multinational prospective studies in a meta-analysis. Finally, we assessed whether the substitution of animal or plant sources of fat and protein for carbohydrate affected mortality. Findings: During a median follow-up of 25 years there were 6283 deaths in the ARIC cohort, and there were 40 181 deaths across all cohort studies. In the ARIC cohort, after multivariable adjustment, there was a U-shaped association between the percentage of energy consumed from carbohydrate (mean 48·9%, SD 9·4) and mortality: a percentage of 50–55% energy from carbohydrate was associated with the lowest risk of mortality. In the meta-analysis of all cohorts (432 179 participants), both low carbohydrate consumption (70%) conferred greater mortality risk than did moderate intake, which was consistent with a U-shaped association (pooled hazard ratio 1·20, 95% CI 1·09–1·32 for low carbohydrate consumption; 1·23, 1·11–1·36 for high carbohydrate consumption). However, results varied by the source of macronutrients: mortality increased when carbohydrates were exchanged for animal-derived fat or protein (1·18, 1·08–1·29) and mortality decreased when the substitutions were plant-based (0·82, 0·78–0·87). Interpretation: Both high and low percentages of carbohydrate diets were associated with increased mortality, with minimal risk observed at 50–55% carbohydrate intake. Low carbohydrate dietary patterns favouring animal-derived protein and fat sources, from sources such as lamb, beef, pork, and chicken, were associated with higher mortality, whereas those that favoured plant-derived protein and fat intake, from sources such as vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, and whole-grain breads, were associated with lower mortality, suggesting that the source of food notably modifies the association between carbohydrate intake and mortality. Funding: National Institutes of Health.

Author(s): Hirahatake, Kristin M; Jacobs, David R; Shikany, James M; Jiang, Luohua; Wong, Nathan D; Steffen, Lyn M; Odegaard, Andrew O | Abstract: BackgroundEpidemiological evidence has demonstrated a positive association between artificially sweetened beverage (ASB) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. However, research informing this topic in young adults is limited.ObjectiveThis study examined the association between ASB, SSB, and total sweetened beverage (TSB; combined ASB and SSB) consumption and T2D risk in young adults.MethodsA prospective analysis of 4719 Black and White men and women aged 18-30 y at baseline was conducted from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Each participant's beverage intake was assessed using the CARDIA Diet History at baseline and at study Years 7 and 20. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine cumulative average ASB, SSB, and TSB intakes and risk of T2D.ResultsDuring the 30-y follow-up period, 680 participants developed T2D. ASB consumption was associated with a 12% greater risk of T2D per serving/day (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.20) in a model adjusted for lifestyle factors, diet quality, and dieting behavior. Further adjustments for baseline BMI (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.99-1.14) and weight change during follow-up (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97-1.12) attenuated the association. SSB and TSB consumption as continuous variables per 1 serving/day of intake were associated with 6% and 5% increased risks of T2D, respectively (HRSSB 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10; HRTSB 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09), in the model accounting for lifestyle factors, dieting behavior, baseline BMI, and weight change. Results were consistent when the exposures were modeled in categories of consumption and quintiles.ConclusionsIn young adults, long-term ASB, SSB, and TSB consumption were associated with increased risks of T2D. However, the estimates for ASB were attenuated when accounting for weight changes.

BACKGROUND: Several distinct plant-based diet indices (PDIs) have been developed to characterize adherence to plant-based diets. OBJECTIVE: We contrasted 5 PDIs in a community-based cohort by assessing characteristics of the diet and evaluating whether these PDIs are associated with risk of incident hypertension. METHODS: Using FFQ data from adults (45–64 y, n = 8041) without hypertension at baseline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, we scored participants’ diets using the overall PDI (oPDI), healthy PDI (hPDI), less healthy (unhealthy) PDI (uPDI), provegetarian diet index, and PDI from the Rotterdam Study (PDI-Rotterdam). For the oPDI, provegetarian diet, and PDI-Rotterdam, higher intakes of all or selected plant foods received higher scores. For the hPDI, higher intakes of plant foods identified as healthful received higher scores. For the uPDI, higher intakes of less healthy plant foods received higher scores. All indices scored higher intakes of animal foods lower. We examined agreement between indices, and whether scores on these indices were associated with risk of hypertension using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The PDIs were moderately-to-strongly correlated and largely ranked subjects consistently, except for the uPDI. Over a median follow-up of 13 y, 6044 incident hypertension cases occurred. When adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, other dietary factors, and health behaviors, the highest compared with the lowest quintile for adherence to the oPDI, hPDI, and provegetarian diet was associated with a 12–16% lower risk of hypertension (all P-trend

BackgroundAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns and food groups (used to make them) with the 18-year incidence of AMD.MethodsARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) participants who showed change in AMD lesions between retinal photographs taken at visit 3 and visit 5 were graded side by side to determine incident AMD (any=144; early=117; late=27). A 66-line item food frequency questionnaire, administered at visit 1 and visit 3, was used to identify 29 food groups. Principal component analysis was used to derive dietary patterns from average food group servings. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for incident AMD (any, early and late) by tertiles of dietary pattern scores, adjusted for age, race, education, total calories and smoking status. P-trend was estimated using continuous scores.ResultsWestern (unhealthy) and Prudent (healthy) dietary patterns were identified. No significant associations were observed between either dietary pattern and incident any or incident early AMD. However, a threefold higher incidence of late AMD was observed among participants with a Western pattern score above, as compared with below, the median (OR=3.44 (95% CI 1.33 to 8.87), p-trend=0.014). The risk of developing late AMD was decreased, but not statistically significant, among participants with a Prudent pattern score above, as compared with below, the median (OR=0.51 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.18), p-trend=0.054).ConclusionsDiet patterns were not significantly associated with incident any or incident early AMD. However, consumption of a Western pattern diet may be a risk factor for development of late AMD.

Over the past decade, blood pressure and sodium intake declined among children and adolescents (ie, youths) in the United States. We updated temporal trends and determined if secular changes in blood pressure might be partly associated with usual sodium intake. We included 12 249 youths aged 8 to 17 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2016 and had blood pressure and dietary data. Logistic regression was used to describe secular trends and the association between usual sodium intake and blood pressure categorized according to 2017 Hypertension Guidelines. The prevalence of youths with combined elevated blood pressure/hypertension (ie, either elevated blood pressure or hypertension) significantly declined from 16.2% in 2003-2004 to 13.3% in 2015-2016 (P

OBJECTIVES: There has been limited study of long-term change towards a plant-centered diet in relation to incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We examined this question in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort. METHODS: Analyses included 2717 participants in CARDIA, a US multicenter, community-based prospective cohort study, currently with 30 years of follow-up. Participants were free of diabetes through year 20, with follow-up for incident T2DM through year 30. Dietary intake at years 0 and 20 was assessed by interviewer-administered diet history; overall dietary quality was assessed using a hypothesis-driven index based on 46 food groups, the A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS). The APDQS has possible scores 0 to 132 and increasing score is largely led by consumption of nutritionally rich plant foods–fruits and vegetables and plant-derived fats (e.g., seeds, nut, vegetable oils) and proteins (e.g., avocado, legume, soy). Change in diet quality (year 20 – year 0) and its quintiles were calculated. Diagnosis of T2DM was based on self-reported use of antidiabetic medication treatment or lab tests (fasting glucose, 2-hour glucose, or glycated hemoglobin). In proportional hazards regression, covariates included sociodemographics, baseline APDQS, and time-varying energy intake, smoking, and physical activity. RESULTS: Mean baseline age was 25.0 ± 3.6y, 43% were black, and 58% were women. During 10 years of follow-up after year 20, 206 cases of incident T2DM occurred. Mean year 0 APDQS was 64 ± 13 points and mean 20-year changes in APDQS was 7 ± 11. In multivariable-adjusted analysis, we found that the greatest increase in dietary quality over 20 years (median APDQS increased by 22 points) was associated with a 60% decrease in risk of T2DM as compared to a small decrease in diet quality (median APDQS decreased by 8 points); HR(Q5 vs. Q1): 0.40; 95% CI:0.24–0.67). For every 10-point increase in APDQS over 20 years, there was a 23% decrease in risk of T2DM (95% CI: 0.67–0.88, P-trend = 0.0009). The pattern of findings persisted within below median and within above median year 0 APDQS. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding suggests that young adults would benefit from improving diet quality by shifting toward a more plant-centered diet over time for the prevention of T2DM. FUNDING SOURCES: This research was funded by an NHLBI contract and the University of Minnesota Healthy Food, Healthy Lives Institute. SUPPORTING TABLES, IMAGES AND/OR GRAPHS

OBJECTIVES: The Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score was created to measure adherence to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It remains undetermined whether adherence to the newly released guidelines is associated with improved cognitive function or reduced incident dementia. METHODS: We assessed the diet of 13,632 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who were recruited from 1987–1989 and calculated their HEI-2015 scores (0–100) using responses to food frequency questionnaires. Baseline cognitive function was assessed using the Delayed Word Recall, Digit Symbol Substitution, and Word Fluency Tests. We used linear regression models to assess the cross-sectional association of adherence to HEI-2015 and standardized cognitive test scores. Incident dementia was ascertained through the end of 2017. Dementia status at the ARIC Neurocognitive Study visits (2011–13, 2016–17) was determined by detailed neurocognitive battery, informant interviews, and adjudicated review as well as through dementia screening by phone interview and informant review, or by ICD-9 dementia code for a hospitalization or death. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, genetic, and clinical covariates to estimate the association between HEI-2015 score and risk of incident dementia. RESULTS: Compared to participants in the lowest quintile of HEI-2015 score, participants in the highest quintile scored higher on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (β: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.11, P for trend