Abstract
Purpose
This work aimed to estimate whole almond consumption in a nationally representative UK survey population and examine associations with diet quality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Methods
Four-day food record data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) 2008–2017 (n = 6802, age ≥ 19 year) were analyzed to investigate associations between whole almond consumption and diet quality, measured by the modified Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and modified Healthy Diet Score (HDS), and CVD risk markers, using survey-adjusted multivariable linear regression.
Results
Whole almond consumption was reported in 7.6% of the population. Median intake in whole almond consumers was 5.0 g/day (IQR 9.3). Consumers had higher diet quality scores relative to non-consumers; higher intakes of protein, total fat, monounsaturated, n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fats, fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron; and lower intakes of trans-fatty acids, total carbohydrate, sugar, and sodium. BMI and WC were lower in whole almond consumers compared to non-consumers: 25.5 kg/m2 (95% CI 24.9, 26.2) vs 26.3 kg/m2 (25.9, 26.7), and 88.0 cm (86.2, 89.8) vs 90.1 cm (89.1, 91.2), respectively. However, there were no dose-related fully adjusted significant associations between increasing almond intake (g per 1000 kcal energy intake) and lower CVD risk markers.
Conclusions
Almond intake is low in the UK population, but consumption was associated with better dietary quality and lower CVD risk factors. Habitual consumption of whole almonds should be encouraged as part of a healthy diet.
Associations between tree nut consumption and cardiovascular disease risk markers in the UK adult population based on National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme 2008–2014
