Food Insecurity is positively related to Dietary Inflammatory Index in Iranian high school girls

Abstract

Aim: To determine the association between food insecurity and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) in high school girls. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 525 students aged 14-18 years in northern Iran. Dietary assessment was performed using a validated and reliable 147-food item questionnaire. DII was calculated on the basis of 30 available food parameters from this FFQ based on the standard means. The USDA 18-item standard food security questionnaire was used to assess the food security status. Linear regression was performed to determine the association between DII and food insecurity, with DII considered as an outcome and food security score as an exposure. Results: The average age of students was 16.13 ± 0.97 year. Mean BMI and menarche age was 22.64 ± 4.62 kg/m² and 12.59 ± 1.09 year. The mean value of DII was -0.003 ± 1.72. Food insecurity prevalence was 40.8%. Protein, and vitamin D and B12 intake were lower in the food insecure group (P < 0.05). Energy intake, total fat and saturated fatty acid (SFA) were higher in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile of DII (P < 0.05). Carbohydrate, protein, fiber, magnesium, zinc, folate, selenium, vitamin A, B6, and C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and tea intake were lower in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile of DII (P < 0.05). There was a positive significant association between DII and food security status. Conclusion: It seems there is an association between DII and food security status. However, further well-designed studies in a different population are suggested.

Keywords: cross-sectional study; dietary inflammatory index; food security; girl; inflammation.