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Dietary carbohydrate Intake, carbohydrate quality, and healthy aging in women
This prospective cohort study utilizes data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) spanning from January 1984 to December 2016, focusing on participants aged under 60 in 1984. The study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of dietary carbohydrate intake and quality on healthy aging, defined by the absence of major chronic diseases and the presence of good cognitive, physical, and mental health. Among 47,513 participants (mean baseline age 48.5 years), only 7.8% met the criteria for healthy aging. Results indicated that each 10% increase in total carbohydrate intake was positively associated with healthy aging, with high-quality carbohydrates showing an even stronger association. Conversely, higher intake of refined carbohydrates correlated with lower odds of healthy aging. Consumption of carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains was significantly associated with increased odds of healthy aging (ORs ranging from 1.11 to 1.37 per 5% increase in energy intake). Furthermore, higher intakes of total dietary fiber and fiber from various sources were associated with enhanced odds of healthy aging (ORs ranging from 1.07 to 1.17 per 1-SD increment). While glycemic load was positively associated, this association diminished when adjusted for dietary fiber intake. Notably, higher glycemic index and carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio were inversely associated with healthy aging when comparing extreme quintiles. The study also found that isocaloric replacement of refined carbohydrates, animal protein, total fat, or trans fats with high-quality carbohydrates was associated with positive outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of dietary carbohydrate quality and fiber intake as significant determinants of healthy aging in this female cohort. [NPID: Carbohydrates, healthy aging, fiber, whole grains]
Year: 2025
