(P02-081-25) Dietary Intake and Metabolic Syndrome of Male Heavy Smokers in Korea

Objectives: Smokers are known to have poor nutrient intake and low diet quality, which increases the risk of diseases. This study aimed to investigate nutrient intakes, dietary quality, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean heavy smoking men.

Methods: This study included 800 males aged 35 to 80 years with a smoking history of ≥20 pack-years who participated in the 5 day-residential smoking cessation program at the Korean National Cancer Center between 2021 and 2024. The participants completed anthropometric measurements, blood tests, and dietary surveys during the program. Dietary data were collected through a 24-hour dietary recall and a 20-item dietary habits assessment tool, which was conducted by trained registered dietitians. Diet quality was evaluated using the Index of Nutrient Quality (INQ), Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR), and Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR). MetS was diagnosed using modified ATP Ⅲ NCEP criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA (version 18.5).

Results: The mean age of participants was 57.9±8.6 years and smoking history was 39.8±15.6 pack-years. The BMI in younger group ( < 65 years) was significantly higher than that in elderly group (≥65 years) (P = 0.001). The INQ and NAR values were low for fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin C. The INQ values were higher for fiber (P < 0.0001), calcium (P = 0.023), and iron (P = 0.038) in elderly than those in younger. The elderly consumed more breakfast (P < 0.0001), fruits (P < 0.0001), and milk (P = 0.039), while the younger showed less healthy habits, including higher consumption of alcohol (P = 0.004), high-fat meat (P = 0.043), fast food (P < 0.0001), and soft drink (P < 0.0001). The prevalence rate of MetS was 65.6%. Among the diagnostic criteria for MetS, elevated serum triglycerides were more prevalent in the younger compared to the elderly (65% in younger vs 55.2% in elderly, P < 0.016). In contrast, lower HDL cholesterol levels (42% vs 50.6%, P < 0.039) and elevated blood glucose (34.3% vs 43.2%, P < 0.027) were more prevalent in the elderly.

Conclusions: Our study showed that heavy smoking males were inadequate nutrient intake, poor diet quality, and high prevalence of MetS. Tailored nutrition education needs to be provided to heavy smoker.

Funding Sources: This study was approved by the Korean National Cancer Center IRB (grant number: NCC2024-0327).