Consumo de quercetina e lipídeos séricos, insulina, glicemia e índice de massa corporal em crianças: estudo longitudinal

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a global health problem and poor diet is one of the main causes. Scientific evidence alerts us to the fact that risk factors are becoming more and more precocious. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial for cardiovascular health due to the flavonoids contained in food. Quercetin is the main flavonoid present in the human diet and its consumption is associated with cardioprotective effects. Objective: to evaluate the consumption of quercetin in children aged 3-4 years and 7-8 years and associate it with cardiovascular risk factors such as serum lipids, triglycerides, insulin, blood glucose and body mass index (BMI). Methods: Two 24-hour recalls were carried out, one in the pre-school phase (3-4 years) and the other in school age (7-8 years). Weight, height and classification of the body mass index were measured. Blood collections were eliminated after fasting for 12 hours. Glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were determined by the semi-automated enzymatic method and LDL cholesterol was formed by the Friedewald formula. Results: In phase II, 322 children and in phase III, 315 children were evaluated. At 8 years of age, 28.1% of the children were overweight and 12.6% obese. Percentage quercetin consumption was at 7-8 years was higher at P50 when compared to 3-4 years. The mean total and HDL cholesterol at 8 years was higher among children in the third tertile of consumption, compared to children in the second tertile. A positive relationship was observed between quercetin consumption at 3-4 years and total cholesterol values at 7-8 years. For the other outcomes, there was no association with quercetin consumption in preschool age. Discussion: Quercetin consumption was not associated with insulin, blood glucose and BMI levels in childhood, on the other hand, serum cholesterol was positively associated with higher quercetin consumption.