The Adequacy of Nutrient Intake Among Saudi Employees with Metabolic Syndrome, Comparative Study

This study aimed to assess nutrient intake and their adequacy in Saudi adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS); participants were randomly recruited from Ministry of Health clinics in Riyadh; the sample included 350 adults aged 30 to 60 years (150 and 200 without MetS) socioeconomic and lifestyle data were collected, anthropometric indices measured, and fasting blood samples obtained for biochemical assays; dietary intake was assessed using three nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls; there were no significant differences between groups in age, marital status, education, or family size; compared with controls, MetS participants were more physically inactive (86.7%) did not practice sports compared to (68.0%) for control groups (p < 0.001) and reported lower sports frequency and duration (1.8 ± 1.8 vs 2.6 ± 1.9 times per week, t = 2.38, p = 0.018; 27.1 ± 22.1 vs 36.2 ± 26.2 minutes per session, t = 1.92, p = 0.050); MetS subjects had higher weight (95.62 ± 16.21 vs 77.60 ± 12.18 kg), BMI (35.80 ± 6.10 vs 28.10 ± 4.50 kg/m²), and waist circumference (115.64 ± 11.70 vs 92.80 ± 10.30 cm); they also had higher fasting blood glucose (154.2 ± 52.7 vs 100.3 ± 14.2 mg/dL), HbA1c (7.34 ± 2.24 vs 5.40 ± 0.50%), triglycerides (171.6 ± 70.1 vs 118.3 ± 60.2 mg/dL), and LDL-C (137.3 ± 41.5 vs 108.1 ± 34.2 mg/dL), while HDL-C was lower (47.8 ± 12.8 vs 54.6 ± 11.7 mg/dL); energy intake (1629.9 ± 575.1 vs 2114.6 ± 529.8 kcal), protein (57.0 ± 22.9 vs 79.1 ± 24.3 g), carbohydrates (225.1 ± 93.8 vs 311.4 ± 87.4 g), fiber (4.3 ± 2.0 vs 6.0 ± 2.3 g), vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, and other micronutrients were all lower in MetS participants; total fat intake was also significantly lower in MetS participants than controls (55.8 ± 24.2 vs 61.4 ± 24.1 g/day; 70.3% vs 85.4% of requirements; p = 0.013); in conclusion, Saudi adults with MetS reported lower intakes of essential nutrients and exhibited an unhealthy lifestyle.