Correlation Between Selected Nutritional Biomarkers and Metabolic Syndrome Components Among In-School Adolescents in Gusau Urban Area, Zamfara State, Nigeria

The paucity of data on the dietary and nutrient intakes and the correlation between selected biomarkers and metabolic syndrome among adolescents in Gusau urban, Zamfara state, necessitates a comprehensive dietary assessments. This study investigated the correlation between selected nutritional biomarkers and metabolic syndrome components among adolescents in Gusau urban area, Zamfara State. This study used a cross-sectional design involving 400 participants drawn from 6 private and 5 public secondary schools. Respondents were selected through stratified proportionate sampling combined with random sampling techniques. Biochemical measurements included nutritional biomarkers and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS): blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. All parameters were assessed using standard laboratory procedures. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s bivariate correlation to examine relationships between variables, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05 Results showed that most participants were aged 15–19 years (58.5%) and male (68.25%). While mean metabolic syndrome components and nutritional biomarkers were generally normal, females aged 10–14 years had an elevated Na: K ratio. Serum uric acid correlated positively with LDL (r= .548**) and TCH (r= .360*) in males 10-14 years, with a positive relationship with SBP (r =.391**) and DBP (r= .336*) in females (10-14). In males 15-19 years, SUA had a positive relationship with HDL (r= .337**), LDL(r= .337**), TRIG (r= .333**) and TCH (r= .484**). Serum sodium-to-potassium ratio correlated positively with LDL (r= .268*). Serum albumin correlated with TRIG (r= .371*) and TCH (r=.358*). There was a significant (p≤0.05) relationship between selected nutritional biomarkers and metabolic syndrome components in adolescents, offering evidence supporting the use of serum uric acid and albumin as potential early screening markers for metabolic syndrome in adolescents. This study demonstrates the practical relevance of the selected nutritional biomarkers and metabolic syndrome and further strengthens the case for early nutrition intervention in schools using these selected nutrition biomarkers as potential screening markers for metabolic syndrome screening.