Association between the dietary carbohydrate quality index and the nutritional status of patients with hypertension
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2026.51.15510Keywords:
Dietary Carbohydrates, Nutritional Status, HypertensionAbstract
Objective: To assess the dietary Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) of patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) receiving care through the Brazilian Unified Health System and its association with their nutritional status. Methods: This study included a convenience sample of 488 patients receiving care at six Primary Health Care Units in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The CQI was determined, as proposed by its authors, by the sum of four dietary components: glycemic index, dietary fiber (g/day), the ratio of whole grains to total grains, and the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates. The association between CQI and nutritional status (body mass index - BMI and waist circumference - WC) was assessed using Spearman’s correlation test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The median CQI was 12 (9–15). No correlation was observed between CQI and WC (p = 0.764) or BMI (p = 0.129). However, when stratified by sex, a weak but significant inverse relationship was observed between CQI and BMI among women (p = 0.042), as well as between CQI and BMI among obese and non-obese women (p = 0.047). Conclusion: The evaluated group presented excess body weight and a diet with a low CQI, with no important association between these variables.
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