Dietary patterns of men in ALSPAC: associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, nutrient intake and comparison with women's dietary patterns.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to obtain distinct dietary patterns using principal components analysis (PCA) in men taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and to determine the associations with (a) the patterns derived in the study women (the men's partners), (b) socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and (c) estimated nutrient intakes. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 4681 men taking part in a population-based cohort study recorded their current frequency of food consumption through questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified using PCA, and scores were calculated for each pattern. A wide variety of social and demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors were also collected through self-completion questionnaire.
RESULTS: Four dietary patterns were established: 'health conscious', 'traditional', 'processed/confectionery' and 'semi-vegetarian'. There were relatively strong correlations and levels of agreement between the 'health conscious' and 'vegetarian' style patterns in men and women (P<0.001). Strong associations were evident between several socio-demographic variables and the dietary patterns, similar to those earlier reported in women. Finally, nutrient intakes were plausibly associated with dietary pattern scores.
CONCLUSIONS: Distinct dietary patterns in men have been identified using PCA that are similar, but not identical to those obtained in their partners at the same time point. Researchers should always consider stratifying by gender when examining dietary patterns. This study will form the basis for further work investigating the associations between parental and child dietary patterns.