Whole- and refined-grain intakes are differentially associated with abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adiposity in healthy adults: the Framingham Heart Study

BACKGROUND Observational studies have linked higher intakes of whole grains to lower abdominal adiposity; however, the association between whole- and refined-grain intake and body fat compartments has yet to be reported
OBJECTIVE Different aspects of diet may be differentially related to body fat distribution. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between whole- and refined-grain intake and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue {(SAT)} and visceral adipose tissue (VAT).
DESIGN Cross-sectional associations between whole- and refined-grain intakes, waist circumference measures, and abdominal {SAT} and {VAT} volumes were examined in 2834 Framingham Heart Study participants (49.4% women; age range: 32-83 y). Dietary information was assessed with the use of a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire.
RESULTS Whole-grain intake was inversely associated with {SAT} (2895 compared with 2552 cm³ in the lowest compared with the highest quintile category, P for trend < 0.001) and {VAT} (1883 compared with 1563 cm³, P for trend < 0.001), after adjustment for age, sex, current smoking status, total energy, and alcohol intake. In contrast, refined-grain intake was positively associated with {SAT} (2748 compared with 2934 cm³, P for trend = 0.01) and {VAT} (1727 compared with 1928 cm³, P for trend < 0.001) in multivariable models. When {SAT} and {VAT} were evaluated jointly, the P value for {SAT} was attenuated {(P} = 0.28 for whole grains