The relationship between anthropometric measurements and carbohydrate quality index

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between anthropometric measurements and Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) of 330 male students residing in a dormitory owned by the Credit Dormitories Institution in Erzurum City Center. The students' socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, and 24-hour dietary records were obtained. The ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates, dietary fiber intake (g/day), and glycemic Index (GI) levels were used to calculate the students' CQI. The obtained data, with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 100%, were divided into 5 groups based on percentile distributions, and assigned scores ranging from 1 to 5. For the total CQI calculation, the scores obtained for each individual were summed, and evaluations were made based on these quintiles. It was determined that students with a median age of 21 (20-22) years had 20.9% in the 1st quintile and the remaining 13.9% in the 5th quintile according to their CQI. A strong positive correlation was observed between the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates and dietary fiber with CQI (r=0.6865, p<0.001; r=0.772, p<0.001 respectively). A negatively moderate correlation was found between Glycemic Index and CQI (r=-0.536, p<0.001). Regarding energy and nutrient intake, apart from dietary fiber (p<0.001), no significant difference was observed between the quintiles of students. The highest amount of dietary fiber intake (30.85 g) was in the fifth quintile students (27.14-35.28), while the lowest amount belonged to the first quintile students (14.13 (11.23-17.13). It was determined that there was no significant difference in dietary fiber, GI, and CQI values among students with normal, slightly overweight, and obese Body Mass Index (BMI) values (p>0.05). A 1 gram increase in dietary fiber intake (p=0.001) and a 1 unit change in CQI (p=0.009) were found to reduce the risk of obesity by 0.026 and 0.088 times respectively; whereas a 1 unit increase in GI (p<0.001) increased the risk of obesity by 0.0010 times. As a result of the study, it was determined that the consumption of low glycemic index foods and dietary fiber is important in determining CQI. The necessity of increasing awareness about Carbohydrate Quality Index and conducting similar studies in this regard has been emphasized. Keywords: anthropometric measurements, dietary fiber, glycemic index, carbohydrate quality index, obesity.