Dietary Inflammatory Index and Blood Pressure Levels in Mexican Adults

Background: The relationship between the dietary inflammatory index and blood pressure has been evaluated in European and American populations. This association remains unexplored in Mexico, where outcomes may differ due to the populace's ancestral heritage and its diverse dietary habits. Methods: We used the Health Workers Cohort Study (2004 to 2018). DII intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured following standardized procedures and techniques. Fixed-effects linear regression and Cox regression models were utilized as the statistical approaches. Results: In the first approach, we observed a positive association between changes in DII intake and changes in both systolic (SBP beta: 3.23, 95% CI 1.11, 5.34) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP beta: 1.01, 95% CI -0.43, 2.44). When stratified by hypertension, these associations were magnified in participants with hypertension (SBP beta: 6.26, 95% CI 2.63, 9.89; DBP beta: 1.64, 95% CI -0.73, 4.02). In the second approach, interactions between sex and age categories were explored. Participants in the highest DII category were associated with an increased risk of hypertension, particularly among young women (HR: 3.16, 95% CI 1.19, 8.43). Conclusions: Results suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with an increase in blood pressure over time among Mexican population.