The Alternate Healthy Eating Index is Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome in Latino Adults: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

High scores of the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) denote a healthy diet and are associated with lower cardiometabolic risk; yet reports for Latinos are limited. The aim was to compare the association of AHEI (range 0‐110) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components across 6 Latino backgrounds using data from 12,406 US‐residing Latinos 18‐74y without diabetes at HCHS/SOL baseline. Overall, Latinos had unhealthy intake of sugary beverages, whole grains, and fruit; and favorable intake of trans fats, and nuts and legumes. Mean AHEI differed by background (p<0.001), ranging from 53 for Mexicans to 43 for Puerto Ricans. Overall odds (95% CI) of having MetS were 18% (6, 39%) lower per 10‐unit increase in AHEI. This association was modified by background (p=0.002), with significant results only for Mexicans (26% (10, 40%)) and Central Americans (38% (3, 60%)). AHEI was inversely associated with waist circumference, blood pressure, and glucose for Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, and triglycerides for Mexicans, and positively associated with HDL‐C for Puerto Ricans and Central Americans. In summary, while healthier diet quality may protect all Latinos against MetS, the association of AHEI and individual MetS components varies by background. Funded by NHLBI.