Cross-Sectional Analysis of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) Consumption and Health Status Based on a Self-Administered Questionnaires

Abstract

Recently, the consumption of fruit has decreased or remained at the same level in Japan. It is possible that this may be due to a general mistaken connection between fruit consumption and the risks for diabetes, hyperlipemia, and obesity. This study is an evaluation of the hypothesis that a high-volume consumption of fruit might contribute to the same diseases. A cross-sectional analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the frequency of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) consumption and health status based on data from 6049 participants aged 20-79 years old on a self-administered questionnaire. After adjustments for age, sex, and body mass index, the odds ratios of risk for diabetes for participants consuming one to three pieces daily (middle consumption group) or more than four pieces daily (high consumption group) compared with those consuming fewer than three pieces a week (low consumption group) were 0.70 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.59-0.83] and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.41-0.58), respectively. On the other hand, the odds ratios of risk for hyperlipemia and obesity in the middle and high consumption groups compared with the low consumption group were not statistically significant. These results indicate the possibility that the consumption of Satsuma mandarin may act as a deterrent to diabetes and not be a risk factor for diabetes, hyperlipemia, and obesity.