Tree nut consumption is associated with better diet quality, nutrient intake of select nutrients, and better measures of some cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF): National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010

NHANES data (2005–2010) were used to assess the association of tree nut consumption by adults (N=14,386) with diet quality, select nutrient intake, and CVRF factors. Covariate adjusted least square means ± SE were determined. Diet quality was determined by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score. HEI was higher in tree nut consumers than in non consumers (60±0.6 v 51±0.3; p<0.0001). Tree nut consumers had higher (p<0.0001) daily intakes of energy (2468±36 v 2127±13 kcal) and nutrients of concern: fiber (20.7±0.6 v 15.8±0.2 g); potassium (3028±51 v 2691±14 mg); magnesium (408±9 v 292±1 mg); MUFA (35.5±0.5 v 29.3±0.1 g), and PUFA (21.0±0.5 v 17.2±0.1 g), but lower intakes of added sugars (14.7±0.6 v 18.1±0.3 tsp), SFA (25.2±0.4 v 27.2±0.1 g), and sodium (3197±49 v 3570±13 mg) than non‐consumers. Tree nut consumers had lower weight (79.9±0.8 v 82.3±0.3 kg; p=0.0049), BMI (27.7±0.3 v 28.7±0.1; p<0.0001), and waist circumference (95.7±0.7 v 98.1±0.3 cm; p=0.0006) than nonconsumers. Tree nut consumers also had lower systolic blood pressure (120.4±0.7 v 122.1±0.2 mmHg; p=0.0120), higher HDL‐cholesterol (54.8±0.6 v 52.9±0.2 mg/dL; p=0.0020), and lower HOMA‐IR (3.0±0.1 v 3.3±0.1; p=0.0498). Consumption of tree nuts should be encouraged to improve diet quality, nutrient intake, weight status, and some CVRF. Support: USDA & International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation