The association between time-restricted eating and arterial stiffness status in community-dwelling elderly Chinese individuals

Emerging studies indicate that time-restricted eating (TRE) may protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, studies performed in elderly adults are limited. This study aimed to analyze the association of TRE with arterial stiffness (AS) in community-dwelling elderly Chinese individuals. This cross-sectional study recruited 3487 participants aged ≥60 y from Shanghai, China. TRE was determined by calculating the end time of the last meal minus the start time of the first meal of the average day. Participants were then categorized into those with a time-restricted window lasting ≤11 h (TRE) and >11 h (non-TRE). The mean age of the sample was 71.78 ± 5.75 y, and 41.2 % were men. Having a TRE pattern was 72.2 %. In the logistic analysis, TRE was associated with borderline arterial stiffness (OR = 1.419; 95 % CI = 1.077–1.869) and elevated arterial stiffness (OR = 1.699; 95 % CI = 1.276–2.263). In a subgroup analysis, the significance remained in the group at risk of malnutrition (with borderline arterial stiffness: OR = 2.270; 95 % CI = 1.229–4.190; with elevated arterial stiffness: OR = 2.459; 95 % CI = 1.287–4.700), while in well-nourished participants, the association only remained with elevated arterial stiffness (OR = 1.530; 95 % CI = 1.107–2.115) and not with borderline arterial stiffness. TRE is a risk factor for both borderline and elevated arterial stiffness in community-dwelling Chinese individuals and varies by nutritional status. (Protocol code 2019-WJWXM-04-310108196508064467.) •Time-restricted eating occurs unintentionally in elderly individuals, especially in China.•In the community-dwelling elderly population aged ≥60 years, having TRE ≤11 h/d was a risk factor for arterial stiffness.•In the well-nourished group, time-restricted eating was a risk factor for elevated arterial stiffness.