SUMMARY OBJECTIVE:

To verify the association between metabolic syndrome and its components, and intake of antioxidant nutrients in adolescents.

METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional study of the data of 327 adolescents in a high school in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, pertaining to their socioeconomic background, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake (selenium; copper; zinc; vitamins A, C, and E), hemodynamics, and biochemical tests. The criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome in adolescents were applied. Binary logistic regression was used to verify the association between metabolic syndrome and its components, and intake of antioxidants. The level of significance was established at p<0.05.

RESULTS:

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 7.0%, with a significant association between body mass index and blood pressure. Lower tertiles of copper and vitamins A and E intake were associated with high triglyceride and glycemic levels. The association with vitamins A and E remained after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant association between lower vitamins A and E intake and metabolic syndrome components (altered triglycerides and glycemic levels) was found. Besides further studies on this issue, the need for health interventions was found, which ensures the appropriate intake of antioxidant nutrients during adolescence.