Dietary Fat Quality Research Articles

Effectiveness of a Brief Dietetic Intervention for Hyperlipidaemic Adults Using Individually-Tailored Dietary Feedback.

Dietary modifications can improve serum lipids and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, attendance at multiple dietary consultations can be a barrier to achieving behaviour change. This study investigated the effectiveness of a brief dietetic intervention on CVD risk factors in hyperlipidaemic adults. Adults with total cholesterol ≥ 5.0 mmol/L or low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ≥ 4.0 mmol/L and not currently taking lipid-lowering medication were eligible for a minimum 6-week dietary intervention. Dietary intake data and blood lipids were acquired prior to a single counselling session with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). The intervention used targeted feedback with purpose-developed education materials to supplement advice. CVD risk factors and dietary intakes were used to assess pre-post intervention change using linear mixed model regression analyses. Thirty-nine participants (59.3 ± 11.1 years, n = 28 female) were analysed. Mean ± SD follow-up from baseline time was 9.5 ± 2.5 weeks. Significant (p < 0.05) reductions in total cholesterol (−0.51 mmol/L), total:HDL (high density lipoprotein) ratio (−0.27 mmol/L), triglycerides (−0.38 mmol/L), total energy (−870 kJ/day), energy from nutrient-poor foods (−1006 kJ/day) and sodium (−325 mg/day), and improved dietary fat quality (−5.1% of energy/day saturated, +5.0% of energy/day polyunsaturated) and body mass index (−0.4 kg/m2) were achieved. A brief intervention by an APD incorporating targeted, personalised dietary feedback and education in a single counselling session can improve lipid profiles in adults with hyperlipidaemia.

Dietary fat and insulin resistance: a connection through leptin and PPARγ activation

Insulin resistance refers to reduced insulin action in peripheral tissues and impaired suppression of endogenous glucose production, a state which is critical for maintaining normal glucose homeostasis. Insulin resistance is partly explained by genetic factors and is strongly influenced by the individual's habitual lifestyle. Investigating factors that may influence the development of insulin resistance and their mechanisms of action is of huge importance; one such factor is the dietary fat. Both quantitative and qualitative terms of dietary fat have been known to play an important role in the development of insulin resistance, though the mechanism underlying this effect is not fully understood. In this regard, the classical view has been that dietary fat quality mainly affects cell membrane fatty acid composition and consequently the membrane function. Recently, the relationship between dietary fat and insulin resistance has entered an advanced level by the discovery that different fatty acids can regulate gene expression, transcriptional activity and adipocytokines secretion. In essence, this provides new mechanisms by which fatty acids exert their cellular effects. The present review critically assesses the effect of dietary fat quality on the development of insulin resistance in relation to the adipocytokine, leptin and the activation of the transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). It is evident that fat quality influences the development of insulin resistance and has more important role than quantity. Leptin and PPARγ prove to be potential candidates linking dietary fat with insulin resistance. However, the exact role or mechanism of action of various types of dietary fat in the development of insulin resistance is still uncertain. Further well-controlled studies in humans are needed to be able to establish better evidence-based dietary fat recommendations for diabetes prevention and its clinical management. Keywords: dietary fat, insulin resistance, diabetes, PPARγ activation, leptin.

Dietary fat may modulate adipose tissue homeostasis through the processes of autophagy and apoptosis.

Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer development. Autophagy and apoptosis are critical processes for development and homeostasis in multicellular organisms and have been linked to a variety of disorders. We aimed to investigate whether the quantity and quality of dietary fat can influence these processes in the adipose tissue of obese people. A randomized, controlled trial within the LIPGENE study assigned 39 obese people with metabolic syndrome to 1 of 4 diets: (a) a high-saturated fatty acid diet, (b) a high-monounsaturated fatty acid (HMUFA) diet, and (c, d) two low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diets supplemented with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LFHCC n-3) or placebo (LFHCC), for 12weeks each. We found an increase in the expression of autophagy-related BECN1 and ATG7 genes after the long-term consumption of the HMUFA diet (p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively) and an increase in the expression of the apoptosis-related CASP3 gene after the long-term consumption of the LFHCC and LFHCC n-3 diets (p=0.001 and p=0.029, respectively). CASP3 and CASP7 gene expression changes correlated with HOMA index. Our results suggest that the processes of autophagy and apoptosis in adipose tissue may be modified by diet and that the consumption of a diet rich in monounsaturated fat may contribute to adipose tissue homeostasis by increasing autophagy. They also reinforce the notion that apoptosis in adipose tissue is linked to insulin resistance. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00429195.

Maternal fat and fatty acid intake and birth outcomes in a South Indian population.

The quantity and quality of dietary fat during pregnancy play a key role in the growth and development of the fetus. The aim of this study was to examine the association between fat and fatty acid intakes in early pregnancy and birth outcomes in an apparent healthy normal South Indian population. The study was a prospective observational cohort of 1838 pregnant women, conducted in South India. Intakes of total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) were assessed by a validated food-frequency questionnaire, and correlated with birthweight and incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) infants. This is a population that traditionally consumes diets that are low in SFA and n-3 PUFA, but high in linoleic acid (LA, 18:2 n-6). The data show that consumption of low SFA was associated with decreased birthweight and an increased risk of SGA [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 2.1). Similar results were seen with n-3 PUFA: low intakes of alpha linolenic acid (ALNA, 18:3 n-3) as well as low intakes of long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA were associated with increased risk of SGA (AOR 1.70; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6, and AOR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1, respectively). Increased intakes of SFA and ALNA were predominantly associated with lower intakes of cereals and higher intakes of milk and milk products. These findings show that higher intakes of SFA and n-3 PUFA in early stages of pregnancy are associated with increased birthweight and reduced incidence of SGA in a South Indian population.

Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4 and Postprandial Skeletal Muscle Lipid Metabolism in Overweight and Obese Prediabetics.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) decreases plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) clearance by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and may contribute to impairments in lipid metabolism under compromised metabolic conditions. To investigate the effects of a high-saturated fatty acid (SFA) mixed meal on plasma ANGPTL4 concentrations in relation to in vivo muscle LPL activity, to study the effects of dietary fat quality, and to examine skeletal muscle ANGPTL4 release. Design, Participants, Setting, and Interventions: We used a dual stable-isotope tracer technique in combination with measurements of arteriovenous concentration differences across forearm muscle to investigate muscle ANGPTL4 secretion and fatty acid handling under fasting conditions and after a high-SFA mixed meal in 73 overweight and obese humans at the Metabolic Research Unit of Maastricht University. The effect of dietary fat quality manipulation on plasma ANGPTL4 was investigated in 10 obese insulin-resistant participants. The high-SFA meal decreased circulating ANGPTL4 concentrations (fasting, 5.2 ng/mL; vs 4 hours postprandial, 4.0 ng/mL; P < .001). Furthermore, skeletal muscle ANGPTL4 secretion into the circulation was observed (AUC0-4 h, P = .048). However, no association was observed between plasma ANGPTL4 and skeletal muscle very low-density lipoprotein or dietary (chylomicron) TAG extraction (AUC0-4 h, P = .372 and P = .139, respectively). In contrast to a high-SFA or high-monounsaturated fat meal, plasma ANGPTL4 remained unchanged after a high-polyunsaturated fat meal. ANGPTL4 is secreted by human forearm muscle in postprandial conditions after a high-SFA meal. Plasma ANGPTL4 concentrations were not associated with in vivo skeletal muscle LPL activity after a high-SFA meal. Dietary fat quality affects plasma ANGPTL4, but it remains to be elucidated whether this influences short-term skeletal muscle lipid handling.

Dietary fat intakes in Irish adults in 2011: how much has changed in 10 years?

Imbalances in dietary fat intakes are linked to several chronic diseases. This study describes dietary intakes and food sources of fat and fatty acids in 1051 Irish adults (aged 18-90 years), using data from the 2011 national food consumption survey, the National Adult Nutrition Survey. It also compares current intakes for 18-64-year-olds with those reported in the last such survey in 2001, the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey. Dietary fat intakes were estimated using data from 4-d semi-weighed (2011) and 7-d estimated (2001) food diaries. In 2011, intakes for 18-64-year-olds were as follows: total fat, 34·1 (sd 6·1) % total energy (%TE); SFA, 13·3 (sd 3·3) %TE; MUFA, 12·5 (sd 2·6) %TE; PUFA, 6·1 (sd 2·2) %TE; and trans-fat, 0·511 (sd 0·282) %TE. Apart from MUFA, intakes decreased (P65 years had the highest intakes of SFA; however, intakes were typically higher than UK-recommended values for all groups. In contrast, intakes of long-chain n-3 fatty acids were lowest in younger age groups. Intakes of trans-fat were well within UK-recommended levels. Although there have been some improvements in the profile of intakes since 2001, imbalances persist in the quantity and quality of dietary fat consumed by Irish adults, most notably for total and SFA and for younger age groups for long-chain n-3 fatty acids.

Abstract P012: Associations Between Plasma Phospholipid and Cholesterol Ester Fatty Acids and Reproducibility During 10-year Follow-up of Elderly Individuals: A Population Based Study

Background: Fatty acid (FA) composition in different blood compartments is used as biomarkers of dietary fat quality, but it is unclear how FA compositions differ between compartments and which biomarker is most appropriate for epidemiological studies. Furthermore, as most cohorts use single FA measurements to reflect long-term intake, reproducibility data of plasma FAs are clearly warranted. Objective: To investigate inter-correlations of FA compositions in plasma phospholipids (PP) and cholesterol esters (CE), and to evaluate 10-y reproducibility of FA composition in plasma CE. Methods: Baseline FA composition of PP and CE was assessed in a population-based cohort of 70-year-old Swedes (n=940), and in a subsample (n=539), FA was additionally measured in CE during follow-up at ages 75 and 80 y. FA in PP and CE was measured by gas chromatography. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated between proportions of individual FA measured in plasma PP and CE collected at age 70 y. Plasma CE compositions at ages 70, 75, and 80 y were utilized to assess 10-year reproducibility by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) in one-way random-effect models. Results: Strong correlations between PP and CC were observed for most FA, with the only exceptions palmitic acid and stearic acid (Table). Fair to good reproducibility was observed for most FA, and was greatest for palmitoleic acid (ICC [95% CI] = 0.72 [0.69-0.76]) and all n-6 polyunsaturated FA (ICC=0.64-0.68). Poor reproducibility was only observed for α-linoleic acid, pentadecanoic acid, and stearic acid, with ICC (95% CI) 0.19 (0.14-0.25), 0.22 (0.17-0.28), and 0.23 (0.18-0.29), respectively. Conclusions: Overall, FA levels measured in plasma PP and CE correlates strongly, suggesting that FA composition in these compartments generally can be used interchangeably as biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Overall good reproducibility of FA levels in CE indicates that single a measurement can reliably estimate average levels over a 10-y period.

Obesity development in neuron-specific lipoprotein lipase deficient mice is not responsive to increased dietary fat content or change in fat composition

We have previously reported that mice with neuron-specific LPL deficiency (NEXLPL−/−) become obese by 16weeks of age on chow. Moreover, these mice had reduced uptake of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoprotein-derived fatty acids and lower levels of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in the hypothalamus. Here, we asked whether increased dietary fat content or altered dietary composition could modulate obesity development in NEXLPL−/− mice. Male NEXLPL−/− mice and littermate controls (WT) were randomly assigned one of three synthetic diets; a high carbohydrate diet (HC, 10% fat), a high-fat diet (HF, 45% fat), or a HC diet supplemented with n-3 PUFAs (HCn-3, 10% fat, Lovaza, GSK®). After 42weeks of HC feeding, body weight and fat mass were increased in the NEXLPL−/− mice compared to WT. WT mice fed a HF diet displayed typical diet-induced obesity, but weight gain was only marginal in HF-fed NEXLPL−/− mice, with no significant difference in body composition. Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation did not prevent obesity in NEXLPL−/− mice, but was associated with differential modifications in hypothalamic gene expression and PUFA concentration compared to WT mice. Our findings suggest that neuronal LPL is involved in the regulation of body weight and composition in response to either the change in quantity (HF feeding) or quality (n-3 PUFA-enriched) of dietary fat. The precise role of LPL in lipid sensing in the brain requires further investigation.

人参皂甙对神经系统和内分泌系统的研究进展

叶黄素是一种脂溶性类胡萝卜素，广泛存在于绿叶蔬菜、鸡蛋等食物中。其在人体中的整个生物利用过程，包括消化、吸收、运输、代谢等过程均与脂类有密切关系。膳食叶黄素的消化吸收需要多种脂类参与，膳食脂肪的质与量均影响其生物利用度。在循环中，叶黄素需要与载脂蛋白一起在血液中运输。其在不同载脂蛋白中的分配比例有很大的差异，血浆胆固醇种类和含量均可能影响其转运效率。此外，脂类相关受体，基因和激素在叶黄素的组织利用过程中发挥重要作用。本文通过综述脂类在叶黄素人体生物利用中的作用，拟为叶黄素应用于人群干预提供有益信息。 Lutein is a fat-soluble carotenoid present in various kinds of food, such as green leafy vegetables and eggs. The utilization of lutein in human body, including digestion, absorption, transport and metabolism, is associated with lipids. The digestion and absorption of lutein from food require the participation of fat. Both the amount and quality of dietary fat could influence the bioavailability of lutein. In circulation, lutein is transported in serum with lipoprotein. The percentage distribution of lutein varies among different lipoproteins, and serum cholesterol level could influence its transport efficiency. Furthermore, the lipid receptors, lipid-related hormone and gene play an important role on the tissue utilization of lutein. In this article, we reviewed the roles of lipids in the biological utilization of lutein in human body and trying to provide some beneficial information on the dietary supplement of luteinin population.

Indices of dietary fat quality during midpregnancy is associated with gestational diabetes

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the usual intake of fatty acids and indices of dietary fat quality [the atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity indices (TI), and the ratios of hypo-and hypercholesterolemic (hH), ∑n-3/∑n-6, and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids (P:S)], during mid-pregnancy. Methods799 adult pregnant women living in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil were screened and accepted for this cross-sectional GDM study. The Multiple Source Method was used to estimate participants’ usual diet, using two 24-hour dietary recalls during mid-pregnancy. Diagnosis of GDM was defined by the American Diabetes Association criteria of 2015. Logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between GDM and dietary fat, adjusted for age, education, parity, gestational age at the time of the interview, pre-pregnancy and current BMI, prior GDM, family history of diabetes, smoking, physical activity, energy, fiber, and fatty acids. ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) age of the women was 28 (5) years, and 19% had GDM. After multiple adjustments, inverse associations between the highest tertile of ∑n-3 fatty acids intake [0.21 (0.08-0.56)], α-linolenic intake [0.15 (0.05-0.42)], and GDM were found. A positive association between GDM and the highest tertile of TI [2.66 (1.34-5.29)], and a negative association with the highest tertile of hH ratio [0.41 (0.22-0.77)], were observed. No association between GDM and other indices of dietary fat quality were found. ConclusionThe quality of dietary fat during pregnancy is strongly associated with GDM. Randomized clinical trial are needed to confirm these findings.

Insulin resistance determines a differential response to changes in dietary fat modification on metabolic syndrome risk factors: the LIPGENE study

Previous data support the benefits of reducing dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on insulin resistance (IR) and other metabolic risk factors. However, whether the IR status of those suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects this response is not established. Our objective was to determine whether the degree of IR influences the effect of substituting high-saturated fatty acid (HSFA) diets by isoenergetic alterations in the quality and quantity of dietary fat on MetS risk factors. In this single-blind, parallel, controlled, dietary intervention study, MetS subjects (n = 472) from 8 European countries classified by different IR levels according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were randomly assigned to 4 diets: an HSFA diet; a high-monounsaturated fatty acid (HMUFA) diet; a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diet supplemented with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (1.2 g/d); or an LFHCC diet supplemented with placebo for 12 wk (control). Anthropometric, lipid, inflammatory, and IR markers were determined. Insulin-resistant MetS subjects with the highest HOMA-IR improved IR, with reduced insulin and HOMA-IR concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and LFHCC n-3 diets (P < 0.05). In contrast, subjects with lower HOMA-IR showed reduced body mass index and waist circumference after consumption of the LFHCC control and LFHCC n-3 diets and increased HDL cholesterol concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and HSFA diets (P < 0.05). MetS subjects with a low to medium HOMA-IR exhibited reduced blood pressure, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels after the LFHCC n-3 diet and increased apolipoprotein A-I concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and HSFA diets (all P < 0.05). Insulin-resistant MetS subjects with more metabolic complications responded differently to dietary fat modification, being more susceptible to a health effect from the substitution of SFAs in the HMUFA and LFHCC n-3 diets. Conversely, MetS subjects without IR may be more sensitive to the detrimental effects of HSFA intake. The metabolic phenotype of subjects clearly determines response to the quantity and quality of dietary fat on MetS risk factors, which suggests that targeted and personalized dietary therapies may be of value for its different metabolic features. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00429195.

Dietary fat intake and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in a population at high risk of cardiovascular disease

Dietary fat quality and fat replacement are more important for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention than is total dietary fat intake. The aim was to evaluate the association between total fat intake and fat subtypes with the risk of CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes) and cardiovascular and all-cause death. We also examined the hypothetical effect of the isocaloric substitution of one macronutrient for another. We prospectively studied 7038 participants at high CVD risk from the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) study. The trial was conducted from 2003 to 2010, but the present analysis was based on an expanded follow-up until 2012. At baseline and yearly thereafter, total and specific fat subtypes were repeatedly measured by using validated food-frequency questionnaires. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models were used. After 6 y of follow-up, we documented 336 CVD cases and 414 total deaths. HRs (95% CIs) for CVD for those in the highest quintile of total fat, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake compared with those in the lowest quintile were 0.58 (0.39, 0.86), 0.50 (0.31, 0.81), and 0.68 (0.48, 0.96), respectively. In the comparison between extreme quintiles, higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) and trans-fat intakes were associated with 81% (HR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.13) and 67% (HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.57) higher risk of CVD. Inverse associations with all-cause death were also observed for PUFA and MUFA intakes. Isocaloric replacements of SFAs with MUFAs and PUFAs or trans fat with MUFAs were associated with a lower risk of CVD. SFAs from pastries and processed foods were associated with a higher risk of CVD. Intakes of MUFAs and PUFAs were associated with a lower risk of CVD and death, whereas SFA and trans-fat intakes were associated with a higher risk of CVD. The replacement of SFAs with MUFAs and PUFAs or of trans fat with MUFAs was inversely associated with CVD. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN 35739639.

Fat Quality Influences the Obesogenic Effect of High Fat Diets.

High fat and/or carbohydrate intake are associated with an elevated risk for obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The harmful effects of a high fat diet could be different, depending on dietary fat quality. In fact, high fat diets rich in unsaturated fatty acids are considered less deleterious for human health than those rich in saturated fat. In our previous studies, we have shown that rats fed a high fat diet developed obesity and exhibited a decrease in oxidative capacity and an increase in oxidative stress in liver mitochondria. To investigate whether polyunsaturated fats could attenuate the above deleterious effects of high fat diets, energy balance and body composition were assessed after two weeks in rats fed isocaloric amounts of a high-fat diet (58.2% by energy) rich either in lard or safflower/linseed oil. Hepatic functionality, plasma parameters, and oxidative status were also measured. The results show that feeding on safflower/linseed oil diet attenuates the obesogenic effect of high fat diets and ameliorates the blood lipid profile. Conversely, hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial oxidative stress appear to be negatively affected by a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids.

The association of cardiovascular risk factors with saturated fatty acids and fatty acid desaturase indices in erythrocyte in middle-aged Korean adults.

BackgroundThe quality of dietary fats is associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We aimed to investigate the association between fatty acids in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and CVD risk factors in middle-aged Korean adults.MethodsFifty-five middle-aged adults who underwent health examinations were included in this retrospective and cross-sectional study. Anthropometry, serum lipids, clinical parameters, and erythrocyte membrane phospholipid fatty acid data were obtained from a registry.ResultsThe proportion of C14:0 and C16:0 was greatly elevated in high quartile groups for triglyceride (TG) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure groups (SBP and DBP) (p = 0.042, p = 0.021, or p = 0.008 respectively) compared to low quartile groups. While C16:1n7 and/or C18:1n9 were positively associated with CVD risk factors, the delta 9 desaturase activity index (D9D) (C18:1n9/C18:0) was only significantly increased in high quartile groups for TG and blood pressures (p = 0.001, p = 0.002 or p = 0.003). Conversely, TG and blood pressures showed inverse relationships with C20:4n6 or D5D (C20:4n6/C20:3n6). C18:3n6 and/or D6D (C18:3n6/C18:2n6) were positively associated with insulin resistance and diabetic parameters. Particularly high D6D was detected in high quartile groups of FBS and insulin (p = 0.016 and p = 0.042). In linear regression analysis, D9D and/or C14:0 + C16:0 were significant contributors to serum TG and blood pressures. D6D was a contributing factor to FBS.ConclusionsThe indices of D9D and D6D from erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and the proportion of saturated fatty acids were increased as the cardiovascular risk factors, including serum TG, blood pressures, and FBS increased their levels (IRB number C2014199 (1396)).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12944-015-0135-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dietary Fat Intake Is Differentially Associated with Risk of Paroxysmal Compared with Sustained Atrial Fibrillation in Women1–

Dietary fats have effects on biological pathways that may influence the development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, associations between n-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids and AF are inconsistent, and data on other dietary fats and AF risk are sparse. We examined the association between dietary fatty acid (FA) subclasses and risk of incident AF and explored whether these associations differed for sustained and paroxysmal AF. We conducted a prospective cohort study in 33,665 women ≥45 y old without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and AF at baseline in 1993. Fat intake was estimated from food frequency questionnaires at baseline and in 2004. Incident AF was confirmed by medical records through October 2013. AF patterns were classified according to the most sustained form of AF within 2 y of diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models with the use of a competing risk model approach estimated the RR. Over 19.2 y, 1441 cases of incident AF (929 paroxysmal and 467 persistent/chronic) were confirmed. Intakes of total fat and FA subclasses were not associated with risk of AF. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were differentially associated with AF patterns. The RR for a 5% increment of energy from SFAs was 1.47 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.09) for persistent/chronic and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.08) for paroxysmal AF (P-difference = 0.01). For MUFAs, the RR for a 5% increment was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.98) for persistent/chronic and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.34) for paroxysmal AF, although the difference between patterns was not significant (P-difference = 0.07). Dietary fat was not associated with risk of incident AF in women without established CVD or AF. High SFA and low MUFA intakes were associated with greater risk of persistent or chronic, but not paroxysmal, AF. Improving dietary fat quality may play a role in the prevention of sustained forms of AF. The Women's Health Study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00000479.

CONSENSUS ON FATS AND OILS IN THE DIET OF S ISH ADULTS; POSITION PAPER OF THE SPANISH FEDERATION OF FOOD, NUTRITION AND DIETETICS SOCIETIES

The quality of dietary fat critically influences health. In this consensus document the scientific evidence relating effects of dietary fat quantity and quality on cardiovascular risk is reviewed and recommendations for the Spanish adult population are issued. As a novelty in nutrition guidelines, emphasis is made more on parent foods than on fatty acids per se. In summary, replacing saturated fatty acids (SFA) for monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduces cardiovascular risk. Recent data suggest that SFA proper may be harmful or not depending on the parent food, a reason why an intake threshold is not established, but consumption of foods containing excess SFA, such as butter, some processed meats, and commercial confectionery and fried foods is discouraged. The established threshold of <1 % of energy intake as trans FA, well known to be harmful for cardiovascular risk, is fulfilled in Spain due in part to its present low levels in margarines. MUFA are beneficial or neutral for cardiovascular risk depending on their dietary sources (virgin olive oil versus other fats), and no intake limitations are established.n-6 PUFA are cardioprotective and recommended intakes (5-10 % of energy) are not always fulfilled in the Spanish population, thus increased consumption of their vegetable food sources (seeds, derived oils, and margarines)is encouraged. Marine n-3 PUFA are also cardioprotective and the recommendation stands to eat fatty fish≥2 servings/weeks to reach intake levels of at least 250 mg/day. Increasing evidence suggests that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the vegetable n-3 PUFA, is also cardioprotective,but the parent foods (walnuts, soy products,green-leaf vegetables) may provide benefits beyond ALA itself. Finally, low-fat (high carbohydrate, particularly when having a high glycemic index) diets appear to lack cardiovascular preventive effects, while high-fat,high-vegetable fat dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, are protective, a reason why no upper limit on fat intake is established for the Spanish population.This position statement targets dietitians, nutritionists and other health professionals involved in dietary counsel so they can deliver it rightly and according to the last scientific evidence.

Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid-enriched high fat diet delays the development of fatty liver in mice.

BackgroundLow hepatic content of n-3 PUFA has been associated with NAFLD in humans. Whether this is associated with reduced dietary intake or increased turnover of these FA is not clear. We have here investigated the effects of dietary fat quality on hepatic lipid storage and transcriptomics over time.AimTo investigate the effects of quality of fat in a high fat diet (HFD) over time on hepatic lipid storage and liver transcriptomics.Methods and ResultsMale C57BL/6J mice were fed control, HFD-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/ docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or HFD-corn oil diet for 8 or 12 weeks. Body weight, body composition, plasma and hepatic triglyceride contents were measured. Hepatic transcriptomes were analysed by microarray followed by gene-set enrichment analyses. At 8 weeks, the HFD-corn oil mice had higher body weight and adipose depot mass than the HFD-EPA/DHA but there were no differences at 12 weeks. Hepatic triglyceride content was lower in HFD-EPA/DHA fed compared with the HFD-corn oil fed mice at both time-points. Enrichment analyses of the hepatic transcriptomes showed that lipid/fatty acid biosynthesis; transport and homeostasis were lower in the HFD-EPA/DHA fed compared with the HFD-corn oil fed mice. Genes encoding proteins associated to cytoplasmic lipid droplets were expressed at higher levels in livers from the HFD-corn oil compared to HFD-EPA/DHA mice.ConclusionsDietary EPA and DHA counteracted development of HFD-induced fatty liver. The liver transcriptome data implicate that the quality of dietary fat could modulate Ppar-related gene expression that in turn affects hepatic lipid storage and maintenance of metabolic health.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12944-015-0072-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fat intake in children with autism spectrum disorder in the Mediterranean region (Valencia, Spain)

Objective: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been found to have alterations in dietary fat intake and fat quality. The fat intakes of the foods consumed by children with and without ASD were compared, and the deficiency and excess of these nutrients were examined. Methods: In a matched case–control study, 3-day food diaries were completed by 105 children with ASD and 495 typically developing (TD) 6- to 9-year-old children in Valencia (Spain). We used the probabilistic approach and estimated average requirement cut-point to evaluate the risk of inadequate nutrients intakes. These were compared between groups and with Spanish recommendations using linear and logistic regression, respectively. Results: Groups did not differ significantly in age, total dietary intake, Healthy Eating Index, or food variety score. Children with ASD had lower saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intakes, but their total PUFAs and (PUFAs + monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)/SFAs, PUFAs/SFAs intakes and ω-6/ω-3 ratios were higher than TD children. The total fat and cholesterol intakes of both groups were slightly above Spanish recommendations. Both groups had low ω-6 intakes, very low ω-3 intakes, and high ω-6/ω-3 ratios. Conclusion: Further research is required to clarify associations between ASD symptomatology, fat-eating patterns and health status.

Association of Adiponectin with Adolescent Cardiovascular Health in a Dietary Intervention Study

To investigate whether an infancy-onset, low saturated fat-oriented dietary intervention influences serum adiponectin concentration in adolescents, and to study the association of adiponectin with subclinical markers of vascular health, and cardio-metabolic risk factors. The longitudinal, randomized Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project aimed to modify child's dietary fat quality replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat. Serum adiponectin (n = 521) along with weight, height, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides, and insulin were measured at age 15 years. Adiposity was assessed using body mass index, waist circumference, and abdominal fat thickness measured with ultrasound. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to International Diabetes Foundation criteria. Vascular ultrasound measures including carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were assessed. Adiponectin concentrations were similar in the intervention and control groups (P = .16). Adiponectin associated with carotid IMT (r = -0.13, P = .005), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.18, P < .0001), triglycerides (r = -0.16, P = .0004), CRP (r = -0.10, P = .02), insulin (r = -0.14, P = .002), and adiposity (r = -0.18-0.24, P ≤ .0001). When adjusted for adiposity indices, the association with carotid IMT was only marginally diluted (P = .03-.06), but the associations with insulin and CRP became nonsignificant. Adolescents with adiponectin ≤median had 4-fold risk of metabolic syndrome than peers with adiponectin >median (CI 1.8-10.2, P = .0001). In healthy adolescents, low serum adiponectin is related with carotid IMT and metabolic syndrome. We found no evidence that repeated low saturated fat-oriented dietary counseling would influence serum adiponectin in adolescence. Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00223600.

Dietary patterns: from nutritional epidemiologic analysis to national guidelines

Dietary patterns: from nutritional epidemiologic analysis to national guidelines