Dietary Saturated Fat Intake Research Articles

Dietary fat and cardiovascular disease?

Dietary saturated fat (SF) intake has been shown to increase low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and therefore has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This evidence coupled with inferences from epidemiologic studies and clinical trials, had led to longstanding public health recommendations for limiting SF intake as a means of preventing CVD. However the relationship between SF and CVD risk remains controversial, due at least in part to the intrinsic limitations of clinical studies that have evaluated this relationship. A recent meta analysis showed that current evidence does not clearly support cardiovascular guidelines that encourage high consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and low consumption of total SF. They found weak positive associations between circulating palmitic and stearic acids (found largely in palm oil and animal fats, respectively) and CVD, whereas circulating margaric acid (a dairy fat) significantly reduced the risk of CVD.(2,3) Saturated fat are not associated with all cause mortality, CVD, CHD, ischemic stroke or type 2 diabetes, but the evidence is heterogenous with methodological limitations.

The Gender Differences in the Change of Dietary Intake and Body Composition Following the First Semester for Undergraduate First Year Students at a Small Liberal Arts University

Currently young adults are at a high risk of becoming overweight or obese (excess body fat), and developing related disorders more than previous generations. The phenomenon known as the “freshmen fifteen” is no myth. Previous research has found that 80% of first year students gain body weight within the first year of college with an average of 5.0 lbs (2.3 kg) for males and 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) for females and dietary intake may be the culprit. Potentially, dietary influences on body composition changes following an academic semester of college may differ between males and females. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess if gender differences exist in the first semester for first year college students regarding body composition and dietary intake. First year college students (N=21, age 18.3 ± 0.6 years, male n=10, female n=17) from the University of La Verne were asked to report to the laboratory fasting for body composition assessments and a dietary intake analysis pre and post first semester. Body composition (body weight, fat mass, fat free mass, percent body fat, etc.) was measured using a 310 Tanita scale (Tanita, Japan). A record of daily dietary intake for a total of 3 days, 2 days during the week and 1 day during the weekend was assessed using Dietary Analysis Plus software (Cengage, USA). An independent t‐test was used to assess the differences between pre and post measures for body composition and dietary intake using SPSS v.21 and a P‐value of < 0.05 was used to determine significance. A significant difference in the change of fat mass (males 5.2 ± 5.3 kg, vs females −0.3 ± 4.6 kg, p<0.05) and dietary poly‐unsaturated fat intake (males −3.1 ± 5.3 kg, vs females 1.9 ± 3.5 kg, p<0.05) was found following the first semester of first year students between genders. Trends in the change of percent body fat (males 4.0 ± 5.0 kg, vs females −1.4 ± 7.5 kg, p<0.07), dietary saturated fat intake (males 9.4 ± 17.4 kg, vs females −3.6 ± 10.0 kg, p<0.09) and dietary omega‐6 intake (males −2.7 ± 4.7 kg, vs females 1.3 ± 3.0 kg, p<0.06) was also established. In conclusion, gender has an impact on body composition changes across the first semester in first year college students at a small private liberal arts institution. Programs emphasizing gender specific approaches to managing body composition in the first semester for first year college students may be needed on college campuses.

Replacing Saturated Fat, Refined Carbs With Healthy Fats Could Ease Global CHD Burden

I burdens. This suggests that focus on nsuffi cient omega-6 polyunsaturated increasing healthful n-6 rich vegetable fatty acids (n-6 PUFA), excess trans fat oils may provide important public health and, to a lesser extent, excess saturatbenefits,” Qianyi Wang, ScD, and her ed fat, are signifi cant causes of coronary colleagues said. heart disease, suggests a global study The researchers estimated national recently published online. intakes of saturated fat, n-6 PUFA, “Our anal ysis provides, for the first and trans fat based on country-specific time, a rigorous comparison of global dietary surveys, food availability data, CHD burdens attributable to insufficient and for trans fat, industry reports on n-6 PUFA versus higher saturated fat. fats/oils and packaged foods. The In 80% of nations, n-6 PUFA–attributeffects of dietary fats on CHD mortalable CHD burdens were at least twofold ity were derived from meta-analyses of prospective cohorts, and CHD mortality rates were derived from the 2010 Global Burden of Diseases Study. Absolute and proportional attributable CHD mortality were computed using a comparative risk assessment framework. The researchers estimated insufficient n-6 PUFA consumption having been replaced by carbohydrate or saturated fat consumption was responsible for 711,800 CHD deaths per year, accounting for 10% of total global CHD mortality and for 187 CHD deaths per year per 1 million adults. The most absolute CHD deaths per year — 547 per 1 million adults — attributable to insufficient n-6 PUFA occurred in Eastern Europe, while Oceania had the highest proportion of n-6 PUFA–attributable CHD deaths. East Asia had both the fewest absolute — 74 per 1 million adults — and lowest proportion — 6.7% — of CHD deaths attributable to inadequate consumption of n-6 PUFA. Excess consumption of saturated fat as a replacement for n-6 PUFA caused an estimated 250,900 CHD deaths per year, accounting for 3.6% of CHD deaths and 66 CHD deaths per year per 1 million adults. T he researchers estimated that excess trans fat consumption caused 537,200 CHD deaths per year, representing 7.7% of global CHD mortality and 141 CHD deaths per year per 1 million adults. High-income nations generally had higher trans fat–attributable CHD mortality than lower-income nations. The highest trans fat–attributable absolute CHD mortality occurred in Egypt, with 1,120 deaths per year per 1 million adults. Canada, Pakistan, and the United States all had more than 475 deaths per year per 1 million adults because of excess consumption of trans fat. Such deaths accounted for more than 17% of corresponding national CHD mortality. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean had the lowest estimated trans fat–attributable CHD mortality. Additional findings of this study included mean global changes in dietary intakes of saturated fat, n-6 PUFA, and trans fat, and corresponding changes in CHD deaths occurring between 1990 and 2010. Specifically, global proportional CHD mortality attributable to insufficient n-6 PUFA and higher saturated fat consumption decreased by 9% and 21%, respectively. Such decreases occurred in concert with a 0.5% increase in consumption of n-6 PUFA and a 0.2% decrease in consumption of saturated fat. In high-income countries, trans fat consumption declined in parallel with policy strategies to reduce industrial trans fat production. In contrast, global proportional CHD deaths attributable to higher trans fat increased by 4% as global mean dietary intakes of trans fat increased by 0.1%. “Growing evidence indicates that lowering saturated fat provides convincing cardiovascular benefits only when replaced by PUFA, whereas cardiovascular benefits of n-6 PUFA are similar whether replacing saturated fat or total carbohydrates,” said Dr. Wang of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston. R ead the study in the Journal of the American Heart Association [doi:10.1161/ JAHA.115.002891]. CfA

Alcoholic Liver Disease: Update on the Role of Dietary Fat.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) spans a spectrum of liver pathology, including fatty liver, alcoholic steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary factors, including dietary fat, as well as alcohol, play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ALD. The protective effects of dietary saturated fat (SF) and deleterious effects of dietary unsaturated fat (USF) on alcohol-induced liver pathology are well recognized and documented in experimental animal models of ALD. Moreover, it has been demonstrated in an epidemiological study of alcoholic cirrhosis that dietary intake of SF was associated with a lower mortality rates, whereas dietary intake of USF was associated with a higher mortality. In addition, oxidized lipids (dietary and in vivo generated) may play a role in liver pathology. The understanding of how dietary fat contributes to the ALD pathogenesis will enhance our knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of ALD development and progression, and may result in the development of novel diet-based therapeutic strategies for ALD management. This review explores the relevant scientific literature and provides a current understanding of recent advances regarding the role of dietary lipids in ALD pathogenesis.

Nutrient intakes and iron and vitamin D status differ depending on main milk consumed by UK children aged 12-18 months - secondary analysis from the Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children.

Nutrition in the second year is important as this is a period of rapid growth and development. Milk is a major food for young children and this analysis evaluated the impact of the type of milk consumed on nutrient intakes and nutritional status. Data from the Diet and Nutrition Survey of Infants and Young Children were used to investigate the intakes of key nutrients, and Fe and vitamin D status, of children aged 12-18 months, not breastfed, and consuming >400 g/d fortified milk (n 139) or >400 g/d of whole cows' milk (n 404). Blood samples from eligible children for measurement of Hb (n 113), serum ferritin and plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations (n 105) were available for approximately 20 % of children. Unpaired Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare nutrient intakes and status between consumers of fortified and cows' milk. Mean daily total dietary intakes of Fe, Zn, vitamin A and vitamin D were significantly higher in the fortified milk group. Mean daily total dietary intakes of energy, protein, Ca, iodine, Na and saturated fat were significantly higher in the cows' milk group. Hb was not different between groups. The fortified milk group had significantly higher serum ferritin (P = 0·049) and plasma 25(OH)D (P = 0·014). This analysis demonstrates significantly different nutrient intakes and status between infants consuming >400 g/d fortified milk v. those consuming >400 g/d whole cows' milk. These results indicate that fortified milks can play a significant role in improving the quality of young children's diets in their second year of life.

Metabolic Syndrome Risk Among Adults Living with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: The life span of individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) has increased considerably over the past three decades. Yet, as this group ages, new concerns emerge about their overall health profile - particularly with regard to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the primary cause of mortality in the United States. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that are associated with a 2-fold increase in CVD outcomes and a 1.5-fold increase in all-cause mortality. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of MetS risk factors among adults with SCD. As part of exploring the CVD profile of this population, we report findings from a pilot study that sought to evaluate MetS (typically defined as the presence of 3 or more risk factors).Methods: 49 adults (ages 21-66 years; 72% female) completed demographic and health behavior surveys, health-related family and personal histories, anthropometric measurements, the Block 2005 nutritional assessment, and a comprehensive blood panel. In terms of SCD genotype, 63% of participants were diagnosed with homozygous sickle cell anemia and 37% were diagnosed with hemoglobin SC disease. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and compare MetS components stratified in separate analyses by genotype and sex.Results: The most prevalent MetS risk factors observed in our study - large waist circumference and reduced HDL levels - affected 45% and 69% of the sample, respectively. Overall, 16% of participants met traditional criteria for MetS. Table 1 summarizes mean values and shows the gender-adjusted risk for MetS. Although 78% of the sample self-reported moderate to high physical activity, nearly half of participants were overweight and had dietary saturated fat intake levels that exceeded both the national average and US Dietary Guidelines (<10%). Participants with the SC phenotype were older, consumed more calories, and had higher BMI, waist circumference, and BP values compared to those with the SS phenotype. Overall, males had worse MetS risk profiles compared to women, but no statistically significant sex differences were observed with regard to components of MetS.Conclusion: We report prevalence of MetS components, a surrogate of CVD risk, in a sample of adults living with SCD. Despite high levels of self-reported physical activity, both increased waist circumference and reduced HDL levels were notably high in our sample. These findings correspond with recent studies that indicate an upward trend in obesity and BMI among young adults with SCD. They also suggest a need to prioritize weight management, aerobic exercise, and resistance training strategies that could decrease MetS risk, but are rarely considered for this population.Table 1Metabolic syndrome risk among adults living with SCD (N=49)Mean Value (SD)Proportion at Risk*Male (n = 14)Female (n = 35)Male (n = 14)Female (n = 35)Age (years)41.6 (10.76)39.3 (12.86)--Waist circumference (cm)96.53 (21.99)90.75 (14.05)42.9%45.7%Triglycerides (mg/dL)114.21 (57.22)83.36 (36.21)21.4%3.0%HDL (mg/dL)35.07 (9.51)51.30 (20.31)78.6%69.7%Systolic BP115.79 (15.00)108.59 (13.15)21.4%8.6%Diastolic BP69.11 (8.99)62.17 (6.18)0.0%0.0%Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)86.50 (8.07)80.91 (13.73)0.0%9.0%Metabolic Syndrome--28.6%8.6%*"Risk" is defined as: waist circumference > 89cm (Females) and > 102cm (Males); triglyceride levels > 150mg/dL; HDL levels < 50mg/dL (Females) and < 40mg/dL (Males); systolic blood pressure > 130; diastolic blood pressure > 85; fasting glucose levels > 100mg/dL. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Translating a heart disease lifestyle intervention into the community: the South Asian Heart Lifestyle Intervention (SAHELI) study; a randomized control trial.

BackgroundSouth Asians (Asian Indians and Pakistanis) are the second fastest growing ethnic group in the United States (U.S.) and have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This pilot study evaluated a culturally-salient, community-based healthy lifestyle intervention to reduce ASCVD risk among South Asians.MethodsThrough an academic-community partnership, medically underserved South Asian immigrants at risk for ASCVD were randomized into the South Asian Heart Lifestyle Intervention (SAHELI) study. The intervention group attended 6 interactive group classes focused on increasing physical activity, healthful diet, weight, and stress management. They also received follow-up telephone support calls. The control group received translated print education materials about ASCVD and healthy behaviors. Primary outcomes were feasibility and initial efficacy, measured as change in moderate/vigorous physical activity and dietary saturated fat intake at 3- and 6-months. Secondary clinical and psychosocial outcomes were also measured.ResultsParticipants’ (n = 63) average age was 50 (SD = 8) years, 63 % were female, 27 % had less than or equal to a high school education, one-third were limited English proficient, and mean BMI was 30 kg/m2 (SD ± 5). There were no significant differences in change in physical activity or saturated fat intake between the intervention and control group. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significant weight loss (−1.5 kg, p-value = 0.04) and had a greater sex-adjusted decrease in hemoglobin A1C (−0.43 %, p-value <0.01) at 6 months. Study retention was 100 %.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that a culturally-salient, community-based lifestyle intervention was feasible for engaging medically underserved South Asian immigrants and more effective at addressing ASCVD risk factors than print health education materials.Trial registrationNCT01647438, Date of Trial Registration: July 19, 2012Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2401-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diet quality of cancer survivors and noncancer individuals: Results from a national survey.

Patterns of poor nutritional intake may exacerbate the elevated morbidity experienced by cancer survivors. It remains unclear whether cancer survivors adhere to existing dietary guidelines and whether survivors' diets differ from those of individuals without cancer over the long term. The authors evaluated dietary intake and quality in 1533 adult cancer survivors who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2010 compared with dietary intake and quality in 3075 individuals who had no history of cancer and were matched to the cancer survivors by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls. The 2010 Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) was used to evaluate diet quality. The mean ± standard deviation HEI-2010 total score was 47.2 ± 0.5 in the cancer survivors and 48.3 ± 0.4 in the noncancer group (P = .03). Compared with the noncancer group, cancer survivors had a significantly lower score for empty calories (13.6 vs 14.4; P = .001), which corresponded to worse adherence to dietary intake of calories from solid fats, alcohol, and added sugars. Cancer survivors also had significantly lower dietary intake of fiber than the noncancer group (15.0 vs 15.9 g per day; P = .02). In relation to recommended intake, survivors' mean dietary intake of vitamin D, vitamin E, potassium, fiber, and calcium was 31%, 47%, 55%, 60%, and 73%, respectively; whereas their mean dietary intake of saturated fat and sodium was 112% and 133%, respectively, of the recommended intake. Cancer survivors had poor adherence to the US Department of Agriculture 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and their intake patterns were worse than those in the general population for empty calories and fiber.

Additive effect of linseed oil supplementation on the lipid profiles of older adults.

BackgroundLinseed oil has been investigated as a rich source of n-3 series polyunsaturated fatty acids, which mainly produce a non-atherogenic lipid profile. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of linseed oil supplementation associated with nutritional guidelines on the lipid profiles of older adults, according to the intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA).MethodsWe conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 110 older adults randomized in two groups: placebo and linseed oil. The linseed oil group received supplementation with 3 g of linseed oil. Both groups received nutritional guidance and were supplemented for 90 days with monthly blood collection for biochemical analysis. The dietary intake of saturated fat was subdivided into low (<7% SFA/day of the total energy value) and high consumption groups (>7% SFA/day of the total energy value).ResultsLow SFA (<7% SFA/day of total energy value) consumption was associated with lower total cholesterol concentrations. However, we observed that the linseed oil group, including older adults who consumed >7% SFA/day, had a greater reduction in total cholesterol than the placebo group (P=0.020). The same was observed for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P<0.050), suggesting an additive effect of linseed oil and diet. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were increased significantly in only the linseed group, suggesting that the nutritional intervention alone did not improve HDL cholesterol.ConclusionThe results suggest that the nutritional intervention was effective, but linseed oil showed notable effects by increasing the HDL cholesterol concentration. In addition, consumption of <7% SFA/day of the total energy value increased the effect of linseed oil, demonstrating the importance of reducing the consumption of saturated fat.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Observational data have suggested that high dietary intake of saturated fat and low intake of vegetables may be associated with increased risk of Alzheimer disease. To test the effects of oral supplementation with nutrients on cognitive function. In a double-masked randomized clinical trial (the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 [AREDS2]), retinal specialists in 82 US academic and community medical centers enrolled and observed participants who were at risk for developing late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from October 2006 to December 2012. In addition to annual eye examinations, several validated cognitive function tests were administered via telephone by trained personnel at baseline and every 2 years during the 5-year study. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) (1 g) and/or lutein (10 mg)/zeaxanthin (2 mg) vs placebo were tested in a factorial design. All participants were also given varying combinations of vitamins C, E, beta carotene, and zinc. The main outcome was the yearly change in composite scores determined from a battery of cognitive function tests from baseline. The analyses, which were adjusted for baseline age, sex, race, history of hypertension, education, cognitive score, and depression score, evaluated the differences in the composite score between the treated vs untreated groups. The composite score provided an overall score for the battery, ranging from -22 to 17, with higher scores representing better function. A total of 89% (3741/4203) of AREDS2 participants consented to the ancillary cognitive function study and 93.6% (3501/3741) underwent cognitive function testing. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 72.7 (7.7) years and 57.5% were women. There were no statistically significant differences in change of scores for participants randomized to receive supplements vs those who were not. The yearly change in the composite cognitive function score was -0.19 (99% CI, -0.25 to -0.13) for participants randomized to receive LCPUFAs vs -0.18 (99% CI, -0.24 to -0.12) for those randomized to no LCPUFAs (difference in yearly change, -0.03 [99% CI, -0.20 to 0.13]; P = .63). Similarly, the yearly change in the composite cognitive function score was -0.18 (99% CI, -0.24 to -0.11) for participants randomized to receive lutein/zeaxanthin vs -0.19 (99% CI, -0.25 to -0.13) for those randomized to not receive lutein/zeaxanthin (difference in yearly change, 0.03 [99% CI, -0.14 to 0.19]; P = .66). Analyses were also conducted to assess for potential interactions between LCPUFAs and lutein/zeaxanthin and none were found to be significant. Among older persons with AMD, oral supplementation with LCPUFAs or lutein/zeaxanthin had no statistically significant effect on cognitive function. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00345176.

Association of high dietary saturated fat intake and uncontrolled diabetes with constipation: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Constipation is highly prevalent in the United States. The association of dietary fat intake with constipation has not been well studied. We recently reported that mice fed a high-fat diet had higher incidence of constipation than regular diet fed mice. The aim of this study was to assess if increased intake of dietary saturated fat in humans is also associated with higher risk of constipation and reduced stool frequency. Analyses were based on data from 6207 adults (≥20 years) from the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys who had completed the bowel health questionnaire. Constipation was defined as a stool frequency of less than three times per week. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted prevalence odds ratio (OR) estimates. Statistical analyses were performed using R and RStudio softwares. The prevalence of constipation in this sample was 3.1%. After multivariable adjustment high saturated fat remained associated with constipation. The OR for high saturated fat intake associated with constipation was much higher in diabetics above 65 years, especially in non-Hispanic blacks, females, and those with poor glycemic control, compared to the control group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate the association of high saturated fat diet, bowel frequency, and diabetes. This study demonstrates that a high dietary saturated fat intake is associated with significant increase in the prevalence of constipation, especially in the uncontrolled diabetic, non-Hispanic black, female patients.

CONSUMPTION OF CHEESE AND MILK AND CHRONIC DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY, FRIEND OR FOE?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and especially the obstruction of the coronary arteries are the main health expenditure in most of the countries. However, France, according to WHO, has the lowest mortality from these causes but shows a high dietary intake of saturated fats, known as the French paradox. In addition, consumption of wine, small food intakes, regular exercise, increased intake of fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber, flavonoids and phytosterols and also cheese comsumption, are factors which together contribute to the paradox. There areseveral studies which link fat intake and CVD but not showing a high correlation. This fact could be justified by the divergent effect of saturated fat on lipoproteins. Dairy products content saturated fats, however recentlystudies have found an inverse correlation between its consumption and CVD, possibly due to their content of trans fatty acid palmitoleic, which allows to increase the levels of HDL cholesterol, decrease C reactive protein and triglicerides. In general, dairy products have an important variety of nutrients which can have several health benefits improving the response to insulin, adiponectin levels increase and decrease the presence of obesity, among other effects. Meanwhile, consumption of cheese, may have positive health effects, for example, is able toprevent cardiovascular infarctions, descend plasma TAGs and increases HDL cholesterol. This paper shows the results of several studies linking consumption of cheese with non-communicable diseases with special emphasis on CVD. The displayed data allow us to conclude that regular consumption has more beneficial than detrimental effects.

Dietary saturated fat intake and atherosclerotic vascular disease mortality in elderly women: a prospective cohort study

The reduction of saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake has been the basis of long-standing dietary recommendations. However, recent epidemiologic studies have reported conflicting evidence in the relation between SFA consumption and risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) mortality. We investigated the association of SFA intake with serum lipid profiles and ASVD mortality in a population-based 10-y cohort study. At baseline (1998) 1469 women living in Perth, Western Australia, with a mean ± SD age of 75.2 ± 2.7 y had SFA intake measured by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Outcome data were serum lipids at baseline and ASVD deaths over 10 y (13,649 person-years of follow-up), retrieved from the Western Australian Data Linkage System. Other risk factors for ASVD were assessed and adjusted for in multivariable analyses. ASVD deaths occurred in 9.1% (134) of participants. The highest quartile of SFA intake (>31.28 g/d) had an ~16% cumulative mortality risk compared with ~5% in the lowest quartile (<17.39 g/d) (HR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.54, 6.11; P = 0.001). Baseline SFA intake was associated with baseline serum total and LDL cholesterol in multivariable-adjusted models (β: 0.199, SE: 0.056, P < 0.001 and β: 0.190, SE: 0.051, P < 0.001, respectively). However, baseline serum total and LDL cholesterol were not associated with ASVD mortality. High SFA intake was associated with the risk of ASVD mortality in this population of elderly women. Although there was a strong positive association between SFA intake and LDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol was not associated with ASVD mortality in this cohort. Nevertheless, these data support dietary advice to reduce SFA intake.

Palm oil, its nutritional and health implications (Review)

Diet for some time now in Nigeria has undergone many changes such aschanges in dietary intake of fats and oils. There has been an increasing consumption of partially hydrogenated trans-vegetable oils and a decreasing intake of lauric acid-containing oils. Although popular literature and people generally, usually attribute an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) to elevated levels of serum cholesterol, which in turn arethought to derive from an increased dietary intake of saturated fats and cholesterol. The palm oil and palm kernel oil are high in saturated fatty acids, about 50% and 80% respectively and are esterified with glycerol. In developing countries, vegetable oils are replacing animal fats because of the cost and health concerns. It is reassuring to know that the consumption of palm oil as a source of dietary fat does not pose any additional risks forcoronary artery disease when consumed in realistic amounts as part of a healthy diet. However, oxidized palm oil induces reproductive toxicity and organ toxicity particularly of the kidneys, lungs, liver and heart. Therefore, oxidized palm oil should be avoided. © JASEM

Abstract P061: Dietary Intake of Saturated Fat by Food Source and Incident Coronary Heart Disease: the Zutphen Elderly Study

Introduction: Associations of saturated fatty acids (SFA) with coronary heart disease (CHD) may depend on their food source. We examined the association of SFA intake from different food sources, with 15-year incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in elderly men in the Netherlands. Methods: Data were collected from 686 elderly men from the Zutphen Elderly Study, aged 65-85 years with no CHD or diabetes mellitus. At baseline (1985), habitual diet was assessed with a cross-check dietary history method. Information on vital status and incidence of CHD (fatal CHD and nonfatal myocardial infarction) until July 1, 2000 was assessed through municipal population registries and hospital or GP records. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated with Cox proportional-hazards models, adjusted for age, lifestyle (smoking, BMI, physical activity, socioeconomic status, and alcohol consumption) and dietary factors including total energy, carbohydrates, protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids and dietary fibre. In addition, substitution models were used to estimate the exchange of 2 en% SFA from different sources, i.e. dairy, meat, and plant or butter SFA. Results: During 15 years of follow-up, we observed 132 incident CHD events. Across tertiles (T), the intake of SFA ranged from 14.2 (T1) to 21.7 (T3) energy percent (en%). Plant or butter SFA contributed for 37 en% to total SFA intake, followed by dairy (27%) and meat (17%). Total SFA intake correlated most strongly with plant or butter SFA (r=0.71). Spearman correlation coefficients of total SFA with dairy and meat were 0.34 and 0.09 respectively (all p&lt;0.05). The intake of total SFA was not significantly associated with CHD (HR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.41-1.39) for T3 vs T1. HRs for plant or butter SFA, dairy SFA, and meat SFA were 0.96 (0.55-1.69), 0.82 (0.48-1.40), and 1.64 (0.89-3.04) respectively, for the top compared to the bottom tertile. A 2 en% higher intake of SFA from dairy or meat, exchanged with plant or butter SFA, resulted in a HR of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.79-1.20) for dairy and 1.12 (0.75-1.66) for meat. The HR (95% CI) for an exchange of 2 en% SFA from dairy with SFA from meat was 1.15 (95% CI: 0.80-1.66). Conclusion: In Dutch elderly men, total SFA or SFA from specific food sources were not significantly associated with incident CHD. The association of SFA from meat with CHD deserves further attention.

Dietary Intake of Saturated Fat Is Not Associated with Risk of Coronary Events or Mortality in Patients with Established Coronary Artery Disease1–3

AbstractBackground: Data from recent meta-analyses question an association between dietary intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, the prognostic effect of dietary SFA in patients with established CVD treated with modern conventional medication has not been extensively studied.Objective: We investigated the associations between self-reported dietary SFA intake and risk of subsequent coronary events and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: This study included patients who participated in the Western Norway B-Vitamin Intervention Trial and completed a 169-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire after coronary angiography. Quartiles of estimated daily intakes of SFA were related to risk of a primary composite endpoint of coronary events (unstable angina pectoris, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, and coronary death) and separate secondary endpoints (total acute myocardial infarction, fatal coronary events, and all-cause death) with use of Cox-regression analyses.Results: This study included 2412 patients (81% men, mean age: 61.7 y). After a median follow-up of 4.8 y, a total of 292 (12%) patients experienced at least one major coronary event during follow-up. High intake of SFAs was associated with a number of risk factors at baseline. However, there were no significant associations between SFA intake and risk of coronary events [age- and sex-adjusted HR (95% CI) was 0.85 (0.61, 1.18) for the upper vs. lower SFA quartile] or any secondary endpoint. Estimates were not appreciably changed after multivariate adjustments.Conclusions: There was no association between dietary intake of SFAs and incident coronary events or mortality in patients with established CAD.

Food portion sizes and dietary quality in Irish children and adolescents.

To describe relationships between the portion sizes of a range of foods commonly consumed by Irish children and adolescents and key indicators of dietary quality on the days they were consumed. Cross-sectional data from the Irish National Children's Food Survey (2003-2004; 7 d weighed record) and National Teens' Food Survey (2005-2006; 7 d semi-weighed record) were used to compare mean values for a number of dietary quality indicators (e.g. energy-adjusted intakes of saturated fat, dietary fibre and Na) across portion size tertiles for a range of foods, on the days the foods were consumed. The Republic of Ireland. Nationally representative samples of children aged 5-12 years (n 594) and adolescents aged 13-17 years (n 441). Relationships between food portion sizes and indicators of dietary quality on the days the foods were consumed were similar in both children and adolescents. Lower dietary energy density and saturated fat intakes, and higher dietary fibre intakes, were observed on the days larger portions of fruit and boiled potatoes were consumed. Higher dietary energy density and lower micronutrient intakes were observed on the days larger portions of sugar-sweetened beverages were consumed. Higher Na intakes were observed on the days larger portions of frying meats were consumed. The current work identifies foods for which larger portion sizes may be associated with positive dietary attributes, as well as the opposite. Findings will form an evidence base from which more specific dietary guidance relating to portion size may be developed for Irish children and adolescents.

Influence of Dietary Saturated Fat Intake on Endothelial Fibrinolytic Capacity in Adults

Approximately 50% of middle-aged and older adults in the United States regularly consume a diet high in saturated fat. High dietary saturated fat intake has been linked to promote atherothrombotic vascular disease. We tested the hypothesis that endothelial fibrinolytic function is diminished in middle-aged and older adults who habitually consume a diet high in saturated fat. Twenty-four healthy, sedentary middle-aged, and older adults (54 to 71years) were studied: 10 (8 men and 2 women) with a dietary saturated fat intake <10% (lower saturated fat) of total calories and 14 (9 men and 5 women) with a dietary saturated fat intake ≥10% of total calories (high saturated fat). Net endothelial release of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), the primary activator of fibrinolysis, was determined, invivo, in response to intrabrachial infusions of bradykinin (12.5 to 50.0ng/100ml tissue/min) and sodium nitroprusside (1.0 to 4.0μg/100ml tissue/min). Capacity of the endothelium to release t-PA in response to bradykinin was ∼30% less (p <0.05) in the high (from-0.7 ± 0.6 to 36.9 ± 3.3ng/100ml tissue/min) compared with the lower (from-0.3 ± 0.3 to 53.4 ± 7.8ng/100ml tissue/min) dietary saturated fat group. Moreover, total amount of t-PA released was significantly less (∼30%) (201 ± 22 vs 274 ± 29ng/100ml tissue) in the adults who reported consuming a diet high in saturated fat. These results indicate that the capacity of the endothelium to release t-PA is lower in middle-aged and older adults who habitually consume a diet high in saturated fat. In conclusion, endothelial fibrinolytic dysfunction may underlie the increased atherothrombotic disease risk with a diet high in saturated fat.

Molecular docking of resveratrol with known protein structures as well as high-throughput meta-data analyses uncork the “French Paradox” and its potential “Druggable” targets in humans

Background Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin (3, 5, 4’trihydroxystilbene) produced by plants as a protective defense mechanism against pathogens or environmental stress [1]. RSV is found in various plant species such as peanuts, mulberries, Japanese knotweed and skin of grapes. As such RSV is a component of red wine. Interestingly, the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is comparatively reduced in people from Southern France despite high dietary intake of saturated fats [1-3]. In order to uncork this “French-Paradox”, as well as to identify other potential health benefits of RSV in relation to cancer, infection and inflammation, we studied molecular docking of RSV with known protein structures implicated in health and disease and further dissected the potential molecular networks regulated by RSV.

Abstract P233: Plasma essential fatty acids and type 2 diabetes risk: the Hoorn Study

Background: A high consumption of the polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) instead of saturated fatty acids is known to reduce CHD risk, but data on the relation between LA and ALA intake and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) risk are limited and inconsistent. Plasma levels of LA and ALA provide a relatively accurate reflection of the intake over several weeks or months, because of the essential nature of these fatty acids. Objective: To investigate the association of the percentage of LA and ALA in plasma lipids with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), post-load glucose (PLG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as markers of T2DM risk. Methods: The study population included 667 Dutch men and women, aged 50-75 years from the population-based Hoorn Study. Baseline data for the current study were collected between 2000 and 2001, with follow-up in 2008. Linear regression models were used in cross-sectional and prospective analyses. Results: In cross-sectional analyses, plasma LA (per %) was significantly and inversely associated with FPG ( B = -0.022 [-0.044, 0.000]) and PLG ( B = -0.096 [-0.155, -0.036]), but not with HbA1c ( B = 0.000 [-0.014, 0.014]), after adjustment for age, gender, total energy intake, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, physical activity, fiber, dietary saturated fat intake, alcohol intake and education level. In prospective analyses, plasma LA was not significantly associated with FPG, PLG or HbA1c after adjustments for baseline glucose. In addition, no significant associations were found between plasma ALA and markers of T2DM risk in cross-sectional or prospective analyses. Conclusion: Plasma LA, but not ALA, was inversely associated with fasting and post-load glucose levels in cross-sectional, but not in prospective analyses. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of plasma LA and ALA levels and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in glucose metabolism.