Fat Intake In Women Research Articles

Impulsivity influences food intake in women with generalized anxiety disorder.

Objective:Eating behavior is affected by psychological and neurocognitive factors. However, little is known about this relationship in anxious patients. Our aim was to investigate the associations between impulsivity, inhibitory control, energy-dense food consumption, and body mass index (BMI) in women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 51 adult females with GAD answered the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and participated in a go/no-go task using food images. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated. A food frequency questionnaire and a snack test were used to study eating behavior. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were performed to analyze the variables of interest, adjusted by age.Results:Impulsivity predicted intake of sugar (p = 0.016, 95%CI 0.67-6.05), total fat (p = 0.007, 95%CI 0.62-3.71), and saturated fat (p = 0.004, 95%CI 0.30-1.48). The snack test showed a positive correlation between presence of impulsivity and intake of biscuits (R = 0.296; p = 0.051). Response inhibition to food images in the go/no-go task paradigm did not predict BMI or food intake.Conclusion:Impulsivity was predictive of higher sugar and saturated fat intake in women diagnosed with GAD. Our findings add to the literature regarding the association between neuropsychological factors and food consumption in this specific population.

Serum nonesterified fatty acids have utility as dietary biomarkers of fat intake from fish, fish oil, and dairy in women

Nutritional studies rely on various biological specimens for FA determination, yet it is unclear how levels of serum NEFAs correlate with other circulating lipid pools. Here, we used a high-throughput method (<4 min/sample) based on multisegment injection-nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (MSI-NACE-MS) to investigate whether specific serum NEFAs have utility as biomarkers of dietary fat intake in women. We first identified circulating NEFAs correlated with long-term/habitual food intake among pregnant women with contrasting dietary patterns (n = 50). Acute changes in serum NEFA trajectories were also studied in nonpregnant women (n = 18) following high-dose (5 g/day) fish oil (FO) supplementation or isoenergetic sunflower oil placebo over 56 days. In the cross-sectional study, serum ω-3 FAs correlated with self-reported total ω-3 daily intake, notably EPA as its NEFA (r = 0.46; P = 0.001), whereas pentadecanoic acid was associated with full-fat dairy intake (r = 0.43; P = 0.002), outcomes consistent with results from total FA serum hydrolysates. In the intervention cohort, serum ω-3 NEFAs increased 2.5-fold from baseline within 28 days following FO supplementation, and this increase was most pronounced for EPA (P = 0.0004). Unlike for DHA, circulating EPA as its NEFA also strongly correlated to EPA concentrations measured from erythrocyte phospholipid hydrolysates (r = 0.66; P = 4.6 × 10-10) and was better suited to detect dietary nonadherence. We conclude that MSI-NACE-MS offers a rapid method to quantify serum NEFAs and objectively monitor dietary fat intake in women that is complementary to food-frequency questionnaires.

SUN-369 Different Association of Dietary Fat Intake with Femoral Neck Strength According to Gender: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Purpose: Despite the general belief that higher fat intake may be harmful for bone health, its impact on bone strength has not been thoroughly studied. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, including 2,590 participants. Composite indices of femoral neck strength, such as the compression strength index (CSI), bending strength index (BSI), and impact strength index (ISI), were generated by combining bone mineral density, body mass, and height with the femoral axis length and width. Results: Dietary fat intake (%) was inversely related to CSI and ISI in men, but not in women. Men in the highest three fat intake quintiles had lower CSI, BSI, and/or ISI than those in the lowest quintile (P=0.003–0.024). In women, compared with participants in the third fat intake quintile, those in the other four quintiles had lower CSI, BSI, and/or ISI (P=0.004–0.049). When the participants were allocated to three groups according to the dietary reference intake of fat in Koreans [low (<15%), moderate (15–30%), or high (≥30%)], men with a moderate or high fat intake had significantly lower ISIs than those with a low fat intake (P=0.046 and 0.039, respectively). By contrast, compared with women consuming a moderate amount of fat, those with a high intake had lower CSI, BSI, and ISI (P = 0.025–0.047). Conclusion: These findings suggest that higher fat intake in men and low or high fat intake in women may contribute to deteriorations in bone strength.

Post-lunch triglyceridaemia associates with HDLc and insulin resistance in fasting normotriglyceridaemic menopausal women.

Post-prandial hypertriglyceridaemia (P-HTG) is associated with cardiovascular disease. This association is of paramount importance during menopause, which is also related to reduced high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLc) and elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. We aimed to provide a self-assesing tool to screen for P-HTG in menopausal women who were normotriglyceridaemic at fasting and adhered to a Mediterranean-style eating pattern. We performed oral fat loading tests (OFLT) in combination with self-measurements of diurnal capillary TGat fixed time-points (DC-TG) in 29 healthy menopausal women. TG levels >220mgdL-1 at any given time during the OFLT served as diagnostic criteria for P-HTG. Subsequently, DC-TG profiles were examined to determine the best mealtime (breakfast, lunch or dinner), as well as optimal cut-off points to classify these women as having P-HTG according to the OFLT. Insulin resistance was defined as the upper tertile of the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. We found that, despite having normal fasting TG levels, P-HTG was highly prevalent (approximately 40%). Moreover, self-assessed 3-h post-lunch TG levels >165mgdL-1 increased the odds of having hypo-HDL cholesterolaemia by 14.1-fold (P=0.026) and the odds of having insulin resistance by 31.6-fold (P=0.007), adjusted for total fat intake in women adhering to a Mediterranean eating pattern having their highest energy intake at lunch. Self-assessed 3-h post-lunch TG can be used to study post-prandial TG metabolism in Southern European menopausal women who are normotriglyceridaemic at fasting. Characterising an individual's post-prandial response may help menopausal women to evaluate their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract A73: Body mass index, diet, and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study

Abstract Background: The etiology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is poorly understood, especially regarding modifiable risk factors that could inform prevention messages. Obesity and diet are potentially modifiable risk factors that may contribute to lymphomagenesis by influencing inflammation or carcinogen exposure. Prospective data on obesity, diet, and NHL risk are limited and inconsistent. After 14 years of follow-up in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), we observed significant associations of fat and vegetable intake with NHL risk. We expanded these analyses to further examine the roles of obesity and diet in NHL etiology in the NHS and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) cohorts after substantially longer follow-up. Methods: The NHS was established in 1976, when 121,700 female nurses aged 30–55 years completed a self-administered questionnaire on lifestyle behaviors and medical history. The HPFS comprises 51,529 male dentists and other health professionals aged 40–75 years at baseline in 1986. Biennial questionnaires are sent to participants to update risk factor information and identify new diagnoses and have included a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess diet every 2 to 4 years since 1980 in the NHS and 1986 in the HPFS. The present analyses included 91,227 women who completed the 1980 NHS-FFQ and 47,542 men who completed the 1986 HPFS-FFQ and had no prior history of cancer. We confirmed 966 incident diagnoses of NHL among women through 2008 and 566 cases among men through 2006. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of NHL associated with current and young adult (NHS, age 18; HPFS, age 21) body mass index (BMI) and selected dietary factors (i.e., total fat, animal fat, vegetable fat, saturated fat, trans fat, fruits, and vegetables). We examined updated cumulative average food and energy-adjusted nutrient intakes. Multivariable models controlled for potential confounding by age, race, BMI, height, smoking history, physical activity, and total energy intake. Results: Young adult BMI was positively associated with NHL risk in both women (p-trend=0.02) and men (p-trend=0.002) in multivariable models. Women with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 at age 18 (vs. &amp;lt;21 kg/m2) had a 19% higher risk of NHL (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.74–1.91). Men with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 at age 21 (vs. &amp;lt;23 kg/m2) had a 63% higher NHL risk (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 0.92–2.88). Current BMI was also associated with NHL in men (HRBMI ≥30: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.05–2.09) but not in women (HRBMI ≥30: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.12). Neither total nor specific dietary fats were significantly associated with NHL; however, women in the top quintile (Q5) of trans fat intake (vs. Q1) had a non-significantly increased NHL risk (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.95–1.51). Men and women who consumed ≥4 servings of vegetables/day (vs. &amp;lt;2 servings/day) had a slightly lower risk of NHL (HRmen: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.67–1.13; HRwomen: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.67–1.04). Total fruit intake was not associated with NHL. Conclusions: These preliminary analyses in two large prospective cohorts support the hypothesis that obesity in young adulthood predicts increased risk of all NHL in both men and women. We also observed a suggested positive association of NHL risk with trans fat intake in women and a modest inverse association with vegetable intake in men and women, consistent with our earlier reports. It is plausible that there is etiologic heterogeneity across the &amp;gt;30 NHL histologic subtypes. Ongoing analyses to examine the relationship of obesity and diet with major NHL histologic subtypes in the NHS and HPFS may yield further insights into their roles in NHL etiology and prevention. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):A73.

Increased Prevalence of low High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) Levels in Korean Adults: Analysis of the Three Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES 1998–2005)

ObjectivesHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that has shown a remarkable increase, but little is known about the prevalence of low HDL-C in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate changing trends of low HDL-C prevalence, and indicate other risk factors associated with low HDL-C. MethodsWe selected subjects aged ≥20 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 1998, 2001, and 2005 (n = 7962, 6436, and 6412). The mean level of HDL-C and the prevalence of low HDL-C was calculated, and cardiovascular risk factors associated with low HDL-C, as well as demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, and nutrition factors, were assessed using the KNHANES 2005 data. ResultsMean HDL-C levels in men and women between KNHANES 1998 and 2005 decreased significantly, from 48.1 to 42.3 and from 51.6 to 47.1 mg/dL, respectively (both p < 0.001). The decrease was slightly less for women compared with men for the same period, and women had higher HDL-C levels at all periods. Covariate-adjusted OR revealed that body mass index, waist circumference, and non-alcohol drinker in both men and women were associated with low HDL-C levels by KNHANES 2005, as were employed and light physical activity in men and low fat intake in women. ConclusionThe prevalence of low HDL-C increased significantly from KNHANES 1998 to 2001 and 2005 (p < 0.001) in both men and women. body mass index, waist circumference, and non-alcohol drinker were identified as associated with low HDL-C in Korean adults.

Differences in maternal circulating fatty acid composition and dietary fat intake in women with gestational diabetes mellitus or mild gestational hyperglycemia.

OBJECTIVEWe investigated the relationship between maternal circulating fatty acids (FAs) and dietary FA intake in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM; n = 49), women with hyperglycemia less severe than GDM (impaired glucose challenge test [GCT] non-GDM; n = 80), and normal control subjects (n = 98).RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA case-control design was nested within a prospective cohort of healthy pregnant women. Fasting concentrations of serum total FAs (enzymatic assay) and FA composition (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) were determined at entry and the third trimester. Dietary fat intake data were obtained from 24-h recalls.RESULTSThere was a graded increase among groups (control subjects, impaired GCT non-GDM, and GDM) during the third trimester for total FAs and individual FAs, including myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids (P for trend <0.03 to P < 0.001). Similar relationships were observed at entry in total FAs and for four FAs (myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, and eicosapentaenoic acids). Women with impaired GCT non-GDM with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had the highest levels of FAs at entry, whereas women with GDM with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had the highest levels during the third trimester, and all grouped FAs were significantly different from lean women with impaired GCT non-GDM or control subjects (P < 0.05). Dietary intake of polyunsaturated FAs was decreased, but saturated FAs were increased in GDM compared with impaired GCT non-GDM or control subjects (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSAbnormalities in fat metabolism are present in both GDM and impaired GCT non-GDM women. Reducing pregravid weight and altering diet might prevent the associated elevation of circulating FAs.

Differences in maternal serum fatty acid composition and dietary fat intake in women with gestational diabetes or mild gestational hyperglycemia

We examined maternal serum fatty acid (FA) composition and dietary fat intake in a nested case‐control study in 227 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), positive glucose challenge test without GDM (positive GCT non‐GDM) and normal GCT (controls).Fasting total serum FAs and FA composition at entry (16wk) and 3rd trimester was determined by a combination of enzymatic and gas‐chromatography mass‐spectrometry analyses. The mean levels of total FA and FA composition (10 FAs) at the 3rd trimester showed an graded increase among groups (e.g. total FA: 325±19, 357±21, 419±28; palmitate: 117±6, 128±7, 148±9; oleic: 88±7, 100±8, 120±10; linoleic: 44±3, 48±3, 59±5; linolenic: 1.5±0.1, 1.7±0.1, 2.1±0.2; arachidonic: 1.3±0.1, 1.6±0.1, 2.0±0.2 μM/l (mean±SE) for controls, positive GCT non‐GDM and GDM respectively (p for trend &lt;0.01). Similar relations were observed at entry for total FA and 3 FAs. In contrast, dietary intake of polyunsaturated fat (g/day, adjusted for energy and total fat intake) was decreased in GDM (12±0.7), positive GCT non GDM (14±0.6) vs. controls (15±0.5, p&lt;0.05) and intake of saturated fat was increased in GDM (34±0.7), positive GCT non GDM (33±0.6) vs. controls (32±0.5, p&lt;0.01).The results suggest alterations in the type of dietary fat intake and possibly important changes in fat metabolism with untreated mild gestational hyperglycemia (positive GCT non‐GDM) as well as GDM pregnancy.

Re: Dietary Fat Reduction and Breast Cancer Outcome: Interim Efficacy Results From the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study

Background: Preclinical and observational studies suggest a relationship between dietary fat intake and breast cancer, but the association remains controversial. We carried out a randomized, prospective, multicenter clinical trial to test the effect of a dietary intervention designed to reduce fat intake in women with resected, early-stage breast cancer receiving conventional cancer management. Methods: A total of 2437 women were randomly assigned between February 1994 and January 2001 in a ratio of 40 : 60 to dietary intervention (n = 975) or control (n = 1462) groups. An interim analysis was performed after a median follow-up of 60 months when funding for the intervention ceased. Mean differences between dietary intervention and control groups in nutrient intakes and anthropometric variables were compared with t tests. Relapse-free survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis, stratified log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models. Statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Dietary fat intake was lower in the intervention than in the control group (fat grams/day at 12 months, 33.3 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 32.2 to 34.5] versus 51.3 [95% CI = 50.0 to 52.7], respectively; P<.001), corresponding to a statistically significant (P =.005), 6-pound lower mean body weight in the intervention group. A total of 277 relapse events (local, regional, distant, or ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence or new contralateral breast cancer) have been reported in 96 of 975 (9.8%) women in the dietary group and 181 of 1462 (12.4%) women in the control group. The hazard ratio of relapse events in the intervention group compared with the control group was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.60 to 0.98, P =.077 for stratified log rank and P =.034 for adjusted Cox model analysis). Exploratory analyses suggested a differential effect of the dietary intervention based on hormonal receptor status. Conclusions: A lifestyle intervention reducing dietary fat intake, with modest influence on body weight, may improve relapse-free survival of breast cancer patients receiving conventional cancer management. Longer, ongoing nonintervention follow-up will address original protocol design plans, which called for 3 years of follow-up after completion of recruitment.

Dietary Fat Reduction and Breast Cancer Outcome: Interim Efficacy Results From the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study

Preclinical and observational studies suggest a relationship between dietary fat intake and breast cancer, but the association remains controversial. We carried out a randomized, prospective, multicenter clinical trial to test the effect of a dietary intervention designed to reduce fat intake in women with resected, early-stage breast cancer receiving conventional cancer management. A total of 2437 women were randomly assigned between February 1994 and January 2001 in a ratio of 40:60 to dietary intervention (n = 975) or control (n = 1462) groups. An interim analysis was performed after a median follow-up of 60 months when funding for the intervention ceased. Mean differences between dietary intervention and control groups in nutrient intakes and anthropometric variables were compared with t tests. Relapse-free survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis, stratified log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models. Statistical tests were two-sided. Dietary fat intake was lower in the intervention than in the control group (fat grams/day at 12 months, 33.3 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 32.2 to 34.5] versus 51.3 [95% CI = 50.0 to 52.7], respectively; P<.001), corresponding to a statistically significant (P = .005), 6-pound lower mean body weight in the intervention group. A total of 277 relapse events (local, regional, distant, or ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence or new contralateral breast cancer) have been reported in 96 of 975 (9.8%) women in the dietary group and 181 of 1462 (12.4%) women in the control group. The hazard ratio of relapse events in the intervention group compared with the control group was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.60 to 0.98, P = .077 for stratified log rank and P = .034 for adjusted Cox model analysis). Exploratory analyses suggested a differential effect of the dietary intervention based on hormonal receptor status. A lifestyle intervention reducing dietary fat intake, with modest influence on body weight, may improve relapse-free survival of breast cancer patients receiving conventional cancer management. Longer, ongoing nonintervention follow-up will address original protocol design plans, which called for 3 years of follow-up after completion of recruitment.

Prevalence of Low HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Associated Factors Among Koreans

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), as well as high levels of low-densi-ty lipoprotein cholesterol, play a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular disease, which has shown a remarkable increase in Korea. Data were obtained from the 1998 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was a cross-sectional national health survey. The total study population amounted to 7,300 individuals (3,283 men, 4,617 women), aged 18 years and older. The prevalence of low HDL-C levels, as proposed by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III or International Diabetes Federation, was 23.8% in men and 47.5% in women. After adjusting for independent variables, there was a greater risk of low HDL-C with an increased body mass index, abdominal obesity, cigarette smoking, and decreased alcohol consumption. Physically inactive lifestyle in men and low fat intake in women were identified as factors associated with low HDL-C level. The prevalence of low HDL-C levels is relatively high among Koreans, which may have important implications for public health. Identified associated factors should be considered for reducing the risk of low HDL-C levels in Koreans.

Epidemiological and nutritional transition in Mexico: rapid increase of non-communicable chronic diseases and obesity.

The objective of this paper is to characterise the epidemiological and nutritional transition and their determinants in Mexico. Age-adjusted standardised mortality rates (SMRs) due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), diabetes mellitus and hypertension were calculated for 1980-1998. Changes in the prevalences of overweight and obesity in women and children and of dietary intake from 1988 to 1999 were also used in the analysis. Quantities of food groups purchased by adult equivalent (AE) and food expenditures away from home between 1984 and 1989 were used to assess trends. All information was analysed at the national and regional levels, and by urban and rural areas. SMR for diabetes, AMI and hypertension increased dramatically parallel to obesity at the national and regional levels. Fat intake in women and the purchase of refined carbohydrates, including soda, also increased. The results suggest that obesity is playing a role in the increased SMRs of diabetes, AMI and hypertension in Mexico. Total energy dietary intake and food purchase data could not explain the rise in the prevalence of obesity. The increases in fat intake and the purchase of refined carbohydrates may be risk factors for increased mortality. Information on physical activity was not available. SMRs due to diabetes, hypertension and AMI have increased dramatically in parallel with the prevalence of obesity; therefore actions should be taken for the prevention of obesity. Reliable information about food consumption and physical activity is required to assess their specific roles in the aetiology of obesity.

Risk of intraparenchymal stroke increased by low saturated fat intake in women

Risk of intraparenchymal stroke increased by low saturated fat intake in women

Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and dietary fat intake in women with cyclic mastopathy

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the contribution of plasma lipids to the pathophysiology of cyclic mastopathy, before and after consideration of diet and sex hormones. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-four women with severe cyclic mastopathy (case patients) and 29 women without cyclic mastopathy (control subjects) recorded their breast symptoms daily during 1 menstrual cycle. During each menstrual phase (follicular, early luteal, late luteal, and menstrual) they prospectively completed 2 24-hour dietary diaries, provided blood for lipid and hormone assays, and underwent anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Mean age was 34 years. Premenstrual breast swelling and tenderness were significantly more severe in case patients ( P < .0001). Cyclic change (late luteal vs follicular) of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol differed between case patients and control subjects, with case patients having a relative excess of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the premenstrual phase ( P = .01). Dietary fat intake was greater throughout the cycle in case patients (37.5 vs 33.7% of calories, P = .02), and case patients reported increased appetite in the premenstrual phase ( P = .01). In multivariate analyses the contributions of mean dietary fat intake and of cyclic change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independently significant, with odds ratios for upper versus lower quintiles being slightly >5. CONCLUSIONS: Women with cyclic mastopathy had a relative excess of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol during the symptomatic late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and a higher fat intake throughout the cycle than did control subjects. These observations support the hypothesis that lipids (notably high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and a high-fat diet play a role in the pathophysiologic characteristics of cyclic mastopathy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:430-7.)

Diet in an urban Papua New Guinea population with high levels of cardiovascular risk factors

Usual food consumption patterns and nutrient intakes were estimated by food frequency questionnaire in the urban Wanigela people of Koki in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). This group is characterised by a high prevalence of non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary data were available for 285 subjects, 38% of subjects attending a larger health survey: the study group was considered representative of the Koki population. Mean energy intakes, 11.5 mJ in men and 10.5 mJ in women, were in excess of estimated requirements, especially in women. Fat intake was predominantly saturated and although the percentage contribution was relatively low, the absolute intake was close to the level estimated for individuals consuming the recommended proportion of fat at an energy intake to maintain a healthy weight. Levels of body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR), fasting and 2‐hour glucose and insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and modernity score were not different across tertiles of dietary fat content, energy intake or energy‐adjusted fat intake in men, but modernity score tended to increase with fat intake in women. Fibre intake was surprisingly low given the relative importance of local starchy staples which contributed to a high intake of total and complex carbohydrate. Cooking bananas and white rice were the main sources of energy and carbohydrate, fresh fish was the main protein source, and most of the fat in the diet was from coconut products, representing a diet transitional between a traditional coastal diet and a modern western diet. With continuing modernization and increasing dependence on imported foods it seems likely that many communities in PNG will experience increases in the prevalence of NIDDM and CVD.

Fat intake of women during normal pregnancy: relationship with maternal and neonatal essential fatty acid status.

To study the relationships between the essential fatty acid (EFA) composition of maternal diet, maternal EFA status and the EFA status of healthy newborn infants. A prospective longitudinal study was performed in which 176 pregnant women completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) before 13, at 22, and at 32 weeks of gestation, so that changes in nutrient intake throughout pregnancy could be recorded. Around 22 weeks, a dietary history was performed and a maternal blood sample was collected. Immediately after delivery, a blood sample from the umbilical vein and a piece of the umbilical cord were collected. Fatty acid compositions were determined for phospholipids (PLs) isolated from maternal and umbilical plasma and from umbilical vein and artery vessel walls. No significant differences in the mean daily intake of total fat, saturated fat, mono-unsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and linoleic acid (18:2(n-6), LA) were observed between the three trimesters. Maternal LA intake was positively associated with LA levels in maternal and umbilical plasma and negatively associated with 20:3(n-9), 18:3(n-3), 20:4(n-3) and 22:5(n-3) levels in maternal plasma, with 20:5(n-3) levels in umbilical plasma and with 22:6(n-3) levels in umbilical vein vessel walls. Significant positive correlations for almost all (n-6) and (n-3) fatty acids were observed between maternal and umbilical plasma levels. The maternal dietary fat composition appears to be consistent during pregnancy. A high maternal LA intake may have a lowering effect on the maternal as well as on the neonatal (n-3) fatty acid status. Finally, neonatal EFA status is strongly related to maternal EFA status.

Quantitative changes in dietary fat intake and serum cholesterol in women: results from a randomized, controlled trial

We compared observed and predicted changes in serum cholesterol in women with mammographic dysplasia who participated for 12 mo in a randomized, controlled trial of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, in which total fat intake was reduced from an average of 37% of calories to 21% and carbohydrate intake increased from 44% to 52% of calories. Changes observed in serum cholesterol were greater than those predicted (by the formulas of Hegsted and Keys) for subjects with initial serum cholesterol values in the upper tertile of the population, were not significantly different from those predicted for subjects with baseline values in the middle tertile, and were significantly less than those predicted for subjects with initial values in the lower tertile. These results show that the usefulness of serum cholesterol as a marker of change in dietary fat intake in women depends on the distribution of serum cholesterol values in the population studied.