Higher Total Fat Intake Research Articles

Determining optimal approaches for weight maintenance: a randomized controlled trial

Weight regain often occurs after weight loss in overweight individuals. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2 support programs and 2 diets of different macronutrient compositions intended to facilitate long-term weight maintenance. Using a 2 x 2 factorial design, we randomly assigned 200 women who had lost 5% or more of their initial body weight to an intensive support program (implemented by nutrition and activity specialists) or to an inexpensive nurse-led program (involving "weigh-ins" and encouragement) that included advice about high-carbohydrate diets or relatively high-monounsaturated-fat diets. In total, 174 (87%) participants were followed-up for 2 years. The average weight loss (about 2 kg) did not differ between those in the support programs (0.1 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.8 to 1.9, p = 0.95) or diets (0.7 kg, 95% CI -1.1 to 2.4, p = 0.46). Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly higher among those on the high-monounsaturated-fat diet (total cholesterol: 0.17 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.33; p = 0.040; LDL cholesterol: 0.16 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.31; p = 0.039) than among those on the high-carbohydrate diet. Those on the high-monounsaturated-fat diet also had significantly higher intakes of total fat (5% total energy, 95% CI 3% to 6%, p < 0.001) and saturated fat (2% total energy, 95% CI 1% to 2%, p < 0.001). All of the other clinical and laboratory measures were similar among those in the support programs and diets. A relatively inexpensive program involving nurse support is as effective as a more resource-intensive program for weight maintenance over a 2-year period. Diets of different macronutrient composition produced comparable beneficial effects in terms of weight loss maintenance.

Schools and Obesity Prevention: Creating School Environments and Policies to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Research consistently shows that the majority of American children do not consume diets that meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nor do they achieve adequate levels of daily physical activity. As a result, more children are overweight today than at any other time in U.S. history. Schools offer many opportunities to develop strategies to prevent obesity by creating environments in which children eat healthfully and engage regularly in physical activity. This article discusses the role of schools in obesity prevention efforts. Current issues in schools' food and physical activity environments are examined, as well as federal, state, and local policies related to food and physical activity standards in schools. The article is organized around four key areas: (1) school food environments and policies, (2) school physical activity environments and policies, (3) school body mass index measurements, and (4) school wellness policies. Recommendations for accelerating change also are addressed. The article found that (1) competitive foods (foods sold outside of federally reimbursed school meals) are widely available in schools, especially secondary schools. Studies have related the availability of snacks and drinks sold in schools to students' high intake of total calories, soft drinks, total fat and saturated fat, and lower intake of fruits and vegetables; (2) physical activity can be added to the school curriculum without academic consequences and also can offer physical, emotional, and social benefits. Policy leadership has come predominantly from the districts, then the states, and, to a much lesser extent, the federal government; (3) few studies have examined the effectiveness or impact of school-based BMI measurement programs; and (4) early comparative analyses of local school wellness policies suggest that the strongest policies are found in larger school districts and districts with a greater number of students eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch. Studies show that schools have been making some progress in improving the school food and physical activity environments but that much more work is needed. Stronger policies are needed to provide healthier meals to students at schools; limit their access to low-nutrient, energy-dense foods during the school day; and increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school.

Evaluation of energy and macronutrient intake of black women in Bloemfontein: A cross-sectional study

There is growing evidence that urbanization of black South Africans is associated with changes in the structure of dietary intake. The urban diet is more diverse than the rural diet, and includes more animal foods, refined carbohydrates and fats, posing a potential risk to the health of urbanized populations. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the macronutrient intake of non-pregnant, pre-menopausal black women living in Bloemfontein in South Africa. A representative group of 500 participants was randomly selected to participate. Women were divided into two age groups. Younger women were 25 - 34 years old and older women 35 - 44 years old. Macronutrient intake was determined using a validated Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ). Median macronutrient intake was compared with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) as applicable. Median energy, macronutrient and cholesterol intake of younger and older women was compared using non-parametric 95% confidence intervals (CI’s). P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Median energy distribution of macronutrients was determined and compared with standard references. After being screened for eligibility, four pregnant women were excluded from the study, and 496 women qualified for participation. Median total energy, protein and carbohydrate intakes of all women exceeded the DRI. Median intakes of fibre were low, while median fat intakes were high. Younger women had significantly higher intakes of total fat (p = 0.034), saturated fat (p = 0.046) and PUFA (p = 0.015). Median energy distribution was 12% protein (both age groups), 32% fat (younger women) and 31% fat (older women) and 51% carbohydrates (younger women) and 53% carbohydrates (older women). The high median energy and macronutrient intakes may pose a potential risk for the development of chronic lifestyle diseases. The main focus of intervention should be to improve the quality of the diet, by decreasing fat intake and replacing this with fruit and vegetables. The benefits of a low glycaemic index and high fibre diet need to be emphasized.

Metabolic syndrome risk in young adults is associated with dietary and lifestyle factors

Metabolic syndrome (MbS) risk factors were examined in 1,396 18–24 year old college adults (72% women) as a part of the Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative, an ongoing cross‐sectional investigation at the University of New Hampshire. From July 2005–Aug 2007, 31% of men and 16% of women were found to have ≥ 2 MbS risk factors. The number of MbS risk factors was higher among participants who had a BMI &gt; 25 (vs. BMI 18.5–24.9, p &lt; 0.001); lived in off‐campus apartments (vs. college dorms, p &lt; 0.05); were non‐health majors (vs. nutrition majors, p &lt; 0.02); were physically inactive (vs. physically active &gt; 90 minutes/day, p = 0.06); skipped ≥ 4 meals per week (vs. non meal‐skippers, p &lt; 0.01); ate at restaurants ≥ 3 times per week (vs. non restaurant patrons, p &lt; 0.01); and took a multivitamin/mineral supplement (vs. no supplement, p &lt; 0.01). Three day dietary analysis (Diet Analysis+ Plus 7.0/8.0) were used to examine nutrient intake differences. As compared to participants with no MbS risk factors, participants with ≥ 2 MbS risk factors had higher intakes of total fat (72.3 vs. 69.4 g, p &lt; 0.05), saturated fat (24.2 vs. 22.6 g, p &lt; 0.01), omega‐6/omega‐3 fatty acid ratios (12.5 vs. 11.2, p &lt; 0.05); and lower intakes of ethanol (4.6 vs. 8.0 g, p &lt; 0.05), fiber (18.7 vs. 20.0 g, p = 0.06) and magnesium (254.0 vs. 272.2 mg, p &lt; 0.02). Findings suggest dietary and lifestyle factors are associated with MbS risk in young, college‐aged adults.

Intake of dairy fat and dairy products, and risk of myocardial infarction: A case–control study

The role of dairy fat in the aetiology of myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between intake of dairy fat and dairy products, and risk of a first acute MI. A total of 111 MI patients with a first acute MI and 107 population controls (men and women, age 45–75 years) were studied. Diet was assessed using a 180-item food frequency questionnaire. The MI cases had higher intake of total fat, but lower intake of saturated fat and dairy fat than the control persons. No effect of dairy fat or saturated fat on the odds ratio for MI was observed, however. A significant inverse trend in odds of MI for intake of cheese was observed, but the trend was no longer significant after adjustment for smoking. The results suggest that intake of fat from dairy products may not be associated with increased risk of having a first MI. The healthy control persons had a diet that differed from the diet of the MI patients in many aspects, and dairy products were a part of this diet. This may have protected them from having a first MI.

Nutrition and breast cancer among sporadic cases and gene mutation carriers: An overview

Background: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in most industrialized countries. Most breast cancers are considered sporadic, with only 5–10% estimated to be due to inherited susceptibility. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the effect of nutrition on breast cancer risk among gene mutation carriers as well as those with sporadic breast cancer. Methods: The published literature from 1999 to 2007 was reviewed to examine the relationship between nutrition and breast cancer among sporadic cases and gene mutation carriers. Results: Evidence suggests that fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, fish, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and phytoestrogens may reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, high intake of meat, poultry, total energy, total fat and saturated fatty acids may play a causative role in this disease. Conclusions: Diet in breast cancer pathogenesis is a modifiable risk factor on which to focus prevention efforts. Identification of the relationship between nutrition and breast cancer among sporadic cases and gene mutation carriers provides necessary data for breast cancer prevention.

Fat and Fiber Consumption are Associated With Peripheral Arterial Disease in a Cross-Sectional Study of a Japanese-Brazilian Population

The Western diet plays a role for the epidemics of obesity and related diseases. This study examined a possible association between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the dietary components of Japanese immigrants living in Brazil. In this cross-sectional study, 1,267 subjects (aged > or =30 years) with complete dietary, clinical and laboratory data were studied according to a standardized protocol. Ankle-to-brachial index was used to identify subjects with PAD. The overall prevalence of PAD was 14.6%. Subjects with PAD were older, had lower education and higher mean values of blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting and 2-h plasma glucose levels compared with those without the disease. Among the subjects with PAD, the consumption of fiber from whole grains (3.0 vs 3.4 g, p=0.001) and linoleic acids (11.0 vs 11.7 g, p=0.017) were lower and intake of total (72.8 vs 69.1 g, p=0.016) and saturated fatty acids (17.4 vs 16.3 g, p=0.012) were higher than those without PAD. Results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between PAD with high total fat intake, low intake of fiber from fruit and oleic acid, independently of other variables. Despite limitations in examining the cause - effect relationship, the data support the notion that diet could be important in reducing the occurrence of PAD.

Paraoxonase Activity Polymorphism Relationships With Lipid Profiles in a Brazilian Population

ISEE-697 Objective: The purpose of this work was to describe PON1 activity in a group of Brazilian subjects, analyze its phenotype distribution, to compare PON1 activities between groups of subjects with different lipid profiles, to search for associations between these profiles and paraoxonase activity, and to investigate whether diet and lifestyle might affect this activity. Materials and Methods: Subjects groups included a total of 74 volunteers, age range of 18–60. Variables studied included basal and salt-stimulated PON1 activity, arylesterase activity, PON1 ratio (PON1 salt stimulated/arylesterase); serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides. Other variables such as energy consumption and nutrients intakes were assessed from a validated food consumption frequency questionnaire. Lifestyle variables were also assessed. Correlation analysis, T test, and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: Results showed a phenotype distribution of A (39.5%), AB (41.9%), and B phenotypes (18.6%). Significant associations between higher LDL levels, lower HDL levels, and PON1 B phenotype were observed. Paraoxonase B phenotype is known to have gene alleles that enhance risk to atherogenesis and associated diseases such as coronary heart disease. We also stratified groups setting recommended dietary intakes as cut off points. Using this approach, no associations were observed between PON1 activity and nutrient intakes. When groups were dichotomized using the first quartile of PON1 activity distribution as a cut-off, there were significant associations between higher levels of PON1 and higher intakes of total fat and cholesterol. Conclusions: PON1 activity may be an important biomarker to assess risk of diseases associated with individual lipid status and diet may also affect PON1 activity. Our results also point out the need of more studies concerning paraoxonase polymorphism since little is known about environmental interactions with PON1 gene polymorphism in the multiethnic Brazilian population.

Dietary fat and the risk of age-related maculopathy: the POLANUT Study

This study aimed at assessing the associations of dietary fat with the risk of age-related maculopathy (ARM), in the framework of a population-based study from southern France. Nutritional data were collected using a dietitian-administered food-frequency questionnaire. ARM was classified from retinal photographs using the international classification and included neovascular age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, soft indistinct drusen, soft distinct drusen associated with pigmentary abnormalities. After multivariate adjustment, high total, saturated and monounsaturated fat intake were associated with increased risk for ARM (odds ratio (OR)=4.74, P=0.007; OR=2.70, P=0.04; and OR= 3.50, P=0.03, respectively). Total polyunsaturated fatty acid was not significantly associated with ARM. Total and white fish intake was not significantly associated with ARM, but fatty fish intake (more than once a month versus less than once a month) was associated with a 60% reduction in risk for ARM (OR=0.42, P=0.01).

Histological changes of liver glycogen storage in mice (Mus musculus) caused by high-protein diets.

High Protein diets (HP) have been popular for people who want to lose weight since the 1960s. Even though these diets do not harm healthy people in the short term, there is insufficient data to support their safe use and efficiency over a long period. Because of the fact that the proteins in these diets are mainly from animal sources, it induces a higher intake of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. It is proven that high protein diets cause both physical and pathological abnormalities in the body. However, there exist very few studies about the effects of high protein nutrition on liver glycogen storage. For this study 40 Swiss albino mice consisting of two groups were used. The first group was fed with 25% High Protein; the other was fed with standard meal. The two groups were fed with respect to their diets for 30 days. At the end of 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th days 5 from each group were killed with cervical dislocation. The livers were removed after perfusion then fixated. The routine paraffin pursuit was applied before cutting into 5 micrometer sections and staining with H-E, PAS and silver. There were major differences in weight loss between the first and the fifteenth days. Glycogen storage was significantly reduced in HP (15) stained with PAS. Hydropic degeneration and regenerative activity was observed in H-E and silver stained HP group. As a result for the high protein diet group, weight loss at the 15th day and a significant decrement in glycogen storage at the 30th day was observed.

Associations between hypertriglyceridemia, dietary fat intake, oxidative stress, and endothelial activation in men

Objective We examined the associations between intake of different types of dietary fat and plasma levels of oxidative stress and endothelial activation markers in men. Methods For that purpose, a complete physical and metabolic profile was assessed. Dietary habits of subjects were determined with a 3-d food record. We also measured fasting plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F 2α and oxidized low-density lipoprotein concentrations and soluble forms of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and E-selectin. All these measurements were performed with commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and standards. Results We found that a high total dietary fat intake was associated with high plasma sICAM-1 ( r = 0.40, P < 0.005), sVCAM-1 ( r = 0.31, P < 0.05), and E-selectin ( r = 0.28, P < 0.05) levels. We also found that in men matched for plasma triacylglycerol levels, those consuming a diet rich in total fat (>105 g/d, n = 21) were characterized by higher circulating levels of sICAM-1 ( P < 0.05) and E-selectin ( P < 0.05) compared with triacylglycerol-matched individuals with a low total dietary fat intake (<105 g/d, n = 21). However, no significant difference was noted in plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels between groups. Further, we conducted multivariate analyses and found that saturated fatty acid intake was the only dietary variable after inclusion of other dietary variables that contributed to circulating sICAM-1 ( P < 0.05) and sVCAM-1 ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Our study suggests that high dietary fat consumption is associated with endothelial activation in men and that this detrimental effect is likely attributable to the saturated fatty acid content of the diet.

Fat intake and the risk of gastroschisis

Young age has been associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of gastroschisis may be related to vascular disruption. Nutrients that may be associated with vasoconstriction include dietary fat and its subtypes. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dietary fats and gastroschisis and whether maternal age modified this association. Data came from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), which included 304 isolated gastroschisis cases and 3313 controls. Dietary intake in the year prior to conception was ascertained using a food frequency questionnaire, and included total, saturated, monosaturated, and polyunsaturated fat and cholesterol. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for confounders. Age and smoking were tested as effect modifiers. Higher mean intakes of total energy, total fat, and cholesterol as well as the subtypes of fats were found for gastroschisis cases compared to controls. Cases were more likely to be in the middle (adjusted OR [AOR], 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9-1.9) and highest (AOR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8-1.7) tertile of total fat intake compared to controls. This pattern was also true for saturated fat intake. No association was found for mono or polyunsaturated fat. Cases were less likely to be in the middle (AOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9) and highest (AOR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-1.2) tertiles for cholesterol. There was no evidence of effect modification. A possible weak effect of increased risk of gastroschisis associated with higher intakes of total fat or saturated fat was found in the NBDPS; however, this did not help to explain why younger aged women are at greater risk of having an infant with this type of birth defect.

A distinctive fatty acid profile in circulating lipids of Korean gestational diabetics: A pilot study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a transient metabolic disorder that is a strong predictor of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Previously, GDM was associated with reduced red cell long-chain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in population (British) with high intake of total and saturated fat. The aim of the study was to examine blood fatty acids status of GDM patients ( n = 12) and normoglycaemic women (control, n = 12) from South Korea where typical diet retains high omega-3 fat with low total fat intake. Subjects were matched for BMI and gestation week. Blood obtained at delivery were analyzed for plasma triacylglycerols (TG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), sphingomyelin (SM), and red cell PC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and SM fatty acids. GDM patients had lower total saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the plasma TG ( p < 0.05) and PC ( p < 0.0001), and higher omega-6 and omega-3 metabolites in the plasma PC ( p < 0.05) than the controls. Conversely, the red cell PC and PE of the GDM contained higher proportions of palmitic ( p < 0.05) and SFA ( p < 0.05) but lower arachidonic ( p < 0.05) and docosahexaenoic ( p > 0.05) acids compared with the controls. Interestingly, red cell PC arachidonic acid level was comparable between Korean and British women whereas docosahexaenoic acid level decreased in the order of Korean control (5.5 ± 0.9) > Korean GDM (3.5 ± 2.1) = British control (3.9 ± 2.9) > British GDM (2.8 ± 2.3) ( p < 0.05). The similarity in the plasma and red cell fatty acids profile between Korean and British cohort suggests that the reduced membrane arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in GDM might be attributed to the effect of the disease itself regardless of ethnicity, obesity, or diet.

Effects of dietary saturated, monounsaturated, and n−3 fatty acids on blood pressure in healthy subjects

The quantity and quality of fats consumed in the diet influence the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although the effect of diet on plasma lipids and lipoproteins is well documented, less information exists on the role of fats on blood pressure (BP). The objective was to evaluate the effects of different types of dietary fat on BP in healthy subjects. Healthy subjects (n = 162) were randomly assigned for 3 mo to follow 1 of 2 isoenergetic diets: 1 rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA diet) and the other rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA diet). Each group was further randomly assigned to receive supplementation with fish oil (3.6 g n-3 fatty acids/d) or placebo. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) decreased with the MUFA diet [-2.2% (P = 0.009) and -3.8% (P = 0.0001), respectively] but did not change with the SFA diet [-1.0% (P = 0.2084) and -1.1% (P = 0.2116)]. The MUFA diet caused a significantly lower DBP than did the SFA diet (P = 0.0475). Interestingly, the favorable effects of MUFA on DBP disappeared at a total fat intake above the median (>37% of energy). The addition of n-3 fatty acids influenced neither SBP nor DBP. Changing the proportions of dietary fat by decreasing SFAs and increasing MUFAs decreased diastolic BP. Interestingly, the beneficial effect on BP induced by fat quality was negated by the consumption of a high total fat intake. The addition of n-3 fatty acids to the diet had no significant effect on BP.

Dietary intakes and health-related behaviours of Korean American women born in the USA and Korea: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

This study assessed and compared heath-related behaviours and nutrient and food group intakes between US-born and Korea-born Korean American women. Cross-sectional analyses were performed for ethnic Koreans who participated in the Multiethnic Cohort Study in Hawaii and Los Angeles in 1993-1996. The sample included 492 Korean American women aged 45-75 years who were born in the USA (n = 274) or Korea (n = 218). Participants were recruited using driver's license files as a primary sampling source and completed a self-administered questionnaire, including a quantitative food frequency section. The proportion overweight or obese was 31.4% in US-born and 9.4% in Korea-born women. US-born women had higher intakes of total fat and fat as a percentage of energy, and lower intakes of sodium, vitamin C, beta-carotene and carbohydrate as a percentage of energy, than Korea-born women. Comparing intakes of food group servings from the Food Guide Pyramid, US-born women reported more whole grains, red meat and nuts, and less soy products, than did Korea-born women. US-born women also consumed fewer vegetables and fruit than those born in Korea. Few women in either group reported intakes that met the recommendations for dairy foods. Intake of discretionary fat from the Pyramid tip was higher in US-born than in Korea-born women. These findings indicate that the acculturation of Korean immigrants affects dietary intakes in ways that may alter risks of several chronic diseases. Further studies will be necessary to examine the effects of dietary acculturation on disease patterns.

Reproductive and dietary determinants of the age at menopause in EPIC-Heidelberg

Objectives The aim of the study was to explore the influence of reproductive and dietary factors on the age at menopause. Methods During follow-up of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort in Heidelberg (median duration 5.8 years), 1009 women experienced natural menopause. They were compared to 3798 women who did not experience menopause. Baseline dietary intake was obtained by means of validated food frequency questionnaires. Data on reproductive history and medication was collected by means of questionnaires. Cox’ proportional hazard models were applied in order to identify determinants of the age at natural menopause. Results Increasing age at first full term pregnancy and a longer time interval until occurrences of regular menses are associated with later onset of natural menopause. Compared to never smokers, current smokers have the risk of younger age at menopause. High carbohydrate consumption and high intake of vegetable, fibre and cereal products are inversely related to the age at natural menopause. Women with higher intake of total fat, protein and meat experienced a delayed onset of natural menopause. Conclusion Age at natural menopause is influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors. Further studies including biological markers are needed to clarify these associations.

TASTE PERCEPTIONS AND DIETARY INTAKES OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO USERS AND NONTOBACCO USERS†

ABSTRACT Smokeless tobacco and nontobacco users differed for certain concentrations of perceived intensities of the four solutions – significantly for sweet (P ≤ 0.008) and salty (P = 0.001). Sensitivity to salty (P = 0.02) and bitter (P = 0.11) solutions decreased with increasing hours of exposure to smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco and nontobacco users rated fruits and vegetables for preference and the four taste senses differently, with a decreasing trend for sweet tastes in smokeless tobacco users with increasing hours of exposure to smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco users consumed more total fat (P = 0.06) and fat per 1000 kcal (P = 0.13) than nontobacco users. Higher intakes of total fat (P = 0.005), total fat per 1000 kcal (P = 0.18), total sodium (P = 0.03) and total Vitamin E (P = 0.06) were found with increasing hours of exposure to smokeless tobacco. Although fruit and vegetable intakes did not differ between smokeless tobacco and nontobacco users, both groups should increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Diets high in fruit and vegetables are more expensive than diets high in fats and sugars

Question Does a diet high in fruit and vegetables cost more than a diet high in fats and sugars? Study design Cross-sectional study with cost analysis. Main results A high dietary intake of sucrose, total fat, grains and fats and sweets is cheaper than a high dietary intake of fruit, vegetables and meat (see results table). Daily dietary cost was higher for a diet high in fats and sweets, compared with a diet low in fats and sweets. However, the cost per unit energy was higher with a diet low in fat and sweet intake. By contrast, both daily dietary cost and cost per unit energy were higher with a diet high in fruit and vegetable intake compared with a diet low in fruit and vegetable intake (see results table). Every extra 100 g of fats and sweets eaten decreased diet costs by 0.05 to 0.4 Euros, whereas every extra 100 g of fruit and vegetables eaten increased diet costs by 0.18 to 0.29 Euros. Authors’ conclusions Fats and sweets provide dietary energy at a low cost, while fruit and vegetables provide dietary energy at a much higher cost. Diets high in fats and sugars, which are bad for our health, are more affordable than diets high in fruit and vegetables, which are good for our health. This has significant health implications, particularly for people from low socioeconomic areas.

Determination of dietary habits as a risk factor of cardiovascular heart disease in Turkish adolescents.

To investigate dietary habits and evaluate these with regard to cardiovascular risk status in Turkish adolescents aged 12-19 years. A total of 300 adolescents, 135 males and 165 females aged between 12 and 19, were included in the study. Dietary intake was determined by using 3-day food records (including 1 weekend day). Adolescents' smoking habits and familial chronic diseases were recorded. The values obtained for energy and nutrient intakes were compared with RDA and DRI and recommendations given by AHA. The mean energy intakes of male and female subjects were 1964 +/- 723 kcal and 1804 +/- 486 kcal respectively. According to NHANES III, age-standardized (CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) prevalence of overweight indicated that 20.7% among male and 17.5% among female adolescents were at risk for becoming overweight. The prevalence of premature CHD family history was found to be 9.6% for males and 11.5 % for females. The prevalence of current smoking was found to be 22.2 % for males and 18.2 % for females. In addition, 29.6% of the males and 37.6% of the females were physically inactive (p < 0.05); however, male adolescents (48.2%) were significantly more likely than female adolescents (52.1 %) to report sufficient moderate physical activity (p < 0.05). The dietary fiber intake was slightly below the recommended intake of 10 g per 1000 kcal. Compared to the AHA averages, these adolescents had significantly higher intake of total fat, saturated fat, sodium and dietary cholesterol and lower intake of polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat and dietary fiber. The Turkish adolescents also had higher amounts of energy from fat. The mean percentage of energy from fat was 34.2 +/- 6% TE for males and 35.2 +/- 6.8 % TE for females; saturated fat was 11.8 +/- 6.8 % TE for males and 12.1 +/- 8.9 for females. The intake of fat and saturated fat was higher than the AHA recommendations. The polyunsaturated to saturated fat ratio was 0.4 +/- 0.2 and reflected a high saturated fat (12.0 +/- 7.7% TE) and low polyunsaturated fat (5.5 +/- 3.9 % TE) diet. In addition, the percentage of adolescents who did not meet 66% of RDA for vitamin E, B6, and folates and the recommendation for RDA dietary fiber is presented. Approximately, 80% of adolescents failed to meet the dietary recommendation of the AHA for polyunsaturated fatty acids, and about 26.7% reported a cholesterol intake higher than 100 mg/1000 kcal. It can be said that fiber, total fat, saturated fatty acid, cholesterol and sodium intake of Turkish adolescents are found to be high; however, their vitamin E, vitamin B6 and folate intake are found to be low compared to AHA recommendations. Turkish adolescents' fruit and vegetable intake are also found to be low.

Olive oil and the Mediterranean diet: beyond the rhetoric.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of food, nutrient and energy intakes with olive oil consumption in Spain. Cross-sectional study by face-to-face interview. Population-based random sample derived from the Catalan Nutrition Survey. In total, 1600 individuals between 18 and 60 y of age. Two 24-h recalls were administered to measure food and nutrient intakes. Food consumption and nutrient intakes were analyzed comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of olive oil consumption. Those with the highest consumption of olive oil (greater than 13.5% of total calories, fourth quartile) consumed less cereal, baked goods, whole milk, sausages, candy, fruit juice and soft drinks, but more fish, eggs, vegetables and added fats, as compared to those with the lowest olive oil consumption (less than 6.8% of total calories, first quartile). The group with the greatest olive oil consumption also demonstrated high total fat intake, although saturated fats showed a lower percentage of total energy intake. Vitamin intake was more adequate in those with the highest consumption of olive oil. Olive oil is a key contributor to the healthy aspects attributed to the Mediterranean diet, and as such, nutritional objectives in Mediterranean countries should address reducing saturated fats, without modifying quantities of olive oil.