Changes in vitamin and mineral intakes and serum concentrations among free-living men on cholesterol-lowering diets: the Dietary Alternatives Study

Article Abstract:

Previous studies have shown that blood levels of total and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can be reduced by decreasing the amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol in the diet and by treating obesity. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has established dietary guidelines for treating high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). The recommended diets are low in total fat (less than 30 percent of calories from fat), and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Several studies that have evaluated low-cholesterol diets have reported that diets low in fat reduce the absorption of minerals such as magnesium and zinc. To evaluate the effect of low-fat diets on vitamin and mineral intake, 396 men with high blood cholesterol levels consumed diets ranging in fat content from 18 to 30 percent for a period of eight weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for vitamin and mineral content before the diet started and 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months after the diet period. During the diet period, the average intake of saturated fat represented 5 to 7 percent of the total daily calories. As the fat content of the diet decreased, the carbohydrate, protein and fiber contents increased. Dietary intake of calcium, riboflavin, copper and vitamins B-12 and D was unchanged by the low-fat diet. Vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, folate and magnesium were increased, while vitamin E and zinc were below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). It is concluded that low-fat diets similar to those recommended by the NCEP (under 7 percent saturated fats and less than 200 milligrams cholesterol per day) provide increased levels of most nutrients, but that zinc intake should be monitored in individuals who eat little red meat and follow a low-fat diet. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Food, Low-cholesterol diet, Low cholesterol diet

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Influence of diagnostic criteria on the incidence of gestational diabetes and perinatal morbidity

Article Abstract:

Using modified diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may increase the number of women diagnosed with this disorder. GDM is a form of hyperglycemia that appears during pregnancy in women with no prior history of diabetes. Among 2,019 pregnant women who underwent a screening test for GDM and a glucose tolerance test, 99 (5%) were diagnosed with GDM using modified diagnostic criteria and 65 (3%) were diagnosed with GDM using the traditionally recommended diagnostic criteria. Women diagnosed using the modified criteria were as likely to be older with family history of diabetes as those diagnosed using the recommended criteria. The infants of women diagnosed using the modified criteria were as likely to have an increased birth weight with a higher concentration of blood insulin in their umbilical cord as infants of women diagnosed using the recommended criteria.

Abnormalities, Diagnosis, Fetus, Diseases, Pregnant women, Diabetes in pregnancy, Gestational diabetes

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Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects of 4 fat-restricted diets in hypercholesterolemic and combined hyperlipidemic men: The Dietary Alternatives Study

Article Abstract:

Moderate reductions in dietary fat consumption may be a better approach for lowering blood cholesterol levels than severe fat reductions. In a study of 444 men with high cholesterol or combined high cholesterol and triglycerides, four diets restricting fat from 30% to 18% of total calories were compared over one year. Those with combined high cholesterol and triglycerides eating the 28% fat diet lowered their cholesterol levels 7%, compared to 4.6% in those eating the 25% fat diet. Greater fat restriction did not significantly improve cholesterol levels, but raised triglycerides in some subjects.

Diet therapy, Hyperlipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia

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