Dietary treatment to lower cholesterol and triglyceride and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary measures, including low-fat dairy, on LDL-C, triglyceride levels, and cardiovascular outcomes.
Results Summary
The study suggests that individuals should increase low-fat dairy as part of a heart-healthy diet, alongside minimizing saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, which includes low-fat dairy, was strongly recommended for lowering CVD and total mortality.
Population
General population with a focus on cardiovascular health.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
cholesterol levels | increase | saturated fat intake and all-cause mortality and age at death | Seven Countries Study participants | null | correlate with | #1 |
refined carbohydrate | increase | CVD risk | PURE study participants | null | increased | #2 |
saturated fat | no change | CVD risk | PURE study participants | null | did not increase | #3 |
saturated fat | increase | LDL-C levels | PURE study participants | null | increasing | #4 |
Plant-based diets with healthful complex carbohydrates | decrease | CVD | null | null | reduced | #5 |
omega-3 fatty acid | decrease | triglyceride | REDUCE-IT trial participants | 21.6% | lowered | #6 |
omega-3 fatty acid | decrease | CVD events | REDUCE-IT trial participants | 26.1% | reduced | #7 |
An omega-3 fatty acid index at least 4% with EPA and docosahexaenoic acid | decrease | coronary plaque progression | null | null | prevented | #8 |
Mediterranean diet | decrease | CVD and total mortality | null | null | lowering | #9 |
High-dose omega-3 fatty acids | decrease | triglyceride | null | null | lower | #10 |
High-dose omega-3 fatty acids | decrease | CVD | null | null | reduce | #11 |
High-dose omega-3 fatty acids | decrease | coronary plaque progression | null | null | prevent | #12 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on dietary measures to lower levels of LDL-C and triglyceride and reduce cardiovascular (CVD) outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Fifty-year follow-up in the Seven Countries Study confirmed that cholesterol levels correlate with saturated fat intake and all-cause mortality and age at death. In the PURE study, refined carbohydrate increased CVD risk whereas saturated fat did not despite increasing LDL-C levels; limitations are discussed. Reports on CVD risk with eggs provide conflicting results. Plant-based diets with healthful complex carbohydrates reduced CVD. The REDUCE-IT trial lowered triglyceride 21.6% and reduced CVD events 26.1% with an omega-3 fatty acid, An omega-3 fatty acid index at least 4% with EPA and docosahexaenoic acid prevented coronary plaque progression. A clinician guide to counsel patients on nutrition and heart healthy diets was recently published. SUMMARY: Based on the evidence, individuals should continue to minimize saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, eliminate trans-fat and increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fish or other omega-3 fatty acids. Adhering to a Mediterranean diet is strongly recommended because of lowering CVD and total mortality. High-dose omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride, reduce CVD and prevent coronary plaque progression.