Relation between diet composition and coronary heart disease risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to evaluate dietary intakes and their correlation to some risk factors for coronary heart disease.


METHODS
The study was a population based survey with random sample selection stratified by age and sex.


METHODS
352 adults living in a small town in Northern Italy took part in the study. Response rate was 46% among females and 48% among males. Refusal to take part was mainly due to the large number of tests involved.


RESULTS
Diets were high in protein (animal/vegetable ratio 1.7 in women and 1.4 in men) and in fat and low in carbohydrates. The hypercholesterolaemic and atherogenic potential of the diet, evaluated by the cholesterol/saturated fat index, was high in about 50% of the population. The thiamin and riboflavin intakes were lower than the Italian recommended allowances in more than 60% of the people tested, whereas the vitamin A intake was more than adequate in about 70%. A positive association was found in the younger groups (men and women 20-39 years old) between some nutrient components (energy, alcohol, total and saturated fats) and some blood lipids. In the older people blood lipids were correlated with body mass index.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall data indicate that a correlation exists between dietary intake and some risk factors for coronary heart disease; dietary intervention, at least in young adults, is suggested.
Porrini
M
M
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari e Microbiologiche, University of Milan, Italy.
Simonetti
P
P
Testolin
G
G
Roggi
C
C
Laddomada
M S
MS
Tenconi
M T
MT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D008055:Lipids; D014815:Vitamins