Diet modification in lowering plasma cholesterol levels. A randomised trial of three types of intervention.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of three types of diet and lifestyle interventions for lowering plasma lipid levels.


METHODS
Randomised parallel-group trial.


METHODS
Adults with plasma cholesterol levels of 5.5-8.0 mmol/L attending two Sydney community health screening clinics were asked to participate: 179 agreed and 131 completed the study.


METHODS
A pamphlet with brief advice; group dietary counselling; or individual counselling. Counselling included three sessions with a dietitian/nutritionist over six months.


METHODS
Plasma total cholesterol levels measured by Reflotron analyser; fasting serum lipid levels measured by standard laboratory methods; and calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.


RESULTS
Significantly lower plasma total cholesterol levels (Reflotron) were observed at two months and at six months with each of the three interventions. Additionally, both types of dietitian-based counselling resulted in small but significant decreases in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at six months in a subset of subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there were no statistically significant differences in efficacy between the three types of intervention, dietitians have a role to play in setting up such counselling programs.
Johnston
H J
HJ
Hypertension Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
Jones
M
M
Ridler-Dutton
G
G
Spechler
F
F
Stokes
G S
GS
Wyndham
L E
LE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001835:Body Weight; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005215:Fasting; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D013997:Time Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol