Nutrient intake by duration of ex-smoking in the Scottish Heart Health Study.
Information on current-, never- and ex-smokers (including duration of cessation) was obtained in a cross-sectional survey of risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), the Scottish Heart Health Study. Diet was also assessed by food frequency questionnaire in a total of 4265 men and 4770 women. Nutrient intakes were computed by sex and smoking group and, according to their diet, the ex-smokers were categorized as current- or never-smokers using discriminant analysis techniques. The current- and five ex-smoking groups differed negligibly in past smoking characteristics. Energy-adjusted intake of polyunsaturated fat, fibre and the antioxidant vitamins were lowest in current-smokers, and for men, intakes increased progressively with duration of ex-smoking to reach the level of never-smokers. In a similar manner, energy, sugar and alcohol decreased with duration of ex-smoking. Fewer trends were observable for women, and the diets of ex-smokers more immediately resembled that of never-smokers. Discriminant analysis for the combined nutrients correctly categorized 72 and 69% of male, and 66 and 65% of female current- and never-smokers respectively. By 4 years of smoking cessation the general dietary pattern of ex-smokers was similar to never-smokers for both sexes. Whether this represents a change in diet over time or a cohort effect is unclear, but the results do suggest that the apparent healthier diet of ex-smokers may contribute to their reduction in CHD risk compared with life-long current-smokers.
Bolton-Smith
C
C
Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School.
Woodward
M
M
Brown
C A
CA
Tunstall-Pedoe
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013997:Time Factors