Rapid reduction of serum cholesterol and blood pressure by a twelve-day, very low fat, strictly vegetarian diet.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of a strictly vegetarian, very low-fat diet on cardiac risk factor modification.


METHODS
Five hundred men and women, participants in an intensive 12-day live-in program, were studied. The program focused on dietary modification, moderate exercise, and stress management at a hospital-based health-center.


RESULTS
During this short time period, cardiac risk factors improved: there was an average reduction of total serum cholesterol of 11% (p < 0.001), of blood pressure of 6% (p < 0.001) and a weight loss of 2.5 kg for men and 1 kg for women. Serum triglycerides did not increase except for two subgroups: females age > or = 65 years with serum cholesterol < 6.5 mmol/L and for females 50 to 64 years with baseline serum cholesterol between 5.2-6.5 mmol/L. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol measured on 66 subjects decreased by 19%.


CONCLUSIONS
A strict, very low-fat vegetarian diet free from all animal products combined with lifestyle changes that include exercise and weight loss is an effective way to lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure.
McDougall
J
J
St. Helena Hospital, Deer Park, California 94576, USA.
Litzau
K
K
Haver
E
E
Saunders
V
V
Spiller
G A
GA
D000368:Aged; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012114:Residential Treatment; D015431:Weight Loss
D002784:Cholesterol