Homocysteine concentrations lowered following dietary intervention in an aboriginal community.
Low circulating folate concentrations lead to elevations of plasma homocysteine. Even mild elevations of plasma homocysteine are associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Available evidence suggests that poor nutrition contributes to excessive premature CVD mortality in Australian Aboriginal people. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a nutrition intervention program conducted in an Aboriginal community on plasma homocysteine concentrations in a community-based cohort. From 1989, a health and nutrition project was developed, implemented and evaluated with the people of a remote Aboriginal community. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured in a community-based cohort of 14 men and 21 women screened at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. From baseline to 6 months there was a fall in mean plasma homocysteine of over 2|mol/L (P = 0.006) but no further change thereafter (P = 0.433). These changes were associated with a significant increase in red cell folate concentration from baseline to 6 months (P < 0.001) and a further increase from 6 to 12 months (P < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, change in homocysteine concentration from baseline to 6 months was predicted by change in red cell folate (P = 0.002) and baseline homocysteine (P < 0.001) concentrations, but not by age, gender or baseline red cell folate concentration. We conclude that modest improvements in dietary quality among populations with poor nutrition (and limited disposable income) can lead to reductions in CVD risk.
University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia. kevinr@medstv.unimelb.edu.au
Kevin G
KG
Rowley
Amanda J
AJ
Lee
Daisy
D
Yarmirr
Kerin
K
O'Dea
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003153:Community Health Services; D004032:Diet; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D044469:Racial Groups; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors
D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid