title: Small, qualitative changes in fatty acid intake decrease plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in mildly hypercholesterolemic outpatients on their usual high-fat diets.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The diet is the first step in managing hypercholesterolemia. The objective of the present study is to assess whether moderate changes in dietary fatty acids improve plasma lipid parameters in mildly hypercholesterolemic outpatients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a randomized double-blind study, 121 outpatients within two groups received an isocaloric amount of unsaturated margarine or butter. Clinical and anthropometric measurements and a 3-day food record were made. Chi-square and Fisher's tests were used to compare qualitative variables and the general linear procedure was used to compare the groups. Additional analyses were performed after adjustment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference (P <0.03) in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels between the groups. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B values decreased in the unsaturated group in comparison with the saturated group. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol changes were correlated with the variation in polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and with plasma phospholipid linoleic acid levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A small change in saturated by polyunsaturated fatty acid intake may improve plasma lipid parameters in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Department, Pasteur Institute, Lille, France. jean-michel.lecerf@pasteur-lille.fr
authors.forename: Jean-Michel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lecerf
authors.forename: Gérald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Luc
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marécaux
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bal
authors.forename: Jean-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bonte
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lacroix
authors.forename: Amélie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cayzeele
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D002079:Butter / Q000032:analysis; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D015930:Diet Records; D004036:Diet, Atherogenic; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D008297:Male; D008383:Margarine / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012307:Risk Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D002079:Butter; D008383:Margarine