title: Additional benefit in CVD risk indices derived from the consumption of fortified milk when combined with a lifestyle intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of fortified milk combined with a lifestyle and counselling programme on several CVD risk factors after a 3-month dietary intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hypercholesterolaemic adults were randomized to a group supplemented with low-fat milk that was enriched with phytosterols, α-linolenic and linoleic fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants (enriched milk group, EMG: n 40), a placebo milk group (PMG: n 36) or a control group (CG: n 25). The EMG and PMG consumed respectively 500 ml of enriched milk or placebo milk daily and attended biweekly counselling sessions over a 3-month period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 101 hypercholesterolemic adults aged 40-60 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regarding lifestyle changes, total and saturated fat intakes decreased significantly in both intervention groups compared with the CG (P < 0·005). Furthermore, total steps were increased (P = 0·029) and BMI was decreased (P = 0·017) significantly in both intervention groups compared with the CG. Regarding biochemical indices, EPA content in erythrocyte membranes increased (P < 0·001) while serum C-reactive protein decreased (P = 0·003) significantly in both intervention groups compared with the CG. Finally, significant increases in plasma folic acid and vitamin B12 levels and a significant decrease in homocysteine levels were observed in the EMG compared with the PMG and CG (all P < 0·001). A favourable change in LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol was also observed in the EMG and tended to be significant compared with the PMG and CG (P = 0·066).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study showed that consumption of fortified milk accompanied with lifestyle counselling induces extra benefits in terms of LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol and serum homocysteine levels.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 Elefteriou Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petrogianni
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 Elefteriou Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Evangelia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grammatikaki
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 Elefteriou Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kalogeropoulos
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 Elefteriou Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Peristeraki
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 Elefteriou Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Moschonis
authors.affiliation: 2 First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pitsavos
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 Elefteriou Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Smaragdi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Antonopoulou
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 70 Elefteriou Venizelou Street, 17671 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Yannis
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Manios
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry*; D009043:Motor Activity; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D010840:Phytosterols; D014280:Triglycerides; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D019787:Linoleic Acid