Habitual excessive dietary salt intake and blood pressure levels in renal transplant recipients

We observed that renal transplant recipients with good graft function (mean serum creatinine level 1.5 mg/dl ± 0.5 SD, N = 68) had dietary salt intakes (estimated from serial measurements of 24-hour sodium excretion rate) which averaged 43 percent higher than that of a comparable group of healthy subjects. There was no correlation between blood pressure levels and salt intake and, despite the high dietary salt intake, hypertension was present in only 29 patients and was usually mild; mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 132 ± 10 mm Hg and 89 ± 7 mm Hg, respectively white the patients were receiving ant (hypertensive medication (median number of standard doses of antihypertensive medication was 1.0 doses/ patient per day). These observations suggest that high dietary salt intake does not exert a powerful blood pressure elevating effect, since any effect of high dietary salt intake to raise blood pressure should have been magnified In the renal transplant recipients because of their reduced renal mass and their chronic glucocorticoid therapy.     

碘/钠摄入量对小鼠血脂代谢影响的实验研究

Objective The present study has been designed to investigate the impact of dietary iodine/sodium intake on blood lipid metabolism in mice. Methods According to body weight and gender, two hundred and sixty Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 2 groups including normal sodium group(Na) and low sodium group(LNa), with 130 animals per group. Each group were then randomly further divided into 5 sub-groups according to the amount of iodine intake: ① severe iodine deficiency(SID); ② mild iodine deficiency(MID); (③normal iodine (NI); ④ 10-fold high iodine ( 10HI ); (⑤ 50-fold high iodine (50HI), 10 groups in total, 26 per group.Eight months later, the body weight and the levels of urinary iodine, thyroid hormones and total cholesterol (TC),Results In Na group, the levels of TG and TC in male mice of SID group[ (1.64 ± 0.35), (3.88 ± 0.35 )mmol/L]and MID group[ ( 1.67 ± 0.31 ), (3.41 ± 0.66)mmol/L] were significantly higher than that of NI group[ ( 1.49 ± 0.42), (3.25 ± 0.47)mmol/L] and the levels of TG in female mice of SID group[(1.52 ± 0.22)mmol/L] were significantly higher than that of NI group[ (1.23 ± 0.22)mmol/L]. In addition, the levels of TG in male mice of 10HI and 50HI groups [ ( 1.16 ± 0.23 ), ( 1.21 ± 0.27 ) mmol/L ] were significantly lower than that of NI group [ ( 1.49 ± 0.42)mmol/L, all P ＜ 0.05], the levels of TC in female mice of 10HI and 50HI groups[(2.37 ± 0.49), (2.48 ± 0.37)mmol/L] were significantly lower than that of NI group[ (2.84 ± 0.37) mmol/L, all P ＜ 0.05 ]. In LNa group,the levels of TG and TC in male mice of SID group[ (1.39 ± 0.40), (3.33 ± 0.46 )mmol/L] were significantly lower than that of NI group [(1.30 ± 0.28), (3.00 ± 0.53) mmol/L, all P ＜ 0.05], the levels of TG, TC and LDL in female mice of SID group[ (1.48 ± 0.26), (2.76 ± 0.43), (0.62 ± 0.22)mmol/L], the levels of LDL in female mice of MID group[ (0.60 ± 0.17 )mmol/L] were significantly lower than that of NI group[(l.22 ± 0.36), (2.51 ± 0.38),(0.48 ± 0.08), (0.48 ± 0.08)mmol/L, all P ＜ 0.05], the levels of TG in male mice of 10HI and 50HI group [ (1.12 ± 0.22), (0.90 ± 0.11 )mmol/L] were significantly lower than that of NI group (all P ＜ 0.05 ), the levels of TC in female mice of 10HI and 50HI groups[ (2.35 ± 0.34), (2.37 ± 0.37)mmol/L], the levels of LDL in female mice of 50HI group[(0.65 ± 0.18)mmol/L], were significantly lower than that of NI group(all P ＜ 0.05). In Na group, the levels of thyroid hormones were distinctively decreased in SID group[TT4(0.00 ± 0.00)nmol/L, FT4 (0.93 ± 0.42)pmol/L, TT3(0.49 ± 0.07)nmol/L, FT3(2.86 ± 0.37)pmol/L] and MID group [TT4 (17.15 ± 15.26)nmol/L, FT4( 18.46 ± 4.31 )pmol/L, TT3(0.67 ± 0. 10)nmol/L, FT3(3.18 ± 0.24)pmol/L] compared with that of the NI group [TT4 (37.15 ± 15.26)nmol/L, FT4(28.46 ± 4.31)pmol/L, TT3(0.85 ± 0.10)pmol/L, FT3(3.87 ± 0.24)pmol/L, all P ＜ 0.05 ]. In LNa group, the levels of thyroid hormones were distinctively decreased in SID group [TT4 (0.00 ± 0.00) nmol/L,FT4(1.03 ± 0.78)pmol/L, TT3(0.51 ± 0.05)nmol/L, FT3(3.01 ± 0.17)pmol/L] and MID group[TT4(19.76 ± 12.22)nmol/L, FT4(21.46 ± 5.37)pmol/L, TT3(0.71 ± 0.21)nmol/L, FT3(3.56 ± 0.23)pmol/L] compared with that of the NI group[TT4(36.23 ± 14.72)nmol/L, FT4(30.96 ± 6.33)pmol/L, TT3(0.89 ± 0.20)nmol/L, FT3(4.05 ± 0.24)pmol/L, all P ＜ 0.05]. Conclusions Dietary iodine intake plays an important role in the blood lipid metabolism. Iodine deficiency could increase while iodine excess could decrease the levels of serum TG, TC or LDL in mice. Monitoring the amount of iodine intake during sodium restriction should have an important role in effective prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.     

碘/钠摄入量对小鼠血脂代谢影响的实验研究

目的 探讨膳食碘摄入量对适钠和低钠饮食小鼠血脂代谢影响,为揭示碘与心血管疾病发病的相关性进行初步研究.方法 Balb/c小鼠260只,按体质量、性别随机分为适钠组(Na)和低钠组(Lna),每组130只;此两大组又分别按照碘摄入量分为①重度低碘组(SID);②轻度低碘组(MID);③适碘组(NI);④10倍碘过量组(10HI);⑤50倍碘过量组(50HI),总计为10组,每组26只.各组小鼠在饲养8个月时收集尿液和小鼠外周血,分离血清.测定小鼠尿碘、体质量、血脂[甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、高密度脂蛋白醇(HDL)]及甲状腺激素水平[总甲状腺素(TT4),总三碘甲腺原氨酸(TT3)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)、游离三碘甲腺原氨酸(FT3)].结果适钠组中,SID组、MID组雄性小鼠TG水平[(1.64±0.35)、(1.67±0.31)mmol/L]和SID组TC水平[(3.88±0.35)mmol/L]明显高于NI组[(1.49±0.42)、(3.25±0.47)mmol/L,P均＜0.05],SID组中雌性小鼠TG水平[(1.52±0.22)mmol/L]高于NI组[(1.23±0.22)mmol/L,P＜0.05].10HI和50HI组雄性小鼠外周血TG水平[(1.16±0.23)、(1.21±0.27)mmol/L]低于NI组(P均＜0.05),雌性小鼠TC水平[(2.37±0.49)、(2.48±0.37)mmol/L)低于NI组[(2.84±0.37)mmol/L,P均＜0.05].在低钠组,SID组雄性小鼠TG、TC水平[(1.39±0.40)、(3.33±0.46)mmol/L]均高于NI组[(1.30±0.28)、(3.00±0.53)mmol/L,P均＜0.05],SID组雌性小鼠TG、TC、LDL水平[(1.48±0.26)、(276±0.43)、(0.62±0.22)mmol/L]、MID组雌性小鼠LDL水平[(0.60±0.17)mmol/L]均高于NI组[(1.22±0.36)、(2.51±0.38)、(0.48±0.08)mmol/L,P均＜0.05].10HI和50HI组雄性小鼠TG水平[(1.12±0.22)、(0.90±0.11)mmol/L]均低于NI组(P均＜0.05),10HI和50HI组雌性小鼠TC水平[(2.35±0.34)、(2.37±0.37)mmol/L]、50HI组雌性小鼠LDL水平[(0.65±0.18)mmol/L]均低于NI组(P均＜0.05).适钠组中的SID和MID组血清TT4[(0.00±0.00)、(17.15±15.26)nmol/L]、FT4[(0.93±0.42)、(18.46±4.31)pmol/L]和TT3[(0.49±0.07)、(0.67±0.10)nmol/L]、FT3[(2.86±0.37)、(3.18±0.24)pmol/L]水平均低于NI组[(37.15±15.26)、(28.46±4.31)、(0.85±0.10)、(3.87±0.24)pmol/L,P＜0.01或P＜0.05].在低钠组,SID和MID组血清TT4、FT4和TT3、FT3水平[(0.00±0.00)nmol/L、(1.03±0.78)pmol/L、(0.51±0.05)nmol/L,(3.01±0.17)pmol/L,(19.76±12.22)nmol/L、(21.46±5.37)pmol/L、(0.71±0.21)nmol/L、(3.56±0.23)pmol/L]均低于NI组[(36.23±14.72)nmol/L、(30.96±6.33)pmol/L、(0.89±0.20)nmol/L、(4.05±0.24)pmol/L,P均＜0.05],10HI组的TT3水平[(1.06±0.23)nmol/L]高于NI组(P＜0.05).结论碘缺乏可致TG、TC和LDL升高,过量碘可致TG/TC水平降低.碘摄入量是影响血脂代谢的重要因素.限盐饮食的同时,严密监控碘的摄入量对当前有效防治心血管疾病应具有重要作用.     

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 modulates blood glucose levels.

We have determined the consequences of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) administration alone and in combination with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Human recombinant IGF-I, infused as a bolus into male Wistar rats, induced a fall in plasma glucose to 72 +/- 3% of baseline 15 min after injection. Co-infusion of equimolar concentrations of human IGFBP-1 abolished the IGF-I-induced fall (P less than 0.001). Injection of IGFBP-1 alone caused a rise in plasma glucose levels (P less than 0.002). The half life of human IGFBP-1, measured using a primate-specific RIA, was 12.5 +/- 0.7 min and was not influenced by the co-infusion of IGF-I. This study demonstrates that, in the rat, human IGFBP-1 blocks the hypoglycemic response to intravenous IGF-I and increases blood glucose levels when administered alone. Since IGFBP-1 concentrations are dependent on metabolic status, we suggest that fluctuating IGFBP-1 levels might modulate the hypoglycemic activity of unbound IGFs in the circulation.     

Fat induced hypertension in rabbits. Effects of dietary fibre on blood pressure and blood lipid concentration

Rabbits were fed diets containing 200 g.kg-1 coconut oil, palm oil, or safflower oil. Some of the diets also contained 200 g.kg-1 cellulose. The blood pressure was measured daily by a non-invasive technique for the 2 month duration of the experiment. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast at intervals during the experiment and analysed for lipids. Blood pressure was always increased by a fat-enriched diet. This effect was diminished and delayed by adding cellulose to the diets, though cellulose itself had no effect on the blood pressure in the absence of fat. There was a modest negative correlation between fasting serum triglyceride concentration and the blood pressure in animals fed fat enriched diets without added cellulose, but not in animals fed diets containing both fat and cellulose. These results coupled with those of Wright, Burstyn and Gibney may serve partly to explain the observation that vegetarians have lower blood pressures than omnivores, the latter consuming diets which are relatively richer in fats and poorer in fibre than the former.     

Magnesium intake and cardiovascular disease

This article includes historical sketch of magnesium research, basic researches on effect of magnesium on cardiovascular disease, practical researches (including clinical studies) on relationship between magnesium intake and cardiovascular disease and current status of intake amount of magnesium in Japanese estimated by the national nutrition survey in Japan, 2002. Basic studies revealed the mechanism that magnesium deficiency may decrease ATPase, leading to increase in intracellular calcium of blood vessels, and then the vasoconstriction occurs in cardiovascular system. Clinical studies clarified that magnesium levels in serum decreased significantly in patients with ischemic heart disease. The National Nutrition Survey in Japan revealed that intake amount of magnesium of people for 15 - 49 year male and female were below the recommended dietary allowance of magnesium in Japan.     

How does dietary lipid lower blood alcohol concentrations?

To determine the mechanism, whereby food lowers blood alcohol concentrations, gastric emptying and blood alcohol profiles were measured in six healthy male volunteers after they had drunk a 200 ml solution of vodka and orange juice containing 0.5 g/kg alcohol. Subjects were studied on two separate occasions during infusion of isosmotic solutions of either Intralipid or saline into the ileum via an intestinal tube. Gastric emptying was significantly delayed by ileal infusion of fat emulsion and the peak blood alcohol concentration was significantly depressed. Similar effects were observed in three subjects when the solutions were infused into the duodenum. These results suggest that the reduction in alcohol absorption by food does not depend on the physical relationship between the alcohol and the food or between the food and the absorbing epithelium, but is probably caused by a delay in the delivery of alcohol to the small intestine, from where it is rapidly absorbed.     

Blood pressure and renal blood flow responses to dietary calcium and sodium intake in humans.

This study was designed to determine the interaction between salt and calcium intake on blood pressure (BP) and renal blood flow (RBF) in a predominantly white population. We measured BP and RBF (P-aminohippurate [PAH] clearance) in hypertensive patients after 7 days on a low salt/low calcium diet and again after either a high salt/high calcium diet (HS/HC) or a high salt/low calcium (HS/LC) diet for another 7 days. Compared to low salt BP, both high salt diets increased BP, but the increase with high salt/low calcium was significantly greater than with high salt/high calcium (+14.6 +/- 3.9/+8.2 +/- 1.7 mm Hg v +7.5 +/- 1.9/+2.5 +/- 1.4 mm Hg; systolic/diastolic, both P less than or equal to .05). PAH clearance increased 26 +/- 13 mL/min/1.73 m2 on the HS/HC diet but only 10 +/- 17 mL/min/1.73 m2 on HS/LC (P = .05 between groups). These data suggest that a low calcium diet may contribute to the phenomenon of salt sensitivity in a white population. The low calcium intake appears to affect both the systemic and renal vasculature.     

Differential dietary ethanol intake and blood ethanol levels in adolescent and adult rats: effects on anxiety-like behavior and seizure thresholds

Background: Adult rats exhibit increased anxiety‐like behavior after exposure to repeated cycles of chronic ethanol and withdrawal. While adolescent rats have differential responses to both acute and chronic ethanol treatments, the potential differences in the effects of repeated withdrawals in this population have yet to be determined. Methods: Male adult and adolescent rats received three 5‐day cycles of either a 4.5% or 7% ethanol diet (ED) separated by two 2‐day withdrawal periods. Five hours into the final withdrawal, rats were tested for social interaction (SI) deficits (an index of anxiety‐like behavior) and then assessed for seizure thresholds (audiogenic and bicuculline‐induced). Ethanol intake was monitored throughout, and blood ethanol concentrations (BEC) were obtained from a separate group of rats. Results: Adolescent rats have reduced SI during the final withdrawal from either ED and exhibit a greater reduction in SI compared to adult rats when exposed to a 7%ED. Audiogenic seizures were not increased during withdrawal from either ED in adult rats, but adolescent rats that received 7%ED displayed increased seizures. The bicuculline seizure thresholds were decreased in both ages exposed to a 7%ED, but only adolescent rats showed this decreased threshold after 4.5%ED. Ethanol intakes and BECs were higher in adolescent rats compared to similarly treated adults. However, ethanol intakes and BECs were comparable between 4.5%ED‐treated adolescent and 7%ED‐treated adult rats. Conclusions: Behavioral results from the 7%ED‐treated groups suggested that adolescent rats may be more vulnerable to repeated withdrawals from ethanol than adults; however, differences in ethanol intake and BECs may be at least in part responsible. When ethanol intakes and BECs were similar between 4.5%ED‐treated adolescent and 7%ED‐treated adult rats, behavioral effects were not different. Importantly, these data illustrated that adolescent rats can exhibit anxiety and reduced seizure thresholds following this repeated withdrawal paradigm.     

Magnesium intake, glucose and insulin serum levels in pre-school very-low-birth weight pre-term children

AimsTo evaluate cross-sectional associations between dietary magnesium intake and the metabolic pattern of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW, <1500 g) pre-term children, in pre-school years (>2 and < 6 years).Methods and resultsFifty-eight Italian children without major congenital malformations/conditions were enrolled; dietary intakes, clinical and (in 34 cases) laboratory characteristics were evaluated. Subjects with lower magnesium intake showed significantly higher fasting glucose, insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels. At simple regression analysis, fasting glucose was significantly associated with magnesium intake (inversely) and catch-up growth (CUG). Fasting insulin and HOMA-IR values were inversely associated with intakes of magnesium and fibres, and directly with Body Mass Index (BMI) and CUG. In a multiple regression model, after adjusting for multiple confounders and fibre intake, magnesium intake was inversely associated with glucose (β = − 0.018; 95%CI −0.026 to −0.010), but not with insulin or HOMA-IR levels. In the same model, dietary fibres remained inversely associated with insulin (β = − 0.075; −0.14 to −0.008) and HOMA-IR levels (β = − 0.06; −0.11 to −0.01).ConclusionThese results suggest a significant association between reduced magnesium intake and fasting glucose, and between reduced fibre intake and insulin resistance and this is present even in earlier childhood, and independently of BMI and growth characteristics.     

Dietary intake and lipid levels in Norwegian and Spanish children with familial hypercholesterolemia

Background and aimsBoth the Nordic and Mediterranean diets claim to have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular prevention. The objective of this study was to compare diets consumed by children with FH at the time of diagnosis in Norway and Spain and to study their relationship with the lipid profile.Methods and resultsIn this cross-sectional study, we appraised the dietary intake in children (4–18 years old) with (n = 114) and without FH (n = 145) from Norway and Spain. We compared Nordic and Mediterranean diet composition differences and determined the association between food groups and lipid profiles.ResultsThe Spanish FH group had a higher intake of total fats (mainly monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)), cholesterol and fibre, but a lower intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to the Norwegian FH group. The Norwegian children consumed more rapeseed oil, low-fat margarine and whole grains and less olive oil, eggs, fatty fish, meat, legumes and nuts. In the Norwegian FH group, fat and MUFAs were directly correlated with total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and inversely correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). In Spanish children with FH, the intake of fats (mainly MUFAs) was directly associated with HDL-C and apolipoprotein A1.ConclusionsDespite a similar lipid phenotype, diets consumed by children with FH in Norway and Spain have significant differences at time of diagnosis. Nutrition advice should be more adapted to local intake patterns than on specific nutrient composition.     

碘缺乏和碘过量对实验性甲状腺功能减退小鼠血脂代谢的影响

目的 观察碘缺乏和碘过量对实验性甲状腺功能减退(简称甲减)小鼠血脂代谢的影响,探讨碘不依赖于甲状腺激素的独立作用机制.方法 将雌性Balb/c小鼠按体质量随机分为6组:对照、重度低碘(SID)、轻度低碘(MID)、适碘(NI)、10倍碘过量(10HI)和50倍碘过量(50HI)组,每组10只.对照组饲以低碘饲料,其他各组饲以含0.2%甲基硫氧嘧啶的低碘饲料,同时饮用碘化钾(KI)配制的含碘量分别为326.79、0、196.08、326.79、3856.21、19 542.50 μg/L的去离子水.喂养3个月后,处死并收集小鼠外周血,分离血清.放射免疫分析法测定甲状腺激素水平,酶法检测血清中甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平.结果 ①SID[(21.27±9.63)μg/L]、MID[(23.41±3.93)μg/L]、NI[(22.57±4.66)μg/L]、10HI[(21.07±5.03)μg/L]和50HI组[(21.46±5.90)μg/L]血清TT4水平明显低于对照组[(42.15±8.26)μg/L,P均＜0.01],而各组间血清TT3水平比较,差异无统计学意义(F=0.99,P＞0.05).②10HI组TG水平[(1.17±0.16)mmol/L]与对照组[(1.39±0.22)mmol/L]和NI组[(1.51±0.22)mmol/L]比较,明显降低(P均＜0.05).50HI组TG和TC水平[(1.18±0.22)、(1.78±0.15)mmol/L]与对照组[(1.39±0.22)、(2.14±0.37)mmol/L]和NI组[(1.51±0.22)、(2.00±0.15)mmol/L]比较,明显降低(P均＜0.05).各组HDL-C、LDL-C水平比较,差异无统计学意义(F值分别为0.55、0.54,P均＞0.05).结论 碘可不依赖于甲状腺激素独立发挥调节甲减小鼠血脂的作用;监控碘的摄入量,对有效防治心血管疾病亦有重要作用.

Abstract：

Objective To observe the effects of iodine deficiency and iodine excess on the lipid metabolism in an experimental hypothyroid model of mice and to explore the roles of iodine independent of its role in thyroid hormones. Methods Female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, severe iodine deficiency (SID), mild iodine deficiency(MID), normal iodine (NI), 10-fold high iodine (10HI) and 50-fold high iodine(50HI), 10 in each group. The mice in control group were fed with low iodine forage, other mice were fed with low iodine forage containing 0.2% methylthiouracilum. All mice drank deionic water containing different concentrations of potassium iodide(KI). The iodine content in water was 326.79, 0, 196.08,326.79, 385621, 19 542.50 μg/L, respectively. After three months, thyroid hormones in the serum were determined by radioimmunoassay.Also, the blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesteiol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and measured enzymatically by automatic analyzer. Results ①The levels of Tr4 in SID[(21.27 ± 9.63)μg/L], MID[(23.41 ± 3.93)μg/L], NI[(22.57 ±4.66)μg/L], 10HI [(21.07 ± 5.03) μg/L] and 50HI groups [(21.46 ± 5.90) μg/L] were distinctively decreased compared with control group[(42.15 ± 8.26)μg/L, all P ＜ 0.01]. There were no statistical significant differences of TT3 between different groups (F = 0.99, P > 0.05 ). ②The level of TG in 10HI group [ ( 1.17 ± 0.16)mmol/L ] was obviously decreased compared with control [(1.39 ± 0.22 )mmol/L] and NI groups[(151 ± 0.22)mmol/L, all P＜ 0.05].Both TG and TC in 50HI group[(1.18 ± 0.22), (1.78 ± 0.15)mmol/L] were significantly decreased compared with control [( 1.39 ± 0.22), (2.14 ± 0.37)mmol/L] and NI groups [(1.51 ± 0.22), (2.00 ± 0.15)mmol/L, all P ＜ 0.05].The difference of serum HDL-C and LDL-C between the groups was not significant(F = 0.55,0.54, all P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusions Dietary iodine plays a role in the metabolism of serum lipids independent of thyroid hormones.Thus, monitoring the amount of iodine intake during sodium restriction should also be taken extremely important for effectively prevention and cure of cardiovascular disease.     

Lack of effect of chlorpromazine and haloperidol on serum lipid levels and on atherogenesis in cholesterol fed rabbits

Effects of chlorpromazine and haloperidol on serum lipid levels and on atheromotous plaques of aortae were studied in 1% cholesterol fed rabbits. To three different groups, subcutaneous injections of saline, chlorpromazine and haloperidol were given daily, following a cholesterol fed diet for twelve weeks. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar at 0, 6, 12 weeks among the three groups. No significant differences in the area with atheromatous plaque of aorta were noted among the three groups. Therefore, chlorpromazine and haloperidol have no preventive action against cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.     

Effect of yogurt intake on plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in normolipidemic males

To determine the effect of yogurt intake on plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels, studies were carried out in 18 normolipidemic males during 3 dietary phases. Phase 1 was a low-fat, low-cholesterol baseline diet consumed for 3 weeks. The baseline diet was supplemented with low-fat yogurt (16 oz/day) for 4 weeks during phase 2, and during phase 3 the supplement consisted of a non-fermented dairy product (16 oz low-fat milk plus 10% milk solids). Average body weights and dietary intakes of fat, cholesterol and polyunsaturate/saturate fat ratios were not significantly different for the 3 dietary phases. Plasma total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol were unaffected by either the yogurt of low-fat milk concentrate. The results indicate that yogurt, as an example of a fermented dairy product, has no effect on plasma cholesterol levels of normolipidemic males.     

Nutritional habits and serum lipid levels in a low-fat intake Chinese population sample

The dietary intake of macronutrients and of specific minerals and vitamins was measured in a low-fat intake adult population living in a rural area in northwestern China. The total intake of fat amounted to +/- 12% of total energy. The P/S ratio was 2.5 and the U/S ratio 3.8. Carbohydrates provide about 75% of total energy. The mean total serum cholesterol was 148 mg/dl in men and 163 mg/dl in women. The mean HDL-cholesterol level was 38.6 mg/dl in men and 39.4 mg/dl in women, confirming the absence of a significant sex difference in HDL-cholesterol in low-fat consuming populations. Triglyceride levels were similar to those of Western populations. For both sexes taken together a positive correlation was found between the serum cholesterol level and saturated fat intake (p < 0.001) and a negative correlation with the P/S ratio (p < 0.05). Calcium intake was low: 346 mg/d in men and 245 mg/d in women.     

The relationship between dietary ascorbic acid intake and serum lipid concentration in the aged]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary ascorbic acid intake and serum lipid concentration in the aged. The amount of dairy food intake for three consecutive days were measured and the serum levels of total-cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDLC) were determined 279 subjects (135 males and 135 females), 65 years and over living in one community. The LDL-cholesterol (LDLC) was calculated by (TC-HDLC)-TG x 0.2. Dietary ascorbic acid intake showed no significantly difference between males and females, but had a significantly positive correlation with HDLC, the intake of carbohydrates and protein and total fat. However it had a significantly negative correlation with LDLC and LDLC/HDLC. Multiple regression analysis showed that dietary ascorbic acid intake had a statistically significant relationship with HDLC, LDLC and LDLC/HDLC. Since HDLC, which is known to be an anti-atherogenic, was related to increase in the dietary ascorbic acid intake, and LDLC, which is known to be an atherogenic, was related to its decrease, it was suggested that dietary ascorbic acid intake might have an important effect on the genesis and prevention of atherogenic diseases.