Dietary advice on lowering cholesterol

January 01, 0001

Dietary advice on lowering cholesterol

This group of Canadian researchers examined specific dietary changes on change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). They performed aparallel-design study of 351 participants with hyperlipidemia from academic centers across Canada. Enrollees were randomized to either a dietary portfolio consisting of advice on use of plant sterols, soy protein, viscous fibers, and nuts dietary or to advice on a low saturated fat diet as (control). There were two different intensities of meetings regarding the dietary portfolio advice.

The researchers found: "In the modified intention-to-treat analysis of 345 participants, the overall attrition rate was not significantly different between treatments (18% for intensive dietary portfolio, 23% for routine dietary portfolio, and 26% for control). The LDL-C reductions from an overall mean of 171 mg/dL were -13.8% or -26 mg/dL for the intensive dietary portfolio, -13.1% or -24 mg/dL for the routine dietary portfolio, and -3.0% or - 8 mg/dL for the control diet. Percentage LDL-C reductions for each dietary portfolio were significantly more than the control diet. The 2 dietary portfolio interventions did not differ significantly. Among participants randomized to one of the dietary portfolio interventions, percentage reduction in LDL-C on the dietary portfolio was associated with dietary adherence."

The researchers concluded: "Use of a dietary portfolio compared with the low-saturated fat dietary advice resulted in greater LDL-C lowering during 6 months of follow-up."

Advice on use of additional cholesterol lowering dietary measure beyond low saturated fat intake, such as fiber, soy, and plant sterols, can have a substantial impact on LDL levels.

For the full abstract, click here.

JAMA 306(8):831-839, 24 August 2011 © 2011 American Medical Association
Effect of a Dietary Portfolio of Cholesterol-Lowering Foods Given at 2 Levels of Intensity of Dietary Advice on Serum Lipids in Hyperlipidemia. David J. A. Jenkins, Peter J. H. Jones, Benoit Lamarche, et al.

Category: T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional. Keywords: LDL, hyperlipidemia, diet, plant sterols, soy, randomized controlled trial, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 9 September 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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