Soybean oil is associated with a near four-fold increase in the death rate in infants with parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease

This study was published in the Annals of Surgery 2009 Sep;250(3):395-402

Study title and authors:
Parenteral fish oil improves outcomes in patients with parenteral nutrition-associated liver injury.

Puder M, Valim C, Meisel JA, Le HD, de Meijer VE, Robinson EM, Zhou J, Duggan C, Gura KM.
Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. mark.puder@childrens.harvard.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19661785?dopt=AbstractPlus

This study compared the safety and efficacy between a fish oil-based intravenous lipid emulsion and a soybean oil-based intravenous lipid emulsion in the treatment of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease.

Parenteral feeding is the intravenous administration of nutrients to patients who cannot support their nutritional needs because of intestinal failure. Prolonged parenteral feeding may lead to health complications such as: Steatosis, steatohepatitis, cholestasis, fibrosis, micronodular cirrhosis, phospholipidosis, biliary sludge and cholelithiasis.

The study included:
(i) 42 infants with short bowel syndrome who received fish oil-based intravenous lipid emulsion after they had developed cholestasis (cholestasis is a condition where bile cannot flow from the liver to the small intestine) while receiving soybean oil-based intravenous lipid emulsion. (Fish oil group).
(ii) 49 infants with short bowel syndrome and cholestasis whose who continued to receive soybean oil-based intravenous lipid emulsion only. (Soybean oil group).

The study found:
(a) Three deaths and one liver transplantation occurred in the fish oil group, compared with 12 deaths and six transplants in the soybean oil group.
(b) Among survivors not transplanted during parenteral nutrition, cholestasis reversed while receiving parenteral nutrition in 19 of 38 patients in the fish oil group versus two of 36 patients in the soybean oil group.

The study shows that soybean oil is associated with a nearly four-fold increase in the death rate compared to fish oil in infants with parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease.

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Analysis of 119 statin randomized controlled trials find that statins increase the risk of muscle problems

This study was published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety 2007 Feb;16(2):132-43

 

Study title and authors:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinically relevant adverse events from HMG CoA reductase inhibitor trials worldwide from 1982 to present.

McClure DL, Valuck RJ, Glanz M, Hokanson JE.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado, Clinical Research Unit, Denver, CO 80237-8066, USA. david.l.mcclure@kp.org

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17072896

The objective of the study was to determine the association of adverse events from a systematic review and meta-analysis of statin randomized controlled trials. The study included over 86,000 participants from 119 studies.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 59% increased risk of rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle fibers that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream and often causes kidney damage) compared to nonusers.
(b) Statin users had a 156% increased risk of myositis (inflammation of the muscles) compared to nonusers.
(c) Statin users had a 9% increased risk of myalgia (muscle pain) compared to nonusers.

This analysis of 119 statin randomized controlled trials found that statins increased the risk of muscle problems.

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Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks is associated with obesity in children

This study was published in the Lancet 2001 Feb 17;357(9255):505-8

Study title and authors:
Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity: a prospective, observational analysis.

Ludwig DS, Peterson KE, Gortmaker SL.
Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. david.ludwig@tch.harvard.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11229668?dopt=AbstractPlus

The study examined the relationship between the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and obesity. The study included 548 schoolchildren (average age 11.7 years) who were followed for 19 months.

The study found:
(a) For each additional serving of sugar-sweetened drink consumed, body mass index (BMI) increased by 0.24 kg/m2.
(b) For each additional serving of sugar-sweetened drink consumed, frequency of obesity increased by 60%.

The findings of the study reveal that consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks is associated with obesity in children.

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Pesticides associated to genetically modified foods found in pregnant women and their fetuses

This study was published in Reproductive Toxicology 2011 May;31(4):528-33

 

Study title and authors:

Maternal and fetal exposure to pesticides associated to genetically modified foods in Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.

Aris A, Leblanc S.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke Hospital Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. aziz.aris@usherbrooke.ca

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21338670

This study evaluated the blood levels of pesticides associated to genetically modified foods in pregnant and nonpregnant women. The blood of 30 pregnant women and 39 nonpregnant women from Quebec were studied.

The study found:
(a) The herbicides glyphosate and gluphosinate were detected in nonpregnant women and not detected in pregnant women.
(b) The herbicide 3-methylphosphinicopropionic acid and the insecticide Cry1Ab toxin were detected in pregnant women, their fetuses and nonpregnant women.

Glyphosate may cause cancer, liver and kidney damage. Gluphosinate has been linked with heart failure, neurotoxicity, cancer, DNA damage, and reproductive toxicity. 3-methylphosphinicopropionic acid is derived from gluphosinate. Cry1Ab toxin is capable of causing cell death.

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Statins are associated with an approximate doubling of the risk of muscle disease

This study was published in Clinical Therapeutics 2007 Aug;29(8):1761-70

Study title and authors:
Does statin therapy initiation increase the risk for myopathy? An observational study of 32,225 diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Nichols GA, Koro CE.
Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon 97227-1098, USA. greg.nichols@kpchr.org

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17919557

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of myopathy (muscle disease) among subjects with or without diabetes, some of whom received statin treatment. the study included 32,225 subjects who were followed for nine years.

The study found:
(a) Statins users with diabetes had a 43% increased risk of myopathy compared to non-users with diabetes.
(b) Statin users without diabetes had a 143% increased risk of myopathy compared to non-users without diabetes.

The study reveals that statins are associated with an approximate doubling of the risk of muscle disease.

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High-fat diets reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia

This study was published in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease 2012;32(2):329-39

 

Study title and authors:

Relative intake of macronutrients impacts risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Roberts RO, Roberts LA, Geda YE, Cha RH, Pankratz VS, O'Connor HM, Knopman DS, Petersen RC.

Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. roberts.rosebud@mayo.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22810099

The objective of the study was to investigate the association between fat, protein & carbohydrate intake and mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The study lasted for 3.7 years and included 937 elderly people, average age 79.5 years, who had normal cognition at the start of the study.

The study found:
(a) Those who consumed the most fat had a 44% reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
(b) Those who consumed the most protein had a 21% reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
(c) Those who consumed the most carbohydrate had a 89% increased risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

The study reveals that a high-fat diet reduces the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

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Suicide attempters have low cholesterol levels

This study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders 2012 Dec 10. pii: S0165-0327(12)00799-9

 

Study title and authors:

Plasma total cholesterol in psychiatric patients after a suicide attempt and in follow-up.

Papadopoulou A, Markianos M, Christodoulou C, Lykouras L.

Department of Psychiatry, Attikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Greece. Electronic address: athanpapad@hotmail.gr.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23237826

This study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with suicide attempts. The study included 51 subjects who had been admitted to a psychiatric clinic after a suicide attempt, who were compared with normal age-matched subjects.

The study found that the suicide attempters had significantly lower cholesterol levels than the normal subjects.

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Review of the scientific literature finds consistent evidence of an association between sugar intake and cardiovascular disease

This paper was published in the Internal Medicine Journal 2012 Oct;42 Suppl 5:46-58

 

Study title and authors:

Sugar restriction: the evidence for a drug-free intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Thornley S, Tayler R, Sikaris K.

Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. s.thornley@auckland.ac.nz

 

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23035683

This paper reviewed the epidemiological, biochemical and psychological evidence that implicates excess sugar intake as an important cause of ill-health.

The paper found:
(a) There is consistent evidence of an association between sugar intake and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and of the disease itself.
(b) There is some evidence of a sugar addiction syndrome.
(c) There is evidence that some researchers use debatable methods to prove the hypothesis that saturated fat causes coronary disease despite the unsupportive statistical evidence.

The paper concludes: "This paper suggests a deviation from widely accepted practice for many cardiologists, general physicians and family doctors concerned with reducing the cardiovascular disease risk of the patient that they have before them. Rather than reaching for the prescription pad, we suggest a brief conversation about the perils of a high-sugar diet and practical advice about how to cut down".

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Statins increase the risk of muscle pain by 90%

This study was published in Circulation 2012 Nov 26

 

Study title and authors:

The Effect of Statins on Skeletal Muscle Function.

Parker BA, Capizzi JA, Grimaldi AS, Clarkson PM, Cole SM, Keadle J, Chipkin S, Pescatello LS, Simpson K, White CM, Thompson PD.

1 Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT;

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23183941

This study assessed the effects of statins on muscle function. The study included 420 healthy subjects, who had never previously taken statins, who received either 80 mg of atorvastatin or placebo for six months.

The study found:
(a) The creatine kinase levels of those who received statins increased by 20.8 U/L. (The appearance of creatine kinase in blood has been generally considered to be an indirect marker of muscle damage).
(b) Those who received statins had a 90% increased risk of muscle pain compared to those who received placebo.

The results of this trial show that statins increase the risk of muscle injury.

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Meat may help to lower the incidence of demineralization and white spots on teeth

This study was published in Minerva Stomatologica 2010 Nov-Dec;59(11-12):583-91

 

Study title and authors:

Oral implications of the vegan diet: observational study.

Laffranchi L, Zotti F, Bonetti S, Dalessandri D, Fontana P.

Doctoral school in "Medicine and Experimental Therapy", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. auralaff@libero.it

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21217622

The aim of this study was to investigate oral changes in subjects who have assumed a vegan diet (a diet completely lacking in meat and foods of animal origin) for a long time. The study included 15 subjects, aged 24 to 60 year, who had been following a vegan diet for a minimum of 18 months to a maximum of 20 years, and 15 age- and sex-matched control subjects who consumed food of animal origin.

The study revealed that those eating meat and foods of animal origin had a lower incidence of demineralization and white spots on their teeth compared to vegans.

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Low fat diets associated with amenorrhoea

This study was published in Clinical Endocrinology 1999 Feb;50(2):229-35

 

Study title and authors:

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea: a partial and reversible gonadotrophin deficiency of nutritional origin.

Couzinet B, Young J, Brailly S, Le Bouc Y, Chanson P, Schaison G.

Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Hôpital Bicêtre, France.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10396367

This study examined factors that lead to functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea. The study included 12 women (aged 22-35 years) with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and 12 age and body mass index (BMI) matched normal menstruating women.

Regarding fat intake, the study found that women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea  consumed significantly less fat compared with the age and body mass index (BMI) matched normal menstruating women.  

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Low-fat, low-cholesterol diets lead to growth failure in children

This study was published in the American Journal of Diseases of Children 1989 May;143(5):537-42

 

Study title and authors:

Growth failure. A complication of dietary treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Lifshitz F, Moses N.

Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2718985

This study describes the effects of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet on eight children as treatment for "high cholesterol".

The study found that the low-fat, low-cholesterol diet caused growth failure:
(i) Three children had nutritional dwarfing. (Nutritional dwarfing is where there is a marked retardation in growth due to insufficient food consumption).
(ii) In five children, weight loss or insufficient weight gain occurred.

Regarding the diet, the study found:
(a) Children with growth failure consumed significantly less energy and zinc compared to children growing well.
(b) The dietary intakes of the three children with nutritional dwarfing were the most markedly deficient in total energy, fat, and micronutrients.

The data from the study suggests that the diagnosis and dietary treatment of "high cholesterol" may have potentially adverse health consequences. The application of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet may lead to growth failure due to inadequate intake of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

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Statins increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy by 30%

This study was published in the Journal of Diabetes 2012 Nov 1

Study title and authors:
The association of statin use with peripheral neuropathy in the US population 40 years of age or older.

Tierney EF, Thurman DJ, Beckles GL, Cadwell BL.
Division of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23121724

Peripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy means these nerves don't work properly. Peripheral neuropathy may be damage to a single nerve. It may be damage to a nerve group. It may also affect nerves in the whole body.

This study assessed the association between statin use and peripheral neuropathy. The study was based on data collected in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) on people aged 40 or over.

The study found that those on statins had a 30% increased risk of peripheral neuropathy.

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Women with amenorrhea consume only half the amount of dietary fat compared to women with regular menstrual cycles

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1998 Jan;83(1):25-32

 

Study title and authors:

Nutritional and endocrine-metabolic aberrations in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Laughlin GA, Dominguez CE, Yen SS.

Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093-0633, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9435412

This study assessed the association of dietary intake with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. (functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual cycles for more than six months). The study included eight women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and eight age- and body mass index-matched regular cycling women.

Regarding diet, the study found:
(a) The amenorrheic women consumed 46.3% less fat than the regular cycling women.
(b) The amenorrheic women consumed 37.1% more carbohydrate than the regular cycling women.
(c) The amenorrheic women consumed 83.3% more fibre than the regular cycling women.

The results of the study show that women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea consume only half the amount of dietary fat compared to women with regular menstrual cycles.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of Hodgkin's disease

This study was published in Cancer 1992 Feb 15;69(4):1042-6

Study title and authors:
The prognostic significance of total serum cholesterol in patients with Hodgkin's disease.

Muller CP, Trilling B, Steinke B.
Medizinische Universitätsklinik II, Tübingen, Germany.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1735071

The study investigated the prognostic significance of cholesterol levels at the time of diagnosis in patients with Hodgkin's disease. The study included 179 subjects and age- and sex-matched controls.

The study found:
(a) Cholesterol levels were significantly lower in Hodgkin's patients than in age- and sex-matched controls.
(b) Subgroups of Hodgkin's patients with advanced stages, poor response to therapy, and relapse after complete response had lower cholesterol levels.
(c) The 5-year survival rate was 2.5 times higher in patients with cholesterol levels above 140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) than in patients with cholesterol levels below 140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L).

The results of the study reveal that low cholesterol levels are associated with an inreased risk of Hodgkin's disease and an higher risk of death in patients with Hodgkin's disease.

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Statins increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage and premature birth

This study was published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2012 Nov 30

 

Study title and authors:

Pregnancy outcome following maternal exposure to statins: a multicentre prospective study.

Winterfeld U, Allignol A, Panchaud A, Rothuizen L, Merlob P, Cuppers-Maarschalkerweerd B, Vial T, Stephens S, Clementi M, De Santis M, Pistelli A, Berlin M, Eleftheriou G, Maňáková E, Buclin T.

STIS and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23194157

The objective of the study was to investigate the risk associated with exposure to statins during pregnancy. The study collected observations from 249 statin-exposed pregnancies and 249 women not taking statins.

The study found:
(a) The statin-exposed women had a 50% increased risk of having a child with a major birth defect compared to the women not taking statins.
(b) The statin-exposed women had a 36% increased risk of having a miscarriage compared to the women not taking statins.
(c) The statin-exposed women had a 110% increased risk of having a premature birth compared to the women not taking statins.

The data from the study shows that statins increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage and premature birth.

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Diets high in saturated fat lead to lower levels of Lp(a)

This study was published in the Journal of Lipid Research 1992 Oct;33(10):1493-501

Study title and authors:
Effect of dietary cis and trans fatty acids on serum lipoprotein[a] levels in humans.

Mensink RP, Zock PL, Katan MB, Hornstra G.
Department of Human Biology, Limburg University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1431574

The lead author of the study, Professor Ronald Mensink, notes that a high level of lipoprotein[a] (Lp[a]) is a strong risk factor for coronary heart disease.

This study set out to determine the influence of saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and trans-fat on levels of Lp(a). The study involved three strictly controlled experiments with healthy men and women with normal cholesterol levels.

Experiment 1
58 subjects consumed a control diet high in saturated fat for 17 days. For the next 36 days, 6.5% of total energy intake from saturated fat was replaced by:
(i) Monounsaturated fat plus polyunsaturated fat (monounsaturated fat diet; 29 subjects).
(ii) Polyunsaturated fat alone (polyunsaturated fat diet; 29 subjects).

Experiment 1 results:
(a) In the group that switched from the high saturated fat diet to the monounsaturated fat diet, Lp(a) levels increased by 8.3%.
(b) In the group that switched from the high saturated fat diet to the polyunsaturated fat diet, Lp(a) levels increased by 8.1%.

Experiment 1 shows that higher monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat diets lead to higher Lp(a) levels compared to higher saturated fat diets.

Experiment 2
59 subjects consumed three different diets for three weeks each in random order. The diets differed by their content of saturated fat, monounsaturated fat (oleic acid) or trans-fat (derived from oleic acid).

The diets were composed of:
(i) 19.4% saturated fat, 12.8% monounsaturated fat, 1.8% trans-fat. (High saturated fat diet).
(ii) 9.5% saturated fat, 23.0% monounsaturated fat, no trans-fat. (High monounsaturated fat diet).
(iii) 10.0% saturated fat, 12.6% monounsaturated fat, 10.9% trans-fat. (High trans-fat diet).

Experiment 2 results:
(a) The Lp(a) levels of those on the high monounsaturated fat diet were 23.0% higher than those on the high saturated fat diet.
(b) The Lp(a) levels of those on the high trans-fat diet were 73.1% higher than those on the high saturated fat diet.

Experiment 2 shows that higher monounsaturated fat and trans-fat diets lead to higher Lp(a) levels compared to higher saturated fat diets.

Experiment 3
56 subjects consumed three different diets for three weeks each in random order. The diets differed by their content of saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat (linoleic acid) or trans-fat (elaidic acid).

The diets composed of:
(i) 20.1% saturated fat, 4.3% polyunsaturated fat, 0.3% trans-fat. (High saturated fat diet).
(ii) 11.0% saturated fat, 12.5% polyunsaturated fat, 0.1% trans-fat. (High polyunsaturated fat diet).
(iii) 10.3% saturated fat, 3.8% polyunsaturated fat, 7.7% trans-fat. (High trans-fat diet).

Experiment 3 results:
(a) The Lp(a) levels of those on the high polyunsaturated fat diet were the same as those on the high saturated fat diet.
(b) The Lp(a) levels of those on the high trans-fat diet were 23.2% higher than those on the high saturated fat diet.

Experiment 3 shows that higher trans-fat diets lead to higher Lp(a) levels compared to higher polyunsaturated fat and saturated fat diets.

Taken as a whole these three experiments show that a diet high in saturated fat leads to lower levels of Lp(a) compared to diets high in polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat and trans-fat.

Please watch the following informative youtube clip, "Enjoy Eating Saturated Fats: They're Good for You. Donald W. Miller, Jr., M.D.", by Dr Donald W Miller. Dr Miller is a heart surgeon and practices and teaches heart surgery at the University of Washington and at the Swedish Medical Center. Dr Miller has published three books; "The Practice of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery", "Atlas of Cardiac Surgery" and "Heart in Hand".

The youtube clip, which lasts for 53 minutes, can be accessed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRe9z32NZHY

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Cholesterol lowering treatment increases the risk of death

This study was published in Circulation 1990 Dec;82(6):1916-24

 

Study title and authors:

An analysis of randomized trials evaluating the effect of cholesterol reduction on total mortality and coronary heart disease incidence.

Holme I.

Life Insurance Companies' Institute for Medical Statistics, Ullevaal Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2242517

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol reduction and death rates by analysing the results of 19 randomized clinical cholesterol reduction intervention trials (by drugs and diet). The 19 trials included 103,598 subjects and lasted between two and ten years.

The study found that those who had the cholesterol lowering treatment had a 3.7% increased risk of death compared to those who had no cholesterol lowering treatment.

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Statins may adversely affect cognition in patients with dementia

This study was published in the American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy 2012 Aug 22

Study title and authors:
The Effect of HMG: CoA Reductase Inhibitors on Cognition in Patients With Alzheimer's Dementia: A Prospective Withdrawal and Rechallenge Pilot Study.

Padala KP, Padala PR, McNeilly DP, Geske JA, Sullivan DH, Potter JF.
Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Central Arkansas Veterans Health Administration System, Little Rock, Arkansas; Reynolds Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22921881

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact statins have on cognition. The study included 18 older subjects with Alzheimer's dementia who were on statin therapy who underwent a 6-week withdrawal phase of statins followed by a 6-week rechallenge with the drug. The primary outcome measure was cognition, measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

The mini–mental state examination (MMSE) or Folstein test is a brief 30-point questionnaire test that is used to screen for cognitive impairment. It is commonly used in medicine to screen for dementia. Any score greater than or equal to 25 points (out of 30) indicates a normal cognition. Below this, scores can indicate severe (less than 9 points), moderate (10-20 points) or mild (21-24 points) cognitive impairment.

The study found:
(a) The subjects had an improvement in MMSE scores with discontinuation of statins and a decrease in MMSE scores after rechallenge.
(b) Cholesterol levels increased with statin discontinuation and decreased with rechallenge.

The head investigator of the study, Dr Kalpana P. Padala from the University of Arkansas, concluded that: "The study found an improvement in cognition with discontinuation of statins and worsening with rechallenge. Statins may adversely affect cognition in patients with dementia".

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Review of my book "Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease" by Ilona from the "Big Fat Blog"

Here's a review of my book Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease by Ilona from the "Big Fat Blog".

The article can be accessed at: http://ilonadesign.blogspot.com.es/2012/11/cholesterol-and-saturated-fat-prevent.html

Ilona's article

Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease - David Evans

 

 

 

 

 

David Evans compiled a great reference book - Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease -about the relationship of Saturated fat in the diet and heart disease, showing that there is no correlation between these two elements. The book contains 101 scientific papers (with the name of the authors and the year it has been published) showing that:

• There is no correlation between high cholesterol levels and heart disease.
• Cholesterol and saturated fat actually lower the risk of heart disease.
• High carbohydrate diets are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Diets high in polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oils) are associated with increased chronic diseases rates.

You can find more studies and information on David Evans blog: Healthy Diet and Science (there's even a page with recipes).

I am very happy that there are more and more people who dare to speak out against "medically and politically correct wisdom" and question the validity of the current "healthy diet" hypothesis. For example this article by Dr. Dwight Lundell, Heart Surgeon.

I am also very happy that the science of nutrition functions less and less like a religion (based on beliefs), but is based more and more on actual science, were hypotheses and theories are questioned, and from associations, correlations are drawn. Science should not be based on suppositions and opinion. Observations have to be thoroughly tested.

"Forming hypotheses is one of the most precious faculties of the human mind and is necessary for the development of science. Sometimes, however, hypotheses grow like weeds and lead to confusion instead of clarification. Then one has to clear the field, so that the operational concepts can grow and function. Concepts should relate as directly as possible to observation and measurements, and be distorted as little as possible by explanatory elements."
- Max Kleiber, The Fire of Life (1961)

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Small particle size LDL cholesterol associated with diabetes - Low fat diets lead to small particle size LDL cholesterol

This study was published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology 1995 Nov;15(11):1805-11

Study title and authors:

Effect of diabetes on lipoprotein size.

Singh AT, Rainwater DL, Haffner SM, VandeBerg JL, Shelledy WR, Moore PH Jr, Dyer TD.

Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX 78228-0147, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7583559

The effects of diabetes on low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particle sizes were assessed using samples from 94 subjects with type 2 diabetes and a similar number of matched controls.

The study found:
(a) The LDL cholesterol size was 2% smaller in those with diabetes compared to those without diabetes.
(b) Those with diabetes had 9.1% less of the large LDL cholesterol compared to those without diabetes.

This study shows that small particle size LDL cholesterol is associated with diabetes.

Small particle sizes of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are caused by diets low in fat see here and here.

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Low cholesterol levels may lead to permanent psychomotor, cognitive, motorsystem damage, hypoadrenalism and infertility in both males and females

This study was published in the Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad 2010 Jul-Sep;22(3):225-7

Study title and authors:
Hypocholesterolemia secondary to atrovastatin therapy.

Ali S, Khan SA, Iram S.
Department of Medicine, NIMS Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan. drshafqutali@hotmail.com

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22338462

This paper describes the case of a 40 years old male who was started on Atorvastatin after his angioplasty (angioplasty is the technique of mechanically widening narrowed or obstructed arteries) following a heart attack.

(i) Six weeks after the start of statin therapy the patient developed symptoms of phobias, nightmares, insomnia, forgetfulness, body aches, muscle cramps, cognitive, sexual and psychomotor disturbances.
(ii) On investigation he was found to have low cholesterol levels.
(iii) Atorvastatin was stopped and over a five month period the patients symptoms resolved as his cholesterol levels became normal.

The study concluded that if patients have low cholesterol levels it can lead to permanent psychomotor, cognitive, motorsystem damage, hypoadrenalism, infertility in both males and females along with permanent affects of fat soluble vitamins deficiencies.

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Higher fat consumption is associated with lower rates of colon cancer

This study was published in the International Journal of Cancer 2010 Aug 15;127(4):942-51

 

Study title and authors:

Dietary fatty acids, luminal modifiers, and risk of colorectal cancer.

Kato I, Majumdar AP, Land SJ, Barnholtz-Sloan JS, Severson RK.

Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19998336

This study assessed the association between fat intake and colorectal cancer. The study included 1,163 subjects with colon cancer and 1,501 healthy control subjects.

The study found:
(a) Those who consumed the most fat had a 16% decreased risk of colon cancer compared to those who consumed the least fat.
(b) Those who consumed the most saturated fat had a 5% decreased risk of colon cancer compared to those who consumed the least saturated fat.

The data from the study shows that a higher consumption of fat is associated with lower rates of colon cancer.

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Low intake of dietary fat is associated with higher rates of hypothalamic amenorrhea

This study was published in the Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation 1994 Jan-Mar;1(1):84-8

Study title and authors:
Hypothalamic amenorrhea and hidden nutritional insults.

Warren MP, Holderness CC, Lesobre V, Tzen R, Vossoughian F, Brooks-Gunn J.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, New York, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9419753

The study examined the association between nutritional intake and hypothalamic amenorrhea. The study included 18 amenorrheic women who were compared to 36 normal women.

The study found:
(a) The amenorrheic women consumed 78% more fibre than the normal women.
(b) The amenorrheic women consumed 24% less fat than the normal women.

The data from the study reveals that amenorrheic women consume more fibre and less fat than normal women.

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Low levels of low density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with higher death rates in patients with acute heart failure

This study was published in Congestive Heart Failure 2012 Oct 16

 

Study title and authors:

Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels in Patients With Acute Heart Failure.

Kahn MR, Kosmas CE, Wagman G, Serrao GW, Fallahi A, Grady KM, Vittorio TJ.

Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23066917

This study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with death rates in patients hospitalised with heart failure. The study included 2,428 patients who were followed for 2.9 years.

The study found that those with low levels of low density liporotein (LDL) cholesterol, less than 71 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L), had a 68% increased death rate compared to those with high levels of low density liporotein (LDL) cholesterol, more than 130 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L).

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Low dietary fat intake associated with hypothalamic amenorrhea

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1998 Jul;83(7):2309-12

 

Study title and authors:

Decreased leptin levels in normal weight women with hypothalamic amenorrhea: the effects of body composition and nutritional intake.

Miller KK, Parulekar MS, Schoenfeld E, Anderson E, Hubbard J, Klibanski A, Grinspoon SK.

Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9661600

This study investigated factors that may lead to hypothalamic amenorrhea (hypothalamic amenorrhea is a condition in which menstruation stops for several months due to a problem involving the hypothalamus). The study included 21 women with hypothalamic amenorrhea who were compared with 30 age-, weight-, and body fat-matched women with normal menstruation.

Regarding fat intake, the study found that women with hypothalamic amenorrhea consumed 48% less fat than women with normal menstruation.

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High cholesterol levels predict higher survival rates in patients with acute coronary syndromes

This study was published in Clinical Cardiology 2009 Sep;32(9):E22-8

 

Study title and authors:

Hypercholesterolemia paradox in relation to mortality in acute coronary syndrome.

Wang TY, Newby LK, Chen AY, Mulgund J, Roe MT, Sonel AF, Bhatt DL, DeLong ER, Ohman EM, Gibler WB, Peterson ED.

Division of Cardiology, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA. wang0085@mc.duke.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19645040

This study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with in-hospital death rates in patients with acute coronary syndromes. (Acute coronary syndromes is an umbrella term for situations where the blood supplied to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked). The study included 84,429 patients with acute coronary syndromes and examined data regarding patients with (i) a history of existing high cholesterol and (ii) newly in-hospital diagnosed high cholesterol.

Patients were defined as the following:
(i) A history of existing high cholesterol was defined as more than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) or treatment with cholesterol lowering drugs.
(ii) Newly in-hospital diagnosed high cholesterol was defined as low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels more than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L).

The study found:
(a) Patients with a history of existing high cholesterol had a 29% reduced death death rate compared to patients with a history of existing low cholesterol.
(b) Patients with no history of existing high cholesterol, but with newly in-hospital diagnosed high LDL cholesterol had a 14% reduced death death rate compared to patients with normal LDL cholesterol.

The data from the study reveals that high cholesterol levels predict higher survival rates in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

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Statins cause definite damage to the peripheral nerves

This study was published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters 2011;32(5):688-90

Study title and authors:
Treatment with statins and peripheral neuropathy: results of 36-months a prospective clinical and neurophysiological follow-up.

Otruba P, Kanovsky P, Hlustik P.
Department of Neurology, Palacky University Medical School, University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic. pavel.otruba@fnol.cz

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22167150

 

This study investigated the effects of statin treatment on lower-limb peripheral nerves. The study included 42 patients on statin therapy who were followed for three years.

The study found that long-term treatment with statins caused definite damage to peripheral nerves when the treatment lasts longer than two years.

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High-fat diets reduce inflammation compared to low fat diets

This study was published in Lipids 2008 Jan;43(1):65-77

 

Study title and authors:

Comparison of low fat and low carbohydrate diets on circulating fatty acid composition and markers of inflammation.

Forsythe CE, Phinney SD, Fernandez ML, Quann EE, Wood RJ, Bibus DM, Kraemer WJ, Feinman RD, Volek JS.
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, 2095 Hillside Road, Unit 1110, Storrs, CT, 06269-1110, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18046594

Inflammation is an important risk factor in metabolic syndrome, diabetes and heart disease. This study tested the effects of low-fat and high-fat diets on markers of inflammation. This was a 12 week randomised, controlled, dietary intervention trial and included 40 overweight men and women, aged 18-55 years.

The subjects consumed diets of either:
(i) 12% carbohydrate, 59% fat, 28% protein. (High-fat diet).
(ii) 56% carbohydrate, 24% fat, 20% protein. (Low-fat diet).

The study found there was an overall greater anti-inflammatory effect associated with the high-fat diet, as evidenced by greater decreases in inflammatory markers such as: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecules, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

The results of the study reveal that a high-fat diet reduces inflammation compared to a low fat diet.

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Women with higher cholesterol levels have significantly higher bone mineral density

This study was published in the Journal of Womens Health 2006 Apr;15(3):261-70

 

Study title and authors:

Lipid profile and bone paradox: higher serum lipids are associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Brownbill RA, Ilich JZ.

University of Connecticut, School of Allied Health, Storrs, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16620185

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and bone mineral density. The study included 136 healthy, postmenopausal women.  

The study found that women with cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L) had significantly higher bone mineral density than women with cholesterol levels below 240 mg/dL (6.2 mmol/L).

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Breast feeding is associated with a decreased risk of been overweight in later life

This study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology 2005 Sep 1;162(5):397-403

 

Study title and authors:

Duration of breastfeeding and risk of overweight: a meta-analysis.

Harder T, Bergmann R, Kallischnigg G, Plagemann A.

Clinic of Obstetrics, Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Charité-University Medicine, Berlin, Germany. thomas.harder@charite.de

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16076830

This paper is an analysis of 17 studies that investigated the connection between breastfeeding and the risk of been overweight in later life.

The study found:
(a) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for 1-3 months had a 19% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.
(b) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for 4-6 months had a 24% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.
(c) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for 7-9 months had a 33% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.
(d) Compared to those who were exclusively formula-fed, those who were breastfed for more than 9 months had a 32% decreased risk of been overweight in later life.

The data from the study reveals that a longer duration of breast feeding (up to nine months) is associated with a decreased risk of been overweight in later life.

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High soy consumption associated with an 18% increased risk of diabetes

This study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2011 Feb;65(2):279-82

Study title and authors:
Soy consumption is not protective against diabetes in Hawaii: the Multiethnic Cohort.

Morimoto Y, Steinbrecher A, Kolonel LN, Maskarinec G.
Department of Epidemiology, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, 1236 Lauhala Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. morimoto@crch.hawaii.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20924394

The study examined the association of soy intake with the risk of diabetes. The study included 75,344 men and women, aged 45-75 years, who were followed for 14 years.

The study found that those who had the highest soy consumption had a 18% increased risk of diabetes compared to those who consumed the least soy.

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In patients undergoing treatment for bladder cancer, statins are significantly associated with an increased risk of tumor progression

This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine 2006 Dec 21;355(25):2705-7

 

Study title and authors:

Use of statins and outcome of BCG treatment for bladder cancer.

Hoffmann P, Roumeguère T, Schulman C, van Velthoven R.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17183004

This study investigated the association between statins and bladder cancer. The study, which lasted for 46 months, analyzed the clinical outcomes of 84 patients who had received the bacille Calmette–Guérin vaccine for the treatment of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

The study found:
(a) In 53% of the patients who took statins, the tumor became more aggressive, whereas this change occurred in only 18% of the patients who did not take statins.
(b) 42% of the patients in the statin group had to undergo radical cystectomy, (radical cystectomy is the removal of the entire bladder, nearby lymph nodes, part of the urethra, and nearby organs that may contain cancer cells), as compared with only 14% of the patients who did not take statins.

In patients undergoing treatment for bladder cancer, the use of statins was significantly associated with an increased risk of tumor progression and a subsequent need for radical cystectomy.

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Red meat is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012 Mar;95(3):752-8

Study title and authors:
Associations of processed meat and unprocessed red meat intake with incident diabetes: the Strong Heart Family Study.

Fretts AM, Howard BV, McKnight B, Duncan GE, Beresford SA, Mete M, Eilat-Adar S, Zhang Y, Siscovick DS.
Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22277554

The study investigated the relationship between meat consumption and diabetes. The study included 243 participants with diabetes.

The study found:
(a) Those who consumed the most unprocessed red meat had a 10% reduced risk of diabetes compared to those who consumed the least unprocessed red meat.
(b) Those who consumed the most processed meat had a 63% increased risk of diabetes compared to those who consumed the least unprocessed red meat.

The data from the study reveals unprocessed red meat is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes whereas processed meat is associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour

This study was published in Psychiatria Polska 1996 Sep-Oct;30(5):699-712

Study title and authors:
The study of the relationship between cholesterol and lipid concentration and suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia affective illness
Rybakowski J, Ainiyet J, Szajnerman Z, Zakrzewska M.
Kliniki Psychiatrii Dorosłych AM w Poznaniu.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8984512

This study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with suicidal behaviour in patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Cholesterol levels were recorded in 143 patients with either schizophrenia, depression, or mania.

The study found:
(a)  Patients with suicidal behaviours had significantly lower levels of cholesterol compared with patients without such behaviours.
(b) Patients with suicidal behaviours had significantly lower levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol compared with patients without such behaviours.

The finding of the study reveal that low cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour in patients with psychiatric disorders.

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Statins impair energy production and promote muscle damage

This study was published in Muscle and Nerve 2011 Jan;43(1):76-81

Study title and authors:
Evaluation of skeletal muscle during calf exercise by 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients on statin medications.

Wu JS, Buettner C, Smithline H, Ngo LH, Greenman RL.
Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. jswu@bidmc.harvard.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21171098

Phosphocreatine is a substance that is fundamental to the ability of the body to produce muscular energy.

Elevated blood levels of creatine kinase are indicative of muscle damage.

The study investigated the association of statin treatment on recovery from exercise. The study included ten patients, (who were subject to a four-week regimen of statin therapy), who had their phosphocreatine and creatine kinase levels measured pre- and post-statin therapy.

The study found:
(a) Phosphocreatine levels took 97% longer to recover from exercise after statin therapy.
(b) Creatine kinase levels rose by 17.7% after statin therapy.

The results of the study suggest that statin therapy may impair energy production and promote muscle damage.

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Eating meat is associated with better mental health

This study was published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2012 Jun 7;9(1):67

Study title and authors:
Vegetarian diet and mental disorders: results from a representative community survey.

Michalak J, Zhang XC, Jacobi F.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22676203

The study investigated the association between meat eaters or vegetarians and mental disorders. The study included 4,181 participants, aged 18 to 65 years and examined the prevalence rates of mental disorders at one month, 12 months and lifetime.

(Prevalence rates is the proportion of people in a population who have a particular disease over a specified period of time).

The following mental disorders were investigated:
(i) Depressive disorders: Major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder.
(ii) Anxiety disorders: Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder; specific phobias, social phobia; obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder.
(iii) Somatoform disorders and syndromes: Somatization Disorder, “abridged somatization disorder” hypochondriasis and pain disorder.
(iv) Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa (including atypical anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa).

The study found:
(a) Regarding depressive disorders:
(a:i) Vegetarians had 44% higher one month prevalence risk of depressive disorders than meat eaters.
(a:ii) Vegetarians had 75% higher 12 month prevalence risk of depressive disorders than meat eaters.
(a:iii) Vegetarians had 48% higher lifetime prevalence risk of depressive disorders than meat eaters.
(b) Regarding anxiety disorders:
(b:i) Vegetarians had 76% higher one month prevalence risk of anxiety disorders than meat eaters.
(b:ii) Vegetarians had 87% higher 12 month prevalence risk of anxiety disorders than meat eaters.
(b:iii) Vegetarians had 77% higher lifetime prevalence risk of anxiety disorders than meat eaters.
(c) Regarding somatoform disorders:
(c:i) Vegetarians had 72% higher one month prevalence risk of somatoform disorders than meat eaters.
(c:ii) Vegetarians had 104% higher 12 month prevalence risk of somatoform disorders than meat eaters.
(c:iii) Vegetarians had 93% higher lifetime prevalence risk of somatoform disorders than meat eaters.
(d) Regarding eating disorders:

For eating disorders prevalence risk could not be calculated accurately. However, descriptively the study found elevated one month, 12 month and lifetime prevalence rates in the vegetarian group.

 

The study also compared the kinds of food eaten by the participants with and without mental disorders.

 

The study found for meat consumption:

(e) Regarding depressive disorders:

(e:i) Those with a one month prevalence of depressive disorders consumed 5.4% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of depressive disorders.

(e:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of depressive disorders consumed 6.2% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of depressive disorders.

(e:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders consumed 7.6% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of depressive disorders.

(f) Regarding anxiety disorders:

(f:i) Those with a one month prevalence of anxiety disorders consumed 4.8% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of anxiety disorders.

(f:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of anxiety disorders consumed 5.6% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of anxiety disorders.

(f:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders consumed 5.1% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of anxiety disorders.

(g) Regarding somatoform disorders:

(g:i) Those with a one month prevalence of somatoform disorders consumed 7.4% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of somatoform disorders.

(g:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of somatoform disorders consumed 5.6% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of somatoform  disorders.

(g:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of somatoform disorders consumed 6.2% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of somatoform disorders.

(h) Regarding eating disorders:

(h:i) Those with a one month prevalence of eating disorders consumed 181.3% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of eating disorders.

(h:ii) Those with a 12 month prevalence of eating disorders consumed 70.7% less meat than those without a 12 month prevalence of eating disorders.

(h:iii) Those with a lifetime prevalence of eating disorders consumed 0.3% less meat than those without a one month prevalence of eating disorders.

 

The results of the study strongly demonstrate that diets containing meat are associated with better mental health.

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Review of my book "Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease" by Wendy Schwartz

Here's a review of my book Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease by Wendy Schwartz.

The article can be accessed at: http://gopaleo.com/blog/2012/11/16/3-reasons-why-saturated-fats-are-not-bad-and-the-earth-is-no.html

Wendy's article

3 Reasons Why Saturated Fats Are Not Bad and The Earth is Not Flat

If I tried to tell you today that the earth is flat you would laugh at me because you know that we have sent men into space and the earth’s shape has been photographed.  It is most definitely round - near as I can tell. Despite this, the theory/myth that the earth is flat was commonly held for centuries. It sure looks flat when you look out at the horizon.

So it is with fat. The notion that saturated fats and cholesterol are bad for you has pervaded modern thinking despite clear-cut information to the contrary. It seems logical that fat would clog arteries and make you fat, doesn't it? I can understand how this rumor got started, but what is the truth? 

In his well-researched book, Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease, David Evans, a researcher who also blogs at Healthy Diets and Science provides evidence from 101 scientific papers representing a huge body of research indicating that in fact, far from causing heart disease in humans, eating a diet rich in saturated fats may actually prevent heart disease.  You heard me right. 

It turns out that there is a strong likelihood that animal fats may actually be good for you. Having spent the past month eating more animal fat than I have in my life, I would tend to agree, based on my health improvements. I just feel better.  My blood sugar is consistently within the normal range now and my weight is down by a few pounds.  In addition, my appetite is more well-controlled and I am sleeping better. 

While some studies cited in Evans’ book are epidemiological in nature, meaning that they look at trends across population groups rather than double-blind scientific experiments, there is plenty of data that points to a reduction in heart disease risk as intake of healthy animal fats goes up.

Here are just a few studies cited that stand out to me:

A 6-year study of nearly 22,000 men who were initially free of heart disease, but were smokers between the ages of 50-69, (a high risk group) was conducted by researchers in Finland. Those who consumed the highest level of saturated fats had a 27% decrease in coronary death and a 13% decrease in coronary events when compared with the group that ate the least amount of saturated fats and the highest amount of man-made polyunsaturates (margarines and oils).¹ 

A study of healthy young men (only 10 participants), but well-controlled, measured post-meal blood triglycerides as a risk factor.  The research showed that butter, which is higher in saturated fats, induced the lowest rise in post-meal triglycerides when compared with olive oil or sunflower oil.²A large epidemiological study of 1 million men in different parts of India revealed that those in regions where fat consumption (mainly animal fats) was 19 times higher, had a decreased incidence of heart disease - 7% less.³ 

While dietary studies are notoriously challenging, there have been many studies linking increases in carbohydrate consumption and insulin levels to heart disease. Conversely, studies of those with high fat consumption have only yielded rises in HDL (the good cholesterol).  The bottom line is, there is no proof that saturated fats lead to heart disease and there is some evidence that the higher the diet is in fat, the more heart disease rates decline.

In David Evans’ book, he highlights the study that fostered the myth of the lipid hypothesis which was conducted by Ancel Keys (also known as the Seven Countries Study) and provides evidence that points out it could have just as easily proven that saturated fats provide protection against heart disease. 

The seven countries Keys based his research on were the ones that provided data that conveniently fit with his hypothesis.  Had Keys selected seven other countries out of the 20+ countries he initially surveyed, he could have drawn the complete opposite conclusion. Also, the seven countries study had very few scientific controls in place and the methodology for collecting information was not stringent enough to qualify for sound scientific research today.  (More to come about this topic in my new eBook,  Go Paleo! A Shopping Survival Guide.)

David Evans’ book is filled with additional tidbits of research that, when taken together, paint a clear picture that shows animal fats and other saturated fats are not the culprit in heart disease after all. He is not alone in this belief and it would be great if research could be done with Paleo / Primal eaters in the future. Saturated fats from grass fed and pasture raised animals have quite a different fatty acid profile.

Footnotes and additional related reading

1. 1997 Journal of Epidemiology 145(10):876-887
2. 2002 Journal of Nutrition Dec: 132 (12) : 3642-9
3. 1967 British Heart Journal 29, 895 

http://gopaleo.com/blog/2012/1/8/5-ways-to-add-coconut-oil-to-your-paleo-plan.html
http://gopaleo.com/blog/2012/4/9/going-paleo-leads-to-better-bloodwork.html
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About the Author: Wendy J. Schwartz is a graduate of New York University and holds a BS and an MS Degree in Food and Nutrition. During her early career, she worked at both Mt. Sinai Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Wendy is currently a member of the Nutritional Therapy Association. She is the author of the upcomingPaleo Shopping Survival Guide and is currently creating a large, free online US resource for Paleo consumers. Her blog, Go Paleo!, can be visited at http://www.gopaleo.com.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in cerebral hemorrhage rates

This study was published in Preventive Medicine 1980 Nov;9(6):722-40

Study title and authors:
Multivariate analysis of risk factors for stroke. Eight-year follow-up study of farming villages in Akita, Japan.

Ueshima H, Iida M, Shimamoto T, Konishi M, Tsujioka K, Tanigaki M, Nakanishi N, Ozawa H, Kojima S, Komachi Y.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7454697?dopt=Abstract

This Japanes study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with the risk of stroke. The study included 1,814 adults, aged 40 to 69, who were followed for eight years.

The researchers found the following:
(a) Those with low cholesterol levels were more prone to cerebral hemorrhage.
(b) The results of the study correspond well with the observed fact that stroke incidence or death rate in Japan is higher in populations with low cholesterol levels, and also with the fact that death rate from hemorrhage declines with increasing cholesterol levels.

The study reveals that low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in cerebral hemorrhage rates.

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Low levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of gallstone disese

This study was published in the Journal of Hepatology 2012 Aug 21

 

Study title and authors:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and risk of gallstone disease: A Mendelian randomization study and meta-analyses.

Stender S, Frikke-Schmidt R, Benn M, Nordestgaard BG, Tybjærg-Hansen A.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Copenhagen University Hospitals, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22922093

This study investigated the association of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels with gallstone disease. The study included 63,051 individuals. The individuals were divided into five groups based on their LDL cholesterol levels. The highest group had 134% higher LDL cholesterol levels than the lowest group.

The study found that those with the lowest LDL cholesterol levels had a 6% increased risk of gallstone disease compared to those with the highest LDL cholesterol levels.

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Statin use is associated with increased amounts of coronary artery plaque

This study was published in Atherosclerosis 2012 Nov;225(1):148-53

Study title and authors:
Statins use and coronary artery plaque composition: Results from the International Multicenter CONFIRM Registry.

Nakazato R, Gransar H, Berman DS, Cheng VY, Lin FY, Achenbach S, Al-Mallah M, Budoff MJ, Cademartiri F, Callister TQ, Chang HJ, Cury RC, Chinnaiyan K, Chow BJ, Delago A, Hadamitzky M, Hausleiter J, Kaufmann P, Maffei E, Raff G, Shaw LJ, Villines TC, Dunning A, Feuchtner G, Kim YJ, Leipsic J, Min JK.
Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: Ryo.Nakazato@cshs.org.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22981406

The study investigated the relationship between statin use and the presence of coronary artery plaque. The study included 6,673 individuals, average age 59 years, who had their coronary artery plaque assessed.

The plaque was graded as:
(i) Non-calcified
(ii) Mixed
(iii) Calcified

The study found:
(a) Compared to the individuals not taking statins, those taking statins had an 11% increased presence of non-calcified plaque.
(b) Compared to the individuals not taking statins, those taking statins had an 46% increased presence of mixed plaque.
(c) Compared to the individuals not taking statins, those taking statins had an 54% increased presence of calcified plaque.

The results of the study show that statin use is associated with increased amounts of coronary artery plaque.

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Consumption of cola and fruit drinks is associated with an increased risk of type two diabetes

This study was published in Diabetes Care 2008 Jul;31(7):1311-7

Study title and authors:
Intake of fruit, vegetables, and fruit juices and risk of diabetes in women.

Bazzano LA, Li TY, Joshipura KJ, Hu FB.
Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. lbazzano@tulane.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18390796

The study investigated the association between food and drink intake and the development of type two diabetes. The study included 71,346 female nurses aged 38-63 years who were followed for 18 years.

Regarding drink consumption, the study found:
(a) Every one serving per day increase of fruit juice resulted in a 18% increase in the risk of type two diabetes.
(b) Every one serving per day increase of low-calorie cola resulted in a 11% increase in the risk of type two diabetes.
(c) Every one serving per day increase of sugar-sweetened cola resulted in a 8% increase in the risk of type two diabetes.

This 18 year study reveals that consumption of cola and fruit drinks is associated with an increased risk of type two diabetes.

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Higher cholesterol levels predict survival in heart transplant patients

This study was published in Cardiology 1998 Mar;89(3):184-8

 

Study title and authors:

Low serum cholesterol levels predict high perioperative mortality in patients supported by a left-ventricular assist system.

Richartz BM, Radovancevic B, Frazier OH, Vaughn WK, Taegtmeyer H.

St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Heart Institute, and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 77030, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9570432

The study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with survival rates in 45 heart transplant patients.

The study found that cholesterol levels were 62.5% higher in heart transplant patients that survived compared to those that died.

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Statins increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain

This study was published in the American Journal of Medicine 2012 Feb;125(2):176-82

Study title and authors:
Statin use and musculoskeletal pain among adults with and without arthritis.

Buettner C, Rippberger MJ, Smith JK, Leveille SG, Davis RB, Mittleman MA.
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. cbuettne@bidmc.harvard.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22269621

This study investigated the relationship between statin use and musculoskeletal pain. (The musculoskeletal system is made up of the body's bones (the skeleton), muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together). The study included 8,228 adults aged 40 years or more.

The study found those taking statins had a 15% increased risk of musculoskeletal pain compared to non-users.

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Low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of gastric cancer.

This study was published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2012 Oct;27(10):1635-40

 

Study title and authors:

Evaluation of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as a prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients.

Tamura T, Inagawa S, Hisakura K, Enomoto T, Ohkohchi N.

Department of Surgery, Doctoral Program in Clinical Science, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22647147

The study investigated the relationship between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and the risk of gastric cancer. The study included 184 patients who had undergone gastrectomy (gastrectomy is a partial or full surgical removal of the stomach).

The patients were divided into two groups:
(i) Normal levels of HDL cholesterol group.
(ii) Low levels of HDL cholesterol group.

The study found:
(a) In the low HDL cholesterol group the cancer had significantly increased in the lymphatic and vascular systems.
(b) The prognosis of the patients in the normal HDL cholesterol group was significantly better than those in the low HDL cholesterol group.

The results of the study show a correlation between low HDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of gastric cancer.

A diet high in saturated fat raises HDL cholesterol levels. See here here and here.

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Vitamin D levels low in patients with schizophrenia

This study was published in the Israel Medical Association Journal 2012 Feb;14(2):88-92

Study title and authors:
Low serum vitamin D concentrations in patients with schizophrenia.

Itzhaky D, Amital D, Gorden K, Bogomolni A, Arnson Y, Amital H.
Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratories, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22693787

The aim of the study was to assess vitamin D blood levels in patients with major depression and schizophrenia as compared to healthy controls. The study included 50 patients with schizophrenia who were compared with 33 patients with major depression and 50 healthy controls.

The study found:
(a) Vitamin D blood levels were 26% lower in patients with schizophrenia as compared to healthy controls.
(b) Vitamin D blood levels were 3% lower in patients with depression as compared to healthy
controls.

The results of the study reveal vitamin D levels are low in patients with schizophrenia.

The richest dietary sources of vitamin D include: Lard, butter, eggs, liver, organ meats and seafood see here.

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Diet and regular sodas associated with an increase in cancer

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012 Oct 24

 

Study title and authors:

Consumption of artificial sweetener- and sugar-containing soda and risk of lymphoma and leukemia in men and women.

Schernhammer ES, Bertrand KA, Birmann BM, Sampson L, Willett WW, Feskanich D.

Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23097267

The study evaluated whether the consumption of aspartame- and sugar-containing soda is associated with the risk of various cancers. The study included around 77,218 women, 47,810 men and lasted for 22 years.

The study found:
(a) Men having one or more daily servings of diet soda had a 31% increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphomas compared to men without diet soda consumption.
(b) Men having one or more daily servings of diet soda had a 102% increased risk of multiple myelomas compared to men without diet soda consumption.
(c) Men with a higher consumption of regular, sugar-sweetened soda had a 66% increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
(d) Men and women consuming one or more daily servings of diet soda had a 42% increased risk of leukemia.

The data from the 22 year long study shows that diet soda and regular sugar-sweetened soda is associated with an increase in risk in some cancers. 

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