Saturated fat associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimers disease

This study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2012 Jun 20

Study title and authors:

Serum fatty-acid composition and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: a longitudinal population-based study.

Rönnemaa E, Zethelius B, Vessby B, Lannfelt L, Byberg L, Kilander L.

Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences/Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala Science Park, Uppsala, Sweden.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22713770

The objective of the study was to ascertain whether saturated fat levels were associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study included 2,009 men, (aged 50 at the start of the study), who were followed for 35 years.

The study found that men with higher levels of saturated fat had a decreased risk of Alzheimers disease.

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NSAIDs and statins increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma

This study was presented at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting; May 19-23, 2012; Atlanta, GA. Abstract 575.

Study title and authors:
NSAID and statin use and risk of renal cell carcinoma.
Chéry L, Wright J, Hotaling J,

This study can be accessed at: http://www.onclive.com/publications/urologists-in-cancer-care/2012/June-2012/NSAIDs-and-Statins-Have-No-Impact-on-Renal-Cell-Carcinoma-Risk

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs are the most prescribed medications for treating conditions such as arthritis. Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and Nabumetone.

Chery notes that renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer, is the sixth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women.

This study set out to determine the effect of NSAIDs and statins on the risk of renal cell carcinoma.  The study included 77,048 individuals aged 50 to 76 years

The study found:
(a) Those with a low use of NSAIDs (1-3 days/week or less than four years) had a 1% increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma compared to nonusers of NSAIDs.
(b) Those with a high use of NSAIDs (more than four days/week and over four years) had a 20% increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma compared to nonusers of NSAIDs.
(c) Those who were taking statins had a 10% increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma.

The data from the study reveals that NSAIDs and statins increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma.

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Statins and erupting skin lesions

This paper was published in the Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie 2003 Feb;130(2 Pt 1):187-90

Study title and authors:
Simvastatin-induced lichen planus pemphigoides

Stoebner PE, Michot C, Ligeron C, Durand L, Meynadier J, Meunier L.
Service de Dermatologie-Allergologie-Photobiologie, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5. p-stoebner@chu-montpellier.fr

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12671581

Lichen planus pemphigoides is a rare autoimmune blistering disease that is characterized by the development of erupting fluid from skin lesions.

Stoebner describes the case of a 63-year-old man who developed lichen planus pemphigoides lesions after two months treatment with simvastatin. All the lesions progressively disappeared after simvastatin treatment was discontinued.

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Atorvastatin increases the death rate in diabetic patients

This study was published in Diabetes Care 2006 Jul;29(7):1478-85

Study title and authors:

Efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in the prevention of cardiovascular end points in subjects with type 2 diabetes: the Atorvastatin Study for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease Endpoints in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (ASPEN).

Knopp RH, d'Emden M, Smilde JG, Pocock SJ.

Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave., #359720, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA. rhknopp@u.washington.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16801565.1

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of 10 mg of atorvastatin versus placebo in subjects with type 2 diabetes and low LDL cholesterol levels. The study lasted four years and included 2,410 subjects who were assigned to receive 10 mg of atorvastatin or placebo.

The study found that those who were assigned atorvastatin had a 6% increased risk of death compared to those who were assigned placebo.

The data from this study shows that atorvastatin increases the death rate in patients who have type 2 diabetes.

Links to other studies:
Statins increase the risk of diabetes by 48%
Statin therapy associated with a 9% increased risk for diabetes
Statin treatment increases cardiovascular diseases in diabetics by 31%

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High cholesterol helps the elderly with high blood pressure to live a longer life

This study was published in the Journal of Hypertension 1990 Aug;8(8):755-61

Study title and authors:

Is a high serum cholesterol level associated with longer survival in elderly hypertensives?

Staessen J, Amery A, Birkenhäger W, Bulpitt C, Clement D, de Leeuw P, Deruyttere M, De Schaepdryver A, Dollery C, Fagard R, et al.

Klinisch Laboratorium Hypertensie, Inwendige Geneeskunde-Cardiologie, U.Z. Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2170516

The study, which lasted over three years, investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates in 822 elderly patients with high blood pressure.

The study found:
(a) The patients who had the highest cholesterol levels lived the longest.
(b) The patients who had the highest cholesterol levels had the lowest amount of deaths from cancer.

The results of the study show that high cholesterol levels are correlated with longer survival in elderly patients with high blood pressure.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in death rates especially from cancer
Analysis of 519,643 people reveals low cholesterol increases the risk of dying from pancreatic cancer by 27%
Low cholesterol is an independent risk factor for developing gastric cancer

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Saturated fat and dietary cholesterol lower the risk of orofacial clefts

This study was published in the Journal of Nutrition 2004 Nov;134(11):3106-13

Study title and authors:

Maternal nutritional status and the risk for orofacial cleft offspring in humans.

Krapels IP, van Rooij IA, Ocké MC, West CE, van der Horst CM, Steegers-Theunissen RP.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15514283

The study investigated the effects of the mothers preconceptional diet on the risk of orofacial clefts in the offspring. Orofacial clefts are birth defects where mouth or roof of mouth do not form properly. The study included 182 mothers of a child with a orofacial cleft and 173 control mothers.

In regard to preconceptional fat and cholesterol consumption, the study found:
(a) Mothers who had children with an orofacial cleft ate 6.5% less fat than mothers who had children without an orofacial cleft.
(b) Mothers who had children with an orofacial cleft ate 6.0% less saturated fat than mothers who had children without an orofacial cleft.
(c) Mothers who had children with an orofacial cleft ate 8.7% less cholesterol than mothers who had children without an orofacial cleft.

The results of the study suggest that a mothers preconceptional diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol reduces the risk of the offspring been born with an orofacial cleft.

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Pravastatin increases the risk of cancer by 6%

This paper was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal 2007 Feb 27;176(5):649-54

Study title and authors:

Does pravastatin promote cancer in elderly patients? A meta-analysis.

Bonovas S, Sitaras NM.

Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Athens Athens, Greece. sbonovas@med.uoa.gr

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17325332

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of pravastatin therapy on cancer risk. The study analysed the results of 12 pravastatin trials which included 42,902 men and women, (21,454 patients in pravastatin groups and 21,448 in control groups).

The study found:
(a) Pravastatin users had a 6% increased risk of cancer compared to non-statin users.
(b) Pravastatin therapy was associated with an increasing risk of cancer as the patient age increased. E.g. The oldest pravastain users, aged over 75, had a 22% increased risk of cancer compared to non-users.

Bonovas concluded: "this analysis showed that pravastatin therapy was associated with an increasing risk of cancer as age increased".

Links to other studies:
Young women who are treated with statins may be at increased risk for the development of breast cancer
Statins increase cancer rates by 41% and the overall death rate by 4%
Statins increase the risk of prostate cancer

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Low cholesterol levels increase the risk of death from stroke, cancer and all-causes

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 1995 Jun 28;273(24):1926-32

Study title and authors:
Serum total cholesterol and mortality. Confounding factors and risk modification in Japanese-American men.

Iribarren C, Reed DM, Burchfiel CM, Dwyer JH.
Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7783302

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates due to major causes. The study included 7,049 middle-aged men who were followed for 23 years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 141% increased risk of death from hemorrhagic stroke compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).
(b) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 41% increased risk of death from cancer compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).
(c) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 23% increased risk of death compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).

The results of the study show that middle-aged men with low cholesterol are at greater risk of death from stroke, cancer and all-causes compared to men with higher cholesterol.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels lead to a 20.2% increase in death rates in those who have had a stroke
Low cholesterol leads to increased cancer rates
Low cholesterol levels lead to increased cancer and death rates

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High consumption of animal fats decrease the risk of gout by 20%

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003 Oct;78(4):690-701

Study title and authors:

A case-control study of the association of diet and obesity with gout in Taiwan.

Lyu LC, Hsu CY, Yeh CY, Lee MS, Huang SH, Chen CL.

Graduate Program of Nutrition, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan. t10010@cc.ntnu.edu.tw

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14522726

The purpose of this study was to explore potential dietary and lifestyle risk factors associated with gout in Chinese men. The study included 92 men with gout and 92 healthy controls.

The study found with regard to fat intake:
(a) Men who ate the most animal fat had a 20% decreased risk of gout compared to the men who ate the least animal fat.
(b) Men who ate the most saturated fat had a 3% decreased risk of gout compared to the men who ate the least saturated fat.
(c) Men who ate the most plant fat had a 10% increased risk of gout compared to the men who ate the least plant fat.

The results of the study show that higher intakes of animal fat and saturated fat are associated with a decrease in the incidence of gout, whereas higher plant fat intake is associated with an increase in the incidence of gout.

Links to other studies:
LOW intakes of saturated fat associated with gout
Patients affected by gout have lower levels of HDL cholesterol than healthy people

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Statin users have a 25% increased risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma

This study was published in Cancer Epidemiology 2012 Jun 7

Study title and authors:

Increased incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma among younger statin users.

Sahi H, Koljonen V, Böhling T, Neuvonen PJ, Vainio H, Lamminpää A, Kyyrönen P, Pukkala E.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pathology, Helsinki University and HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22683172

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. It develops in Merkel cells which are in the top layer of the skin.

The aim of the study was to find out whether statin users have an increased incidence of Merkel cell carcinoma. The study included 454,935 men and women.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 25% increased risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma compared to non-statin users.
(b) Statin users aged under 60 had a 216% increased risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma compared to non-statin users.

The study reveals that statin use is linked to higher rates of Merkel cell carcinoma.

Useful reading:
How Statin Drugs Really Lower Cholesterol: And Kill You One Cell at a Time

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Saturated fat and dietary cholesterol reduce the risk of allergic rhinitis

This study was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2007 Jun;26(3):279-87

Study title and authors:
Fish and fat intake and prevalence of allergic rhinitis in Japanese females: the Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study.

Miyake Y, Sasaki S, Tanaka K, Ohya Y, Miyamoto S, Matsunaga I, Yoshida T, Hirota Y, Oda H; Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study Group.
Department of Public Health, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan. miyake-y@cis.fukuoka-u.ac.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17634174

The study investigated the association of intake of different types of fats with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in Japan. The study included 1,002 Japanese pregnant females. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mould or certain animal danders (particles of shed skin and hair).

The study found:
(a) Women who consumed the most saturated fat had a 36% decreased risk of allergic rhinitis compared to women who consumed the least saturated fat.
(b) Women who consumed the most dietary cholesterol had a 17% decreased risk of allergic rhinitis compared to women who consumed the least dietary cholesterol.
(c) Women who consumed the most omega-6 polysaturated fat (margarines and vegetable oils) had a 30% increased risk of allergic rhinitis compared to women who consumed the least omega-6 polyunsaturated fat.

The results of the study indicate that saturated fat and dietary cholesterol decrease the risk of allergic rhinitis, whereas omega-6 polyunsaturated fats increase the risk.

Links to other studies:
Asthmatic children consume more margarine and less butter than non-asthmatic children
Compared with butter consumption, margarine consumption is associated with a 41% increase in rhinitis

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Low cholesterol is associated with an increase in death rates in people aged 20 and over

This study was published in Circulation 1997 Sep 2;96(5):1408-15

Study title and authors:

Serum cholesterol and mortality rates in a Native American population with low cholesterol concentrations: a U-shaped association.

Fagot-Campagna A, Hanson RL, Narayan KM, Sievers ML, Pettitt DJ, Nelson RG, Knowler WC.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, Ariz 85014, USA. fax@cu.nih.gov

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9315525

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates. The study included 4,553 Pima Indians aged 20 or over who were followed for more than 12 years.

After analysing 12 years of data the researchers found that those with the lowest cholesterol had a 9% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest cholesterol.

Links to other studies:
Women with high cholesterol live the longest
Low Cholesterol increases the mortality rate by 30% in men aged 30-65
Low cholesterol and increased mortality and cancer in 40-69 year olds

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Low saturated fat levels associated with higher suicide rates

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2011 Dec;72(12):1585-90

Study title and authors:

Suicide deaths of active-duty US military and ω-3 fatty-acid status: a case-control comparison.

Lewis MD, Hibbeln JR, Johnson JE, Lin YH, Hyun DY, Loewke JD.

Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21903029

The study analysed the effects of levels of fats and the risk of suicide. The study included 800 US military suicide deaths and 800 matched controls.

Regarding saturated fat, the study found that LOW levels of stearic acid (a saturated fat found in tallow (dripping), lard, beef and pork) were significantly associated with higher levels of suicide. 

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High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with lower death rates and lower rates of cardiovascular disease

This study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2005 Dec;53(12):2159-64

Study title and authors:
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in older people.

Tikhonoff V, Casiglia E, Mazza A, Scarpa R, Thijs L, Pessina AC, Staessen JA.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16398902

The objective of the study was to investigate the role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as a predictor of mortality in elderly subjects. The study included 3,120 subjects aged 65 and older who were followed for 12 years.

The study found:
(a) Men who had the highest LDL cholesterol had a 34% decrease in death rates compared to the men with the lowest LDL cholesterol.
(b) Women who had the highest LDL cholesterol had a 48% decrease in death rates compared to the women with the lowest LDL cholesterol.
(c) Men who had the highest LDL cholesterol had an 8% decrease in cardiovascular disease death rates (stroke, heart attack, heart failure) compared to the men with the lowest LDL cholesterol.
(d) Women who had the highest LDL cholesterol had a 23% decrease in cardiovascular disease death rates compared to the women with the lowest LDL cholesterol.

The results of this study show that high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with lower death rates and lower rates of cardiovascular disease.

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Hepatitis C associated with low cholesterol levels

This study was published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis 2006 Jan;13(1):56-61

Study title and authors:
Serum lipid pattern in chronic hepatitis C: histological and virological correlations.

Siagris D, Christofidou M, Theocharis GJ, Pagoni N, Papadimitriou C, Lekkou A, Thomopoulos K, Starakis I, Tsamandas AC, Labropoulou-Karatza C.
Department of Internal Medicine, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece. dsiagris@mland.gr

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16364083

The study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with the hepatitis C virus. The study included 155 patients with hepatitis C and 138 normal subjects.

The study found that the patients with hepatitis C had significantly lower levels of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than the normal subjects.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol associated with liver cancer
Low levels of cholesterol are predictive of higher rates of death in patients with end-stage renal disease
Low cholesterol levels are associated with lung disease

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High cholesterol results in a 13% lower death rate compared to low cholesterol in 35 to 64 year olds

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 1991 Aug 3;303(6797):276-82

Study title and authors:

Serum cholesterol concentration and coronary heart disease in population with low cholesterol concentrations.

Chen Z, Peto R, Collins R, MacMahon S, Lu J, Li W.

Medical Research Council and Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1888927

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates. The study included 9,021 men and women aged 35 to 64 who were followed for up to 13 years.

The study found that those with the highest cholesterol had 13% lower death rates than those with the lowest cholesterol. 

Links to other studies:
Declining cholesterol rates in people over 65 are associated with a 630% increase in death rates
Older men with lower cholesterol have a 54% higher death rate
30% higher death rate for men with falling cholesterol levels

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Low consumption of meat linked to suicide risk

This study was published in Psychiatry Research 2009 Jan 30;165(1-2):111-9

Study title and authors:

Cross-sectional assessment of diet quality in individuals with a lifetime history of attempted suicide.

Li Y, Zhang J, McKeown RE.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19046606

The objective of the study was to describe the differences in food consumption between suicide attempters and non-attempters. Dietary information was analysed from 6803 adults, aged 17 to 39 years.

In regard to meat consumption, the study found:
(a) Male suicide attempters consumed 15% less meat than male non-attempters.
(b) Female suicide attempters consumed 10% less meat than female non-attempters.

The data in this study suggests meat is significantly under-consumed in adults who had attempted suicide.

The author of the study advises "In clinical practice, psychiatrists should pay more attention to what patients eat".

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The unintended adverse effects of statins in men and women

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 2010 May 20;340:c2197

Study title and authors:
Unintended effects of statins in men and women in England and Wales: population based cohort study using the QResearch database.

Hippisley-Cox J, Coupland C.
Division of Primary Care, University Park, Nottingham NG2 7RD. julia.hippisley-cox@ntlworld.com

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20488911

The objective of the study was to quantify the unintended effects of statins. The study included 2,004 692 patients aged 30-84 years.

The study found after five years:
(a) Women who used statins had a 56% increased risk of acute renal (kidney) failure compared to women who did not use statins.
(b) Women who used statins had a 30% increased risk of cataracts compared to women who did not use statins.
(c) Women who used statins had a 53% increased risk of liver disease compared to women who did not use statins.
(d) Women who used statins had a 197% increased risk of myopathy (muscle disease) compared to women who did not use statins.
(e) Men who used statins had a 61% increased risk of acute renal (kidney) failure compared to men who did not use statins.
(f) Men who used statins had a 32% increased risk of cataracts compared to men who did not use statins.
(g) Men who used statins had a 53% increased risk of liver disease compared to men who did not use statins.
(h) Men who used statins had a 515% increased risk of myopathy (muscle disease) compared to men who did not use statins.

The study highlights some of the unintended adverse effects of using statins.
Statins increase the death rate by 150-300%
Statins increase the incidence of liver damage
Statin use increases muscle damage after exercise (including the heart muscle)

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Diets high in saturated fat reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by 73%

This study was published in the International Journal of Cancer 1999 Jul 2;82(1):33-7

Study title and authors:

Meat intake and risk of squamous cell esophageal cancer: a case-control study in Uruguay.

De Stefani E, Deneo-Pellegrini H, Boffetta P, Mendilaharsu M.

Registro Nacional de Cancer, Montevideo, Uruguay.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10360817

The study examined the relationship between meat and fat and squamous cell cancer of the esophagus (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus). The study included 82 cases with esophageal cancer and 248 controls.

The study found:
(a) Those who ate the most beef had a 56% decreased risk of esophageal cancer compared to those who ate the least beef.
(b) Those who ate the most saturated fat had a 73% decreased risk of esophageal cancer compared to those who ate the least saturated fat.
(c) Those who ate the most polyunsaturated fat (margarines etc.) had a 219% increased risk of esophageal cancer compared to those who ate the least polyunsaturated fat.

The results from the study show that beef and saturated fat decrease the risk of esophageal cancer.

Links to other studies:
Every 15 gram per day increase in beef consumption leads to a 4% reduction in colon cancer
Red meat and dietary cholesterol offer protection from pancreatic cancer
Women who eat high quantities of meat have less incidence of breast cancer

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Low cholesterol levels are linked to an earlier death

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This study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 2003 Jul 14;163(13):1549-54

Study title and authors:
High-density vs low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as the risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke in old age.

Weverling-Rijnsburger AW, Jonkers IJ, van Exel E, Gussekloo J, Westendorp RG.
Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of General Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. a.w.e.weverling-rijnsburger@lumc.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12860577

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships between cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and death rates. The study included 705 participants who had reached the age of 85 who were followed for four years.

The study found:
(a) Those with the lowest cholesterol (163-195 mg/dL or 4.2-5.0 mmol/l) had a 60% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest cholesterol (248-280 or 6.4-7.2 mmol/l).
(b) Those with the lowest LDL cholesterol (94-116 mg/dL or 2.4-3.0 mmol/l) had a 40% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest LDL cholesterol (165-196 or 4.3-5.0 mmol/l).
(c) Those with the lowest HDL cholesterol (32-40 mg/dL or .8-1.0 mmol/l) had a 70% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest HDL cholesterol (60-73 or 1.5-1.9 mmol/l).

The results of this study show that lower levels of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are linked to an earlier death.

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Low-fat diets are inadequate in providing essential vitamins

This study was published in Pediatrics 1992 Feb;89(2):221-8

Study title and authors:

Nutrient adequacy of low fat intakes for children: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Nicklas TA, Webber LS, Koschak M, Berenson GS.

Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1734388

Professor Theresa Nicklas specializes in how eating behaviours influence the development of chronic disease risk factors early in life. She states that nutritional adequacy is important when diets and dietary alterations are recommended for children. She notes that concern is expressed that low fat intakes may have deleterious effects on growth and development and may be deficient in total calories and essential nutrients.

The study inestigated the effects of dietary fat intake on children meeting their recommended daily allowance in various nutrients. The study included 871 year-olds.

The children were divided into higher and lower fat groups:
(i) Fat consumption of less than 30% of total calories (low fat group).
(ii) Fat consumption of more than 40% of total calories (high fat group).

The study found:
(a) The percentage of calories from carbohydrate, specifically sugar, was greater in the low fat group compared with the high fat group.
(b) The low fat group had 16% of their calories as meat.
(c) The high fat group had 31% of theie calories as meat.
(d) 8% more children in the high fat group had their recommended daily allowance of vitamin B6 compared to the low fat group.
(e) 34% more children in the high fat group had their recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 compared to the low fat group.
(f) 32% more children in the high fat group had their recommended daily allowance of vitamin E compared to the low fat group.
(g) 18% more children in the high fat group had their recommended daily allowance of vitamin B1 (thiamin) compared to the low fat group.
(h) 20% more children in the high fat group had their recommended daily allowance of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) compared to the low fat group.
(i) 23% more children in the high fat group had their recommended daily allowance of vitamin B3 (niacin) compared to the low fat group.

The results of the study suggest that low-fat diets are inadequate in providing essential vitamins.

Links to other studies:
Low fat diets may be detrimental to childrens health
Deficiencies of dietary fat during infancy may affect the development of the central nervous system, including visual development and intelligence
Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol, provide INADEQUATE intake of several micronutrients, notably, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and E

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Low cholesterol is associated with higher death rates in men

This study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 1991 May;151(5):969-72

Study title and authors:
Serum cholesterol and mortality among Japanese-American men. The Honolulu (Hawaii) Heart Program.

Stemmermann GN, Chyou PH, Kagan A, Nomura AM, Yano K.
Japan-Hawaii Cancer Study, Honolulu 96817.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2025146

This 18 year study examined the association of cholesterol levels with death rates. The study included 7,961 men who were aged between 46 to 65 at the start of the study.

The study found that men with cholesterol levels below 4.65 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) had a 9.6% increase in death rates compared to men with cholesterol levels between 6.20-6.69 mmol/L (240-269 mg/dL).

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels lead to an increased death rate of 47% compared to high cholesterol levels
20 year study shows those with the lowest cholesterol levels have a 35% increase in death rates compared to those with the highest cholesterol
Older people with the highest cholesterol live the longest

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Saturated fat and dietary cholesterol protect against alcoholic liver cirrhosis

This study was published in Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research 1986 Jun;10(3):271-3

Study title and authors:

Dietary factors and alcoholic cirrhosis.

Nanji AA, French SW.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3526949

Nanji notes that death rates from alcoholic liver cirrhosis in many countries deviate markedly from that expected for a given per capita alcohol intake.

This study investigated the possibility that dietary factors might explain the deviation from expected and actual mortality rates in different countries. Data was gathered from 17 countries.

The study found that:
(a) High consumption of dietary cholesterol was associated with less cirrhosis.
(b) High consumption of saturated fat was associated with less cirrhosis.
(c) High consumption of polyunsaturated fat was associated with more cirrhosis.

This study suggests that both saturated fat and dietary cholesterol protect against alcoholic cirrhosis while polyunsaturated fats promote cirrhosis.

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Statins cause adverse side effects in the oral cavity

This study was published in Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral y Cirugia Bucal 2008 Feb 1;13(2):E98-101

Study title and authors:

Adverse side effects of statins in the oral cavity.

Pascual Cruz M, Chimenos Küstner E, García Vicente JA, Mezquiriz Ferrero X, Borrell Thio E, López López J.

Médico estomatólogo, ABS (Area Básica de Salud) Sant Roc Badalona, Facultad de Medicina UAB, Spain. 20673mpc@comb.es

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18223537

The objective of the study was to analyze the side effects of statins in the mouth cavity, and to analyze the symptoms after interruption of the treatment. The study included 26 patients aged 50-70 undergoing treatment with statins.

Patients were initially assessed for side effects of statins in the mouth cavity, statin treatment was then discontinued for two weeks and the patients response was observed.

The study found:
(a) Of those patients with dryness, 73.9% showed improvement after discontinuing statins for two weeks.
(b) Of those patients with itch, 86.7% showed improvement or had complete recovery after discontinuing statins for two weeks.
(c) Of those patients with bitterness, 92.8% had complete recovery after discontinuing statins for two weeks.
(d) Of those patients with a cough, 91.7% showed improvement after discontinuing statins for two weeks.
(e) Additionally, of those patients who had insomnia, 94.1% showed improvement after discontinuing statins for two weeks.

This study shows that there is a marked improvement of mouth cavity ailments after statin treatment is discontinued.

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Low cholesterol levels are linked to rheumatoid arthritis

This study was published in Arthritis and Rheumatism 2001 Dec;44(12):2761-7

Study title and authors:

Elevated levels of small, low-density lipoprotein with high affinity for arterial matrix components in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: possible contribution of phospholipase A2 to this atherogenic profile.

Hurt-Camejo E, Paredes S, Masana L, Camejo G, Sartipy P, Rosengren B, Pedreno J, Vallve JC, Benito P, Wiklund O.

Göteborg University, Sweden. Eva.Hurt-Camejo@astrazeneca.com

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11762936

Hurt-Camejo notes that increased death rates and premature death due to cardiovascular disease are more common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with the general population.

The study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 31 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 28 controls subjects. Average age of the study participants was 53 years.

The study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients (with their higher death rates) had 6.5% lower cholesterol levels than the control subjects.

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Childhood obesity rates triple as saturated fat consumption declines and grain consumption soars: Can anyone join the dots?

This study was published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood 2000 Jul;83(1):18-24

Study title and authors:

US adolescent food intake trends from 1965 to 1996.
Cavadini C, Siega-Riz AM, Popkin BM.
Nestle Research Center, Nestec Ltd, Lausanne, Switzerland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10868993

Chilhood obesity tripled from the 1960's to the 1990's. See figure 1 below.

FIGURE 1. Prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents, by age group --- United States, 1963--2008

The figure above shows the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents, by age group, in the United States during 1963-2008. In the United States, childhood obesity affects approximately 12.5 million children and teens (17% of that population). Changes in obesity prevalence from the 1960s show a rapid increase in the 1980s and 1990s, when obesity prevalence among children and teens tripled from nearly 5% to approximately 15%.

The aim of the study was to examine the changing trends in adolescent (11-18 year olds) food consumption in the United States.

The study found from 1965 to 1996 in adolescents:

(a) Actual total amount of food consumption DECREASED.
(b) Fat consumption decreased by 7%.
(c) Saturated fat consumption decreased by 3%.
(d) Carbohydrate consumption increased by 8%.
(e) Grain product consumption rose by 642% in boys.
(f) Grain product consumption rose by 512% in girls.
(g) Soft drinks consumption rose by 164% in boys.
(h) Soft drinks consumption rose by 116% in girls.

To recap: In a 30 year period obesity rates tripled in adolescents. Actual amounts of food consumption decreased, fat and saturated fat consumption decreased, carbohydrate consumption increased and grain consumption massively increased.

What is the official dietary guideline advice from the from the United States Department of Agriculture?

.........that our diets should emphasize grains and be low in saturated fat!!!

Can anyone join the dots?

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Saturated fat may help to prevent osteoporosis

This study was published in Acta Paediatrica 1995 Apr;84(4):388-92

Study title and authors:

Dietary calcium, saturated fat, fiber and vitamin C as predictors of forearm cortical and trabecular bone mineral density in healthy children and adolescents.

Gunnes M, Lehmann EH.

Cecor AS, Haugesund, Norway.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7795347

The study investigated the effects of diet (including saturated fat) on bone mineral density of the forearm in 495 healthy children (8-11 years) and adolescents (11-17 years).

Low bone mineral density in the forearm is associated with an increase in the risk of osteoporosis. A study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology found that all women with a low bone mineral density in the forearm (less than 0.34 g/cm2) developed osteoporosis, whereas only 10% of women with a high bone mineral density in the forearm (above 0.419 g/cm2) had osteoporosis.

This study found that higher levels of saturated fat in both children and adolescents was associated with a higher bone mineral density.

The results of this study suggest that a diet high in saturated fat may help to lower the risk of osteoporosis and the author of the study Dr Magnar Gunnes concludes that dietary recommendations, (to lower saturated fat consumption), especially when aimed at young people, may have to be reconsidered.

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Low cholesterol is an independent risk factor for developing gastric cancer

This study was published in the International Journal of Cancer 2008 Feb 15;122(4):909-14

 

Study title and authors:

Impact of serum total cholesterol on the incidence of gastric cancer in a population-based prospective study: the Hisayama study.

Asano K, Kubo M, Yonemoto K, Doi Y, Ninomiya T, Tanizaki Y, Arima H, Shirota T, Matsumoto T, Iida M, Kiyohara Y.

Department of Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. k-asano@intmed2.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17957783

This study examined the association between cholesterol levels and the incidence of gastric cancer. The study included 2,604 subjects aged 40 years or older were followed for 14 years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the lowest cholesterol (under 4.42 mmol/L or 171 mg/dL) had a 78% increased risk of developing gastric cancer compared with men with the highest cholesterol (over 5.77 mmol/L or 223 mg/dL).
(b) Women with the lowest cholesterol (under 4.78 mmol/L or 184 mg/dL) had a 68% increased risk of developing gastric cancer compared with women with the highest cholesterol (over 6.26 mmol/L or 242 mg/dL).

The findings of the study suggest that low cholesterol is an independent risk factor for developing gastric cancer.

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with death in patients admitted to hospital

This study was published in the Clinical Investigator 1994 Dec;72(12):939-43

Study title and authors:

The prognostic value of hypocholesterolemia in hospitalized patients.

Windler E, Ewers-Grabow U, Thiery J, Walli A, Seidel D, Greten H.

Medizinische Kernklinik und Poliklinik, Universität-Krankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7711423

The study examined the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates in patients admitted to hospital. The study included 85,463 patients and 6,543 healthy control subjects.

The study found:
(a) The average cholesterol levels of patients who died, 163 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L), was significantly lower than that of those who survived 217.8 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).
(b) The average cholesterol of surviving patients was similar to that of the 6,543 healthy control subjects.
(c) The death rates of patients with cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) was about tenfold higher than average.
(d) Patients whose cholesterol levels were under 45 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/L) did not survive.

The results of the study show that high cholesterol levels are associated with survival and low cholesterol levels are associated with death in patients admitted to hospital.

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Eminent doctor says it is time for a full reappraisal of the cholesterol theory

This paper was published in World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics 2009;100:80-9

 

Study title and author:

Disappointing recent cholesterol-lowering drug trials: is it not time for a full reappraisal of the cholesterol theory?

de Lorgeril M.

Coeur et Nutrition, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1, CNRS, Laboratoire TIMC-IMAG, UMR 5525, Faculté de Médecine, Grenoble, France. michel.delorgeril@ujf-grenoble.fr

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19696530

Dr Michel de Lorgeril is internationally known for his work on cardiovascular disease. Dr de Lorgeril reviews the results from cholesterol-lowering drug trials.

Dr de Lorgeril examined the results of ten statin trials since 2005.

He found:
(a) In 2005 new clinical reseach regulations were introduced to try and stop biased results in clinical trials.
(b) Most of the statin trials before 2005 show positive health benefits with statin usage.
(c) Since 2005 nine of the ten statin trials provided negative health results.
(d) The one trial that gave positive results (JUPITER) was clinically inconsistent and probably biased.

With this information Dr de Lorgeril suggests:
(i) The positive trials published before 2005 should be urgently re-examined.
(ii) At a minimum, experts independent of industry and free of conflict of interest should be asked to carefully check all the raw data recorded in the datasheets and redo the statistical analyses.

Dr de Lorgeril concludes: "The next question would then be: is it not time for a full reappraisal of the cholesterol theory?"

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