Statin users at risk of deep vein thrombosis

This study was published in BMC Geriatricts 2011 Feb 22;11:8

Study title and authors:
Incident venous thromboembolic events in the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER).

Freeman DJ, Robertson M, Brown EA, Rumley A, Tobias ES, Frölich M, Slagboom PE, Jukema JW, de Craen AJ, Sattar N, Ford I, Gaw A, Greer IA, Lowe GD, Stott DJ.
Centre of Population and Health Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. Dilys.Freeman@glasgow.ac.uk

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21342490

The study aimed to determine the effect of pravastatin on venous thromboembolic events (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) in older people. The study included 5.699 men and women aged 70-82 who were followed for an average of 3.2 years.

The study found that statin users had a 42% increased risk of venous thromboembolic events compared to those who did not use statins.

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High saturated fat consumption is associated with a longer life in type one diabetics

This study was published in Diabetologia 2012 Aug;55(8):2132-41

 

Study title and authors:

Dietary saturated fat and fibre and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among type 1 diabetic patients: the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study.

Schoenaker DA, Toeller M, Chaturvedi N, Fuller JH, Soedamah-Muthu SS

Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8129, 6700 EV, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22526612

The study investigated the relationship of diet in cardiovascular disease and total death rates in type one diabetics. The study lasted for over seven years and included 2,108 type 1 diabetic patients aged 15-60 years who were free of cardiovascular disease at the start of the study.

Regarding saturated fat consumption, the study found:
(a) Total death rates decreased by 30% for every 10 grams per day increase in saturated fat consumption.
(b) Those who consumed the most saturated fat had a 16% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who consumed the least saturated fat.

The results from the study reveal that a high saturated fat consumption is associated with a longer life and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in type one diabetics.

For more information on the role of saturated fat in heart disease see my book "Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease: Evidence From 101 Scientific Papers".

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Analysis of 72 trials shows that statins increase the risk of diabetes by 9%

This study was published in QJM 2012 Feb;105(2):145-57

Study title and authors:
Adverse events associated with individual statin treatments for cardiovascular disease: an indirect comparison meta-analysis.

Alberton M, Wu P, Druyts E, Briel M, Mills EJ.
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21920996

This paper sought to identify different risk effects of statin therapy. The paper analysed seventy-two trials involving 159,458 patients.

The paper found:
(a) Statin users had a 9% increased risk of diabetes compared to non-users.
(b) Statin users had a 31% increased risk of elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels compared to non-users. (Elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase indicate damage to liver, heart, muscle, kidney and brain tissues).
(c) Statin users had a 28% increased risk of elevated alanine aminotransferase levels compared to non-users. (Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase indicate liver damage).

The data from this analysis of 72 trials shows that statins increase the risk of diabetes by 9%.

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Pork helps to significantly increase nonheme-iron absorption

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003 Jan;77(1):173-9

Study title and authors:
Nonheme-iron absorption from a phytate-rich meal is increased by the addition of small amounts of pork meat.

Baech SB, Hansen M, Bukhave K, Jensen M, Sørensen SS, Kristensen L, Purslow PP, Skibsted LH, Sandström B.
Research Department of Human Nutrition, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, LMC Center for Advanced Food Studies, Frederiksberg, Denmark.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12499338

The study investigated the effect of small amounts of pork on nonheme-iron absorption from a meal presumed to have low iron bioavailability. In the study iron absorption was measured in 45 women, average age 24 years, who consumed four different meals.

The meals consisted of:
(i) The basic meal: rice, tomato sauce, pea purée, and a wheat roll. (phytate-rich meal low in vitamin C).
(ii) The basic meal + 25 grams of pork.
(iii) The basic meal + 50 grams of pork.
(iv) The basic meal + 75 grams of pork.

The study found:
(a) The meal with 25 grams of pork increased absorption of nonheme-iron by 20% compared to the basic meal.
(b) The meal with 50 grams of pork increased absorption of nonheme-iron by 44% compared to the basic meal.
(c) The meal with 75 grams of pork increased absorption of nonheme-iron by 57% compared to the basic meal.

The findings of the study reveal that small amounts of pork (over 50 grams) significantly increase nonheme-iron absorption from a phytate-rich meal low in vitamin C.

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Statin use increases the risk of type two diabetes

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 2012 Sep 13;2(5)

Study title and authors:
Do statins interfere with lifestyle intervention in the prevention of diabetes in primary healthcare? One-year follow-up of the FIN-D2D project.

Rautio N, Jokelainen J, Oksa H, Saaristo T, Peltonen M, Vanhala M, Puolijoki H, Moilanen L, Tuomilehto J, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S, Uusitupa M.
Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22983785

The objective of the study was to examine whether the use of statins is associated with the incidence of type two diabetes among individuals at high risk for type two diabetes participating in one-year lifestyle intervention study. The study included 2,798 non-diabetic individuals, aged 18–87 years,  who had elevated fasting glucose levels.

Lifestyle counselling was performed either in group sessions or individually. Advice was given on diet, weight control, meal frequency and quality, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use and diabetes as a disease in general. Group sessions were mainly weight maintenance or exercise groups and lectures concerning diabetes and lifestyle changes.

Fasting blood glucose levels are used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. Elevated blood glucose levels can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 17% increased risk of developing type two diabetes compared to non-statin users.
(b) Fasting glucose levels increased by 0.08 mmol/L (1.44 mg/dL) in statin users, but remained unchanged in non-users.

The data from the study reveals that statin use increases the risk of type two diabetes in individuals at high risk of type two diabetes.

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High soy consumption significantly increases the risk of prostate cancer

This study was published in the British Journal of Cancer 2004 May 4;90(9):1792-5

Study title and authors:
Do preserved foods increase prostate cancer risk?

Jian L, Zhang DH, Lee AH, Binns CW.
School of Public Health, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15208621?dopt=Abstract

The study investigated the association between food and prostate cancer risk. The study included 130 patients with prostate cancer and 274 controls without cancer.

The study found:
(a) Those who consumed over four grams a day of fermented soy had a 102% increased risk of prostate cancer compared to those that did not consume any fermented soy.
(b) Those who had prostate cancer consumed 4% less fresh meat than than who did not have cancer.

The data from the study reveals that the consumption of fermented soy products was associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer risk.

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Low consumption of animal protein, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and red meat is associated with higher rates of heart disease

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1999 Aug;70(2):221-7

 

Study title and authors:

Dietary protein and risk of ischemic heart disease in women.

Hu FB, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, Rimm E, Colditz GA, Speizer FE, Hennekens CH, Willett WC.

Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. frank.hu@channing.harvard.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10426698

The study examined the association between dietary protein intake and incidence of heart disease. The study included 80,082 women, aged 34-59 years, who were without a previous diagnosis of heart disease, stroke, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes.

The study found:
(a) Women who consumed the most protein had a 26% reduced rate of heart disease compared to the women who consumed the least protein.
(a:i) Women who consumed the most protein also ate 7.8% more fat than women who consumed the least protein.
(a:ii) Women who consumed the most protein also ate 12.8% more saturated fat than women who consumed the least protein.
(a:iii) Women who consumed the most protein also ate 64.0% more cholesterol than women who consumed the least protein.
(a:iv) Women who consumed the most protein also ate 16.1% more red meat than women who consumed the least protein.
(a:v) Women who consumed the most protein also ate 32.1% less carbohydrate than women who consumed the least protein.
(b) Women who consumed the most animal protein had a 16% reduced rate of heart disease compared to the women who consumed the least animal protein.

The data from the study shows that low consumption of protein, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and red meat is associated with higher rates of heart disease in women.

This subject is expanded on in my book Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease: Evidence From 101 Scientific Papers

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Statins are associated with decreased myocardial function

This study was published in Clinical Cardiology 2009 Dec;32(12):684-9

 

Study title and authors:

Statin therapy decreases myocardial function as evaluated via strain imaging.

Rubinstein J, Aloka F, Abela GS.

Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20027659

The myocardium is the heart's muscular wall. It contracts to pump blood out of the heart, then relaxes as the heart refills with returning blood. This vital function pumps blood to the cells and tissues of the body. A decrease in myocardial function is associated with angina see here and a chronic impairment of blood flow is associated with heart failure see here.

This study sought to identify changes in myocardial function associated with statin use in 28 patients without heart disease. The myocardial function of 12 patients that were on statin therapy were compared with 16 controls who were not taking statins.

The study found that statin therapy is associated with decreased myocardial function.

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Wheat bran inhibits the absorption of nonheme dietary iron

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1981 Aug;34(8):1469-78

 

Study title and authors:

The inhibitory effect of bran on iron absorption in man.

Simpson KM, Morris ER, Cook JD.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6267927

The study investigated the effects of whole wheat bran on the absorption of nonheme dietary iron. The study included 60 volunteers ranging in age from 19 to 42 years who consumed light meals with or without 12 grams of whole wheat bran added.

The study found:
(a) When 12 grams of bran was added to a light meal of low iron availability, absorption of nonheme dietary iron decreased by 74%.
(b) When 12 grams of bran was added to a light meal containig meat, absorption of nonheme dietary iron decreased by 51%.
(c) When 12 grams of bran was added to a light meal containing ascorbic acid, absorption of nonheme dietary iron decreased by 58%.

This study reveals that wheat bran inhibits the absorption of nonheme dietary iron.

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Lactic acidosis may develop as a complication of simvastatin therapy

This paper was published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2002 Oct;72(4):461-4

Study title and authors:
Simvastatin-induced lactic acidosis: a rare adverse reaction?

Goli AK, Goli SA, Byrd RP Jr, Roy TM.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tenn 37684-4000, USA.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12386648

This paper describes a 53-year-old man with lactic acidosis. He had nausea, poor appetite, and progressive generalized weakness and malaise of 3 to 4 weeks’ duration. He had been taking simvastatin, 40 mg, every day for 3 years.

 

Lactic acidosis is when lactic acid builds ups in the bloodstream faster than it can be removed. Lactic acid is produced when oxygen levels in the body drop.

 

(i) He had nausea, poor appetite, and progressive generalized weakness and malaise of 3 to 4 weeks’ duration.

(ii) The man had high levels (1,390 U/L) of creatine kinase. (Normal levels are between 35 - 175 U/L). An elevated level of creatine kinase is seen in heart attacks, when the heart muscle is damaged, or in conditions that produce damage to the skeletal muscles or brain.

(iii) He had high levels (2,303 U/L) of aspartate aminotransferase. (Normal levels are between 5 - 40 U/L). Elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase indicate damage has occurred in a variety of tissues including liver, heart, muscle, kidney, and brain.

(iv) He had high levels (1,707 U/L) of alanine aminotransferase. (Normal levels are between 7 - 56 U/L). High levels of alanine aminotransferase are associated with liver injury.

 

The patient's simvastatin therapy was discontinued.

(a) After two days his symptoms and acidosis was resolved.

(b) After four days his creatine kinase level returned to normal.

(c) After seven days his aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels normalised.

 

This paper offers evidence that lactic acidosis may develop as a complication of simvastatin therapy.

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Zinc bioavailability from beef is about fourfold greater than from a high-fiber breakfast cereal.

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1993 Dec;58(6):902-7

 

Study title and authors:

Measurement of zinc bioavailability from beef and a ready-to-eat high-fiber breakfast cereal in humans: application of a whole-gut lavage technique.

Zheng JJ, Mason JB, Rosenberg IH, Wood RJ.

Mineral Bioavailability Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8249876

This study compared the effects of beef and breakfast cereals on zinc absorption. The study included eight healthy adults who were given foods containing approximately 4 mg (61.2 mumol) zinc as either beef or a high-fiber, ready-to-eat breakfast cereal.

The study revealed that zinc absorption from the high-fiber breakfast cereal was 14.7%, whereas zinc absorption from beef was 55.1%.

The study demonstrates that zinc bioavailability from beef is about fourfold greater than from a high-fiber breakfast cereal.

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Atorvastatin-induced acute pancreatitis

This study was published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics 2011 Jan;2(1):40-2

Study title and authors:
Atorvastatin-induced acute pancreatitis.

Deshpande PR, Khera K, Thunga G, Hande M, Gouda ST, Nagappa AN.
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, India.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21701646

This paper reports the case of a statin-induced acute pancreatitis.

A 53-year-old patient developed acute pancreatitis after treatment with atorvastatin.

After withdrawl of statin treatment the patient recovered.

Extensive investigations revealed there was no other reason for the acute pancreatitis apart from the statin therapy.

This case further strengthens the fact that statins may cause acute pancreatitis.

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Soy has a pronounced inhibitory effect on the absorption of iron

This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1981 Dec;34(12):2622-9

Study title and authors:
The inhibitory effect of soy products on nonheme iron absorption in man.

Cook JD, Morck TA, Lynch SR.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7198374

Three separate studies were performed in 36 men ranging in age from 18 to 50 years to determine the effects of various proteins on iron absorption.

The studies comprised of:
(i) Study I compared the effects of different proteins (egg protein, milk protein and isolated soy protein) on iron absorption.
Each meal contained 29.4 grams of protein.
(ii) Study II examined the influence of egg protein and various soy products (full fat soy flour, textured soy flour and isolated soy protein) on iron absorption.
Each meal contained 14.7 grams of protein.
(iii) Study III evaluated the effect on iron absorption of adding soy protein to meat.
Meal 1 included 100 grams of ground (minced) beef.
Meal 2 included 100 grams of ground (minced) beef and 30 grams of textured soy flour. (A 3:1 meat/soy ratio).
Meal 3 included 70 grams of ground (minced) beef and 30 grams of textured soy flour. (A 2:1 meat/soy ratio).

The results of the studies were as follows:
(a) In study I, those who consumed the isolated soy protein meal absorbed 81% less iron than those who consumed the egg protein and milk protein meals.
(b:i) In study II, those who consumed the full fat soy flour meal absorbed 82% less iron than those who consumed the egg protein meal.
(b:ii) In study II, those who consumed the textured soy flour meal absorbed 65% less iron than those who consumed the egg protein meal.
(b:iii) In study II, those who consumed the isolated soy protein meal absorbed 92% less iron than those who consumed the egg protein meal.
(c:i) In study III, those who consumed the meal with the extra soy with the 100 grams of beef (meal 2) absorbed 61% less iron than those who consumed the 100 grams of beef only meal.
(c:ii) In study III, those who consumed the meal with the extra soy and depleted beef (meal 3) absorbed 53% less iron than those who consumed the 100 grams of beef only meal.

The results of these studies show that soy products have a pronounced inhibitory effect on the absorption of iron.

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Diets high in meat keep the bones healthy

This study was published in the Journal of Nutrition 2003 Apr;133(4):1020-6

Study title and authors:
Controlled high meat diets do not affect calcium retention or indices of bone status in healthy postmenopausal women.

Roughead ZK, Johnson LK, Lykken GI, Hunt JR.
Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9034, USA. froughea@gfhnrc.ars.usda.gov

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12672913

The study compared the effects of high and low meat diets on body calcium retention. The study included 15 postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 75, who consumed diets with similar calcium content (approximately 600 mg), but either low or high in meat (12 vs. 20% of energy as protein) for 8 weeks each.

The study found:
(a) Women on the high meat diet retained 1.5% more calcium than women on the low meat diet.
(b) Women on the high meat diet absorbed 1.5% more calcium than women on the low meat diet.

In contrast to the long-standing (mistaken) belief that a high meat intake lowers the body’s calcium levels and adversely affects bone health, the results from the study indicate that adding meat to the diet helps calcium retention and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.

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Statins are a potential cause of cholestatic hepatitis

This paper was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology 1999 May;94(5):1388-90

Study title and authors:
Acute cholestatic hepatitis associated with pravastatin.

Hartleb M, Rymarczyk G, Januszewski K.
Department of Gastroenterology, Silesian Medical School, Katowice, Poland.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10235223

This paper describes a 57 year old man with acute cholestatic hepatitis. (Acute cholestatic hepatitis is where the bile ducts of the liver become obstructed by inflammation and may lead to jaundice).

The report found:
The man's symptoms had appeared 7 weeks after he was started on pravastatin 20 mg/day for "high cholesterol".

Investigations revealed a diagnosis of intrahepatic nonobstructive jaundice.

The liver function abnormalities normalized 7 weeks after cessation of therapy.

This paper shows that statins should be considered as a potential cause of cholestatic hepatitis.

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Soy consumption inhibits the bioavailability of iron

This study can be accessed at the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1992 Sep;56(3):573-8

Study title and authors:
Soy protein, phytate, and iron absorption in humans.

Hurrell RF, Juillerat MA, Reddy MB, Lynch SR, Dassenko SA, Cook JD.
Nestec Ltd., Nestlé Research Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1503071

Soy protein isolate can be found in protein bars, meal replacement shakes, bottled fruit drinks, soups and sauces, meat analogs, baked goods, breakfast cereals and some dietary supplements.

Soy is high in a substance called called phytic acid (phytate) which binds to minerals (including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc) in your digestive tract and keeps your body from absorbing those minerals.

The study examined the effects of soy-protein isolate on iron absorption. The study included 32 men and women aged 20 to 31 years in which the absorption of soy-protein isolate was compared with egg-whites.

The study found:
(a) Iron absorption increased four- to fivefold when phytic acid was reduced from its normal amount of 4.9-8.4 to less than 0.01 mg/g of soy-protein isolate.
(b) Even relatively small quantities of residual phytate were strongly inhibitory and phytic acid had to be reduced to less than 0.3 mg/g of soy-protein isolate (corresponding to less than 10 mg phytic acid/meal) before a meaningful increase in iron absorption was observed.
(c) Even after removal of virtually all the phytic acid, iron absorption from soy-protein isolate was still only half that of egg whites.

The researchers conclude that phytic acid is a major inhibitory factor of iron absorption in soy-protein isolates but that other factors in the soy also contribute to the poor bioavailability of iron.

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Low levels of vitamin B12 linked to brain lesions

This study was published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2009 Feb;80(2):149-57

Study title and authors:
Plasma vitamin B12 status and cerebral white-matter lesions.

de Lau LM, Smith AD, Refsum H, Johnston C, Breteler MM.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18977824

White matter lesions are small areas of dead cells found in parts of the brain that act as connectors. They also appear in some cases of migraine headaches and in the brains of those who have suffered strokes or have progressive neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s.

The study evaluated the association of vitamin B12 levels with white-matter lesions among 1,019 non-demented elderly participants.

The study found that low levels of vitamin B12 were significantly associated with greater severity of white-matter lesions.

Usable Vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods. The richest sources are liver, beef, lamb, eggs and seafood.

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In postmenopausal women, a greater saturated fat intake is associated with less heart disease, whereas a low saturated fat intake is associated with the biggest increase in blocked arteries

This post includes a summary of a paper published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 80, No. 5, 1175-1184, November 2004

Study title and authors:
Dietary fats, carbohydrate, and progression of coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women
Dariush Mozaffarian, Eric B Rimm and David M Herrington
From the Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and the Departments of Epidemiology and Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston (DM and EBR)

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/80/5/1175?ijkey=e4610ec5427b8118b39ec347e078d34a367efd11&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha

The objective of the study was to investigate associations between dietary fat and carbohydrate and the amount of blockage in the arteries among postmenopausal women.

2,243 coronary artery diameters were measured over 3.1 years in 235 postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease.

The study found:
(a) Those with the highest saturated fat intake had no change in their arteries.
(b) Those with the lowest saturated fat intake had the biggest increase in blockages in their arteries.
(c) Higher carbohydrate consumption was associated with an increase in blocked arteries.
(d) Polyunsaturated fat consumption was associated with an increase in blocked arteries, when it replaced other fats in the diet.

 

 

Mozaffarian found in postmenopausal women, a greater saturated fat intake is associated with less progression of heart disease, whereas those with the lowest saturated fat intake had the biggest increase in blockages in their arteries.

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High levels of saturated fat and cholesterol consumption are associated with a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis

This study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology 2000 Dec 1;152(11):1056-64

 

Study title and authors:

Dietary fat in relation to risk of multiple sclerosis among two large cohorts of women.

Zhang SM, Willett WC, Hernán MA, Olek MJ, Ascherio A.

Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Shumin.Zhang@channing.harvard.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11117615

This study investigated the relationship between fat and cholesterol consumption and the risk of multiple sclerosis. The study included 187,811 women who were followed for up to 14 years.

The study found:
(a) Women who consumed the most saturated fat had a 20% decreased risk of multiple sclerosis compared to the women who consumed the least saturated fat.
(b) Women who consumed the most cholesterol had a 30% decreased risk of multiple sclerosis compared to the women who consumed the least cholesterol.
(c) Women who consumed the most omega-6 polyunsaturated fat (vegetable oils) had a 70% INCREASED risk of multiple sclerosis compared to the women who consumed the least omega-6 polyunsaturated fat.

The data from the study reveals that high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol consumption are associated with a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis.

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Acute hepatitis induced by lovastatin

This study was published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences 1994 Sep;39(9):2032-3

Study title and authors:
Acute hepatitis induced by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, lovastatin.

Grimbert S, Pessayre D, Degott C, Benhamou JP.
Service d'Hépatologie, Unité de Recherches de Physiopathologie Hépatique (INSERM U 24), Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8082513

This paper reports the case of an adult who suffered from clinical hepatitis three months after the onset of lovastatin administration.

The patient suffered:
(i) Loss of strength and energy.
(ii) Jaundice.
(iii) Increased aminotransferase levels. (Elevated levels of aminotransferase (an enzyme) suggest the existence of medical problems such as viral hepatitis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver damage and bile duct problems).
(iv) Increased alkaline phosphatase levels. (Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme) indicate the presence of liver disease or bone disorders).

Examination of the patients liver cells revealed:
(a) Cell death.
(b) Blocked bile ducts.
(c) Increased white blood cell levels. (Elevated white blood cells in the liver, suggest the existence of liver damage).

Withdrawal of lovastatin was followed by complete normalization of liver tests within two months.

This report shows that statins may induce hepatitis.

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Statins double the risk of lupus

This study was published in Seminars in Arthritis Rheumatism 2011 Dec;41(3):373-81

Study title and authors:
Association between statin use and lupus-like syndrome using spontaneous reports.

de Jong HJ, Tervaert JW, Saldi SR, Vandebriel RJ, Souverein PC, Meyboom RH, van Loveren H, Klungel OH.
Laboratory for Health Protection Research, National Institute for Public Health and Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21868063

The study assessed whether there was an association between statin use and the occurrence of lupus-like syndrome. The study included 3,362 reports of lupus-like syndrome.

The study found that statin use was associated with a 101% increase in the reporting of lupus-like syndrome.

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Low cholesterol associated with hepatitis C related liver cancer

This study was published in the International Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association Journal 2010 Nov;12(9):625-36

 

Study title and authors:

Evidence of aberrant lipid metabolism in hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Wu JM, Skill NJ, Maluccio MA.

Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jw17@iupui.edu

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20961371

The association of cholesterol levels with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) was assessed in 73 patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis and cancer and 103 normal controls.

The study found that the cholesterol levels of the patients with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-related liver cancer were 19% lower than the normal controls.

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Statins are associated with erectile dysfunction

This study was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine 2010 Apr;7(4 Pt 1):1547-56

Study title and authors:
The effect of statin therapy on testosterone levels in subjects consulting for erectile dysfunction.

Corona G, Boddi V, Balercia G, Rastrelli G, De Vita G, Sforza A, Forti G, Mannucci E, Maggi M.
Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence Italy.

This post can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20141585

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between statin therapy and erectile dysfunction. The study included 3,484 patients with erectile dysfunction, average age 51.6 years.

The study found:
(a) Both total and calculated free testosterone levels were significantly lower in subjects taking statins.
(b) Statin use was associated with a reduced testis volume.
(c) Statin use was associated with a higher prevalence of hypogonadism-related symptoms. (Hypogonadism is where the sex glands produce little or no hormones).

The data from the study reveals that statins are associated with erectile dysfunction.

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Statins increase the risk of lupus by 67%

This study was published in Lupus 2012 Jul;21(8):885-9

 

Study title and authors:

Statin-induced lupus: a case/non-case study in a nationwide pharmacovigilance database.

Moulis G, Béné J, Sommet A, Sailler L, Lapeyre-Mestre M, Montastruc JL; French Association of PharmacoVigilance Centres.

CHU Toulouse, Service de Médecine Interne, Toulouse, F-31059, France. guillaume.moulis@univ-tlse3.fr

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22333565

The study examined the relationship between statins and lupus. Data from 235,147 adverse drug reports were analysed by the investigators.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. This results in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart, and lungs.

The study found that exposure to statins was associated with a 67% increased risk of lupus.

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Low cholesterol associated with depression in elderly men

This study was published in the Lancet 1993 Jan 9;341(8837):75-9

Study title and authors:
Plasma cholesterol and depressive symptoms in older men.
Morgan RE, Palinkas LA, Barrett-Connor EL, Wingard DL.
Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0628.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8093404

The study investigated the relationship between depressive illness and low cholesterol levels in 1,020 elderly men.

The study found that among men aged 70 years and older, depression was three times more common in the group with low cholesterol levels (less than 4.14 mmol/L or 160 mg/dL) than in those with higher concentrations.
 
Morgan concluded: "Our finding that low plasma cholesterol is associated with depressive symptoms in elderly men is compatible with observations that a very low total cholesterol may be related to suicide and violent death".

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Statins reduce libido

This paper was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2004 Sep;58(3):326-8

 

Study title and authors:

Is decreased libido associated with the use of HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors?

de Graaf L, Brouwers AH, Diemont WL.

Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, Goudsbloemvallei 7, 5237 MH 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. l.degraaf@lareb.nl

 

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15327593

The aim of the paper was to describe patients with decreased libido during use of statins, and to propose a hypothesis for this association. The paper discusses eight patients who had decreased libido during use of statins.

Testosterone levels were measured in two of the patients and were found to be decreased during statin treatment. The patients discountinued their statin treatment and their libido returned to normal.

The relationship between libido, cholesterol and statins:
(i) Libido is related to serum testosterone levels: lower testosterone levels decrease male libido.
(ii) Cholesterol is necessary for the synthesis of testosterone.
(iii) Statins lower cholesterol.

The reports of the patients and the suggested explanation generate the hypothesis that decreased libido may be associated with the use of statins.

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Saturated fat consumption is associated with a reduced risk of stroke

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 1997 Dec 24-31;278(24):2145-50

Study title and authors:

Inverse association of dietary fat with development of ischemic stroke in men.
Gillman MW, Cupples LA, Millen BE, Ellison RC, Wolf PA.
Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9417007

 

The objective of the study was to examine the association of stroke incidence with the intake of fat and type of fat among middle-aged men. The study included 832 men, aged 45 to 65 years who were followed for 20 years.

 

The study found:

(a) For every 3% increase in fat consumption the men had a 15% reduced risk of stroke.

(b) For every 1% increase in saturated fat consumption the men had a 9% reduced risk of stroke.

 

The study reveals that total fat and saturated fat consumption are associated with a reduced risk of stroke in men.

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