Combined effects of saturated fat and cholesterol intakes on serum lipids: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Nutrition. 2009 May;25(5):526-31. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2008.11.018. Epub 2009 Jan 3.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the combined effect of saturated fat and cholesterol intake on serum lipids among Tehranian adults.

Methods: In 443 subjects >or=18 y, dietary intake was assessed. Height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated. Serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were calculated. Cholesterol intakes >or=300 mg/d and saturated fat intakes >or=7% of total energy were defined as high intakes. Individuals were categorized into four groups based on cholesterol and saturated fat intakes.

Results: Subjects' mean age was 40.1 +/- 14.6 y; those in whom cholesterol and saturated fat intake was normal had significantly less energy and fat intake than those with high cholesterol and saturated fat intakes (P < 0.01). Saturated fat intake had a significant effect on serum total and HDL-C levels. Subjects with a normal saturated fat intake had significantly less serum total and HDL-C than those who had high saturated fat intake (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the main effect of cholesterol intake on HDL-C was significant (P = 0.05). Mean serum HDL-C was lower in subjects who had normal cholesterol intake than in those with high cholesterol intake.

Conclusion: These results show that cholesterol and saturated fat intakes have no combined effect on serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, whereas cholesterol intake per se affects serum HDL-C level.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, Dietary / administration & dosage*
  • Cholesterol, Dietary / metabolism
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Fats / metabolism
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Drug Synergism
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Cholesterol, Dietary
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol