Diet high in monounsaturated fat does not have a different effect on arterial elasticity than a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet versus a modified-fat diet high in monounsaturated fat on arterial elasticity and serum lipoprotein concentrations.
Results Summary
The study found no significant difference in arterial elasticity between the two diets, though high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher on the modified-fat diet. Other lipid measures (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) showed no significant differences.
Population
28 healthy, nonsmoking adults (men aged 35-55, postmenopausal women aged 50-60 not on hormone replacement therapy) from Melbourne, Australia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
1 month per diet, with a 2-week washout period
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
modified-fat diet high in monounsaturated fat | increase | High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration | Thirty healthy, free-living, nonsmoking men and women from the Melbourne, Australia, metropolitan region | - | was significantly higher | #1 |
modified-fat diet high in monounsaturated fat | no change | Arterial elasticity | Thirty healthy, free-living, nonsmoking men and women from the Melbourne, Australia, metropolitan region | - | were not significantly different | #2 |
modified-fat diet high in monounsaturated fat | no change | concentrations of total cholesterol | Thirty healthy, free-living, nonsmoking men and women from the Melbourne, Australia, metropolitan region | - | were not significantly different | #3 |
modified-fat diet high in monounsaturated fat | no change | low-density lipoprotein cholesterol | Thirty healthy, free-living, nonsmoking men and women from the Melbourne, Australia, metropolitan region | - | were not significantly different | #4 |
modified-fat diet high in monounsaturated fat | no change | triglycerides | Thirty healthy, free-living, nonsmoking men and women from the Melbourne, Australia, metropolitan region | - | were not significantly different | #5 |
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a modified-fat diet high in monounsaturated fat, and a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet on arterial elasticity. DESIGN: Randomized crossover design; each diet period was 1 month and a 2-week wash out period occurred in between. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Thirty healthy, free-living, nonsmoking men and women were recruited from the Melbourne, Australia, metropolitan region of Australia. Men were aged 35 to 55 years and postmenopausal women were aged 50 to 60 years and were not taking hormone replacement therapy. Twenty-eight subjects completed the study. INTERVENTION: Two diets of equal energy value: a modified-fat diet and a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet; the modified-fat diet had 3 times more energy from monounsaturated fat. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Arterial elasticity and serum lipoprotein concentrations. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The general linear model was used to investigate overall effect and any carryover or order effects. Paired t test and the general linear model were used to compare the results from the 2 diet periods. RESULTS: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was significantly higher on the modified-fat diet than on the low-fat/low-carbohydrate diet. Arterial elasticity and concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were not significantly different on the 2 diets. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence to favor a diet high in monounsaturated fat over a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet because of an effect on arterial elasticity. Other changes in diet may be needed to cause a beneficial effect on arterial elasticity.