Cor Vasa 2005, 46(9):354-358
Cardiovascular risk factors in two nutritional groups of an elderly population
- 1 Vedecko-výskumná základňa Slovenskej zdravotníckej univerzity - Ústav preventívnej a klinickej medicíny
- 2 Nemocnica ministerstva obrany, Bratislava, Slovenská republika
Through a variety of mechanisms, the nutrient and non-nutrient components of plant food may reduce the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Lipid and non-lipid cardiovascular risk parameters were assessed in two groups of randomly select-ed, apparently healthy elderly subjects aged 60-75 years: a vegetarian group (41 lacto-ovo-vegetarians who consumed plant food, dairy products and eggs) and a non-vegetarian one (46 subjects on a traditional mixed diet). Mean blood values of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, glucose, insulin as well as calculated values of the atherogenic index and insulin resistance were significantly reduced in the vegetarian group with a low incidence of risk-related values compared with non-vegetarians. The significantly decreased concentrations of lipid peroxidation product in vegetarians are a consequence of better protection of lipids against oxidation (significantly higher concentrations of vitamin C and significantly higher values of vitamin E in 1 mmol of cholesterol or triglycerides). The results of low values of risk athero-sclerosis factors in elderly subjects document a beneficial effect of vegetarian nutrition in preventing chronic age-related diseases, which is important regardless of one s age. The increased incidence of mild hyperhomocysteinemia in vegetarians as a consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency (the vitamin is not contained in plant food) can be readily countered by increased consumption of low-fat animal food.
Keywords: Lipids; C-reactive protein; Insulin resistance; Homocysteine; Vegetarians
Published: September 1, 2005 Show citation