Carbohydrate, Fat and Mortality
Posted:
2018-01-03
Reposted January 3, 2018 with an additional dietitian viewpoint*
The study, Associations of Fat and Carbohydrate Intake with Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in 18 Countries from Five Continents (PURE): A Prospective Cohort Study, stemming from the PURE macronutrient studies, has been getting a lot of press across the globe (e.g. Canada, U.K.). This is a very large international cohort comprising high, middle and low income countries. It is an observational analysis with dietary intake collected by self-reported food frequency questionnaires (FFG) at baseline only. After looking at a range of carbohydrate (46-77% of energy) and saturated fat (2.8-13.2% of energy) intake (not a typical range seen in North America or Europe) the authors found that high carbohydrate intake was associated with a higher risk of total mortality, and non-cardiovascular disease mortality (e.g. cancer, respiratory diseases).
For analysis on the study, see: NHS Choices - Behind the Headlines
For further analysis on the study, see The Conversation: New Study Finding Fat Isn't as Bad as Carbs Misses the Point
*For a dietitian's viewpoint, see: That Viral Study Telling You to Eat More Fat? It's Full of Holes
For more information, see PEN Additional Content:
Practice Question: Is a Reduced Saturated Fat Diet Recommended for Primary or Secondary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention?
Evidence Clip: Butter, Margarine, Saturated and Trans Fats - Making Sense of Research Reported in the News