NUTRITIONAL INTAKE OF WOMEN AND MEN ON THE NCEP STEP-I AND STEP-II DIETS

Objective: Restriction of dietary fat and cholesterol are recommended for treating hyperlipidemia, but may alter vitamin or mineral intakes. We evaluated changes in nutrients of individuals taught the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step II diet. Methods: Subjects p articipated in a randomized controlled trial of the cholesterol-loweri ng effect of the NCEP Step II diet. Eligibility criteria included elev ated fasting plasma LDL-cholesterol, no lipid-altering medications, an d diet not already fat-modified. Subjects attended eight weekly dietit ian-led classes. Four-day food records collected 6 months post-interve ntion were compared to baseline records. Results: Of 409 subjects with complete data, 123 met Step I and 166 met Step II diet criteria. Inta kes of micronutrients associated with fruits and vegetables (beta-caro tene and vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and potassium) i ncreased on both diets. Patterns of decreased mean intake and/or fewer subjects consuming 2/3 Recommended Dietary Allowance were seen for ca lcium, vitamin E, and zinc. Conclusions: NCEP Step I and II diets gene rally match or exceed unmodified diet for vitamin and mineral content. Premenopausal women do not appear to be at increased risk of low iron intake. Vitamin E intake decreases, although the significance is unkn own in the context of lower fat intake and increased intake of other a ntioxidants. Diet counseling and materials should encourage sources of calcium for women, and zinc for both women and men.