DIET AND HEART-DISEASE RISK-FACTORS IN ADULT AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN -THE FRAMINGHAM OFFSPRING-SPOUSE NUTRITION STUDIES

The 1984-1988 dietary and cardiovascular disease risk factor profiles of the Framingham Offspring-Spouse population (n = 3787 Framingham mal es and females, 22-79 years) were compared to earlier estimates from t he 1976-1980 NHANES II and 1977-1978 USDA Nationwide Food Consumption surveys. The goals were to assess whether differences exist among popu lation estimates, to determine whether national population-based nutri tion recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk reduction are app ropriately targeted, and to identify focus areas for future preventive nutrition interventions. Overall, population mean levels of cardiovas cular disease risk factors were high but mean total cholesterol and bl ood pressure levels and rates of dyslipidaemia were lower in Framingha m men and women and hypertension appeared higher in Framingham compare d with NHANES II. Severe overweight appeared more prevalent in Framing ham men but similar in Framingham women in comparison with NHANES. Pop ulation estimates of total fat (36-41% of calories) and saturated fat (12.5-13.7% of calories) intakes were higher and carbohydrate intakes were lower (40-46% of calories) than current recommended levels. Dieta ry cholesterol and sodium intakes in Framingham women appeared to have reached recommended levels but were high in men. While the goals of c urrent nutrition recommendations remain appropriate, future population -based preventive nutrition interventions to lower cardiovascular dise ase risk need to emphasize weight reduction, lowering intakes of foods rich in animal and plant fats, increases in dietary sources of comple x carbohydrates, fibre and micronutrients, and lower sodium intakes, p articularly in adult men.