Cardiovascular disease risk factors and diet of Fulani pastoralists of northern Nigeria

Background: The Fulani of northern Nigeria ire seminomadic pastoralists who consume a diet rich in saturated fats, do not use tobacco, are lean, and h ave an active lifestyle. Little is known about their serum lipid profiles a nd corresponding risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: We measured serum lipid, homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B-12 concentrations in Fulani men and women and assessed the nutrient content of their diet. Design: Blood samples from 42 men (18-64 y old) and 79 women (15-77 y old) living in the Jos Plateau of Nigeria were analyzed for cholesterol (total, HDL, and LDL), triacylglycerol, homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B-12 seru m concentrations. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedanc e analysis. Dietary information was obtained with use of a 7-d dietary reca ll and a food-frequency questionnaire. Results were compared with US refere nt ranges. Results: The mean energy content of the Fulani diet was relatively low (men , 6980 kJ; women, 6213 kJ) and the mean protein content was high (men, 20% of energy; women, 16% of energy). Nearly one-half of energy was provided by fat, and one-half of that was derived from saturated fatty acids. The diet provided marginal to adequate amounts of vitamins B-12, B-6, and C but onl y one-third of the US recommended dietary allowance for folate. The mean to tal cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations of Ful ani adults were within the referent ranges; the mean LDL-cholesterol concen tration of Fulani adults below the range; and the mean serum homocysteine c oncentration of Fulani men above the range. Homocysteine and folate concent rations were inversely correlated for both men and women. Conclusions: Desp ite a diet high in saturated fat, Fulani adults have a lipid profile indica tive of a low risk of cardiovascular disease. This finding is likely due to their high activity level and their low total energy intake.