Dietary guidelines for dyslipidemic individuals

Diet prescription is a fundamental first-line element in the management of patients with dyslipidemia, Weight loss should be a primary goal for all ov erweight patients, A 5 to 10% weight loss is often sufficient to obtain a s ignificant improvement in lipid levels, Dietary fat should not provide more than 30% of total calorie intake, Saturated fatty acids should not exceed 7% and polyunsaturated fatty acids should also be limited to 7 to 10%. For monounsaturated fatty acids the dietary allowance can be a bit wider, up to 15% of total calorie intake. Carbohydrates, particularly complex carbohydr ates, should replace the fat calories. Dietary fiber (more than 20g/d) as w ell as soy protein or phytosterols can be helpful in reducing LDL-cholester ol by about 10%, Consumption of fruits and vegetables should also be encour aged because they provide antioxidants that have effects on other cardiovas cular risk factors, Long-term education is needed to encourage the patient to comply with this type of diet, Psyche-behavioral strategies can be usefu l here.