Association between fat amount of dairy products with pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness in adults

Nutr J. 2014 Apr 24:13:37. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-37.

Abstract

Background: Examine the relation between consumption of low-fat vs. whole-fat dairy products with the carotid intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity.

Methods: Cross-sectional and multi-center study. A total of 265 subjects were selected by stratified random sampling.

Measurements: Information about dairy products was assessed using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured by carotid ultrasonography. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using the SphygmoCor-System.

Results: Subjects (age 55.8 ± 12.2) had mean values of IMT 0.68 ± 0.10 mm and PWV 7.60 ± 2.0 m/sec. The relationship between PWV and IMT with whole-fat and low-fat dairy intake groups, adjusted for age, sex, energy intake and other confounders revealed lower values of PWV in subjects with a consumption higher than 125 g/day of low-fat dairy and in those who did not intake whole-fat dairy. In a risk-factor adjusted regression model, an increase in PWV of 0.109 m/sec (95% CI: 0.006 -0.213) was estimated for every 100 g/day increase in whole-fat dairy intake. Similarly, a decrease in PWV of 0.101 m/sec (95% CI: -0.178 -0.023) was estimated for every 100 g/day increase in low-fat dairy intake, (p = 0.038 and p = 0.011 respectively). While for every 100 g/day increase in low-fat dairy intake, the estimate decrease of IMT was 0.005 mm (95% CI: -0.010 -0.001), p = 0.011.

Conclusions: PWV and IMT showed an inverse association with the intake of low-fat dairy and a positive association with the intake of whole-fat dairy, so the amount of fat in dairy products can play an important role in arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arteriosclerosis / etiology
  • Carotid Intima-Media Thickness*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dairy Products / analysis*
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulse Wave Analysis*
  • Risk Factors