Scope: Animal protein intake among Koreans has recently increased. However, there is limited evidence on the association of meat and fish/seafood intake and mortality.
Methods and results: This study uses three representative prospective cohorts in Korea and 134,586 eligible participants are selected. Food intake is assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Outcomes are classified as death from cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and all-causes. Red meat intake shows a marginally negative association with all-cause mortality in the median intake group and a positive association in the highest intake group. Processed meat intake in the highest quintile group is positively associated with all-cause mortality compared to that of the lowest quintile group. Fish intake in the highest quintile group is negatively associated with CVD mortality in men, and all-cause mortality in women, compared to those in the lowest quintile group, while processed fish intake has unfavorable effects on mortality. In addition, substitution of one serving per week of red and processed meat, and processed fish with fish is negatively associated with all-cause and CVD mortality.
Conclusion: Reduction of red and processed meat, and processed fish consumption or replacement of these foods with fish may be beneficial for longevity in Korean adults.
Keywords: Korea; cohort; fish; meat; mortality.
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