Journal Name:
J. Vasc. Surg.
Article Title:
Nutrition impacts the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in the United States.
Date Written:
2008
Volume:
48
Number:
4
Page:
897
Author(s):
Lane, J.S.; Magno, C.P.; Lane, K.T.; Hoyt, D.B.; Greenfield, S.
Article:
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a potentially life- or limb-threatening condition affecting 5.9% of the United States (US) population aged over 40 years, roughly 16.5 million Americans. Prevention and treatment of PAD has focused on modification of cardiovascular risk factors, which include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Life-style modification includes programs for smoking cessation, graduated exercise regimens, and dietary changes. General dietary interventions often call for a low-fat, low-salt diet for secondary treatment of cardiovascular disease, but recommendations for consumption of specific nutrients are often lacking.
In this population-based study, the association between consumption of certain nutrients and the prevalence of PAD within the US population was examined. Data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2004 was used. NHANES data include nationwide sampling of the U.S. population, using physical examination, questionnaire, and laboratory testing. Nutritional information was collected by 24-hour dietary recall using the US Department of Agriculture dietary collection instrument. Data were linked to a database of foods and their nutrient composition. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between specific nutrient intake and the presence of PAD. Multivariate models adjusted for the effects of age, gender, hypertension, coronary vascular disease, diabetes, and smoking.
NHANES data included 7203 lower extremity examinations, of which 422 individuals had prevalent PAD (5.9%). Examinees with PAD had significantly higher rates of hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and smoking than those without PAD. Nutrients examined in this study included antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E), folate and B vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and dietary fiber.
Here the results related to omega-3 PUFA consumption, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and omega-6 PUFA, specifically linoleic acid (LA) are presented. In this study, people with PAD had a reduced consumption of PUFAs (both ALA and LA) and saturated fatty acids. This reflects generally poor nutrition in participants with PAD. In this analysis, PUFAs conferred a protective effect against PAD. Further, adjusted analyses demonstrated a protective effect of ALA whereas LA did not. These findings lend support to the well accepted recommendation that a diet low in saturated fats and high in PUFAs (especially ALA) may confer a protective effect against coronary artery disease and PAD.
Back to New research paper