werner@aecom.UUCP (Craig Werner) (10/01/85)
Abstract #4 p. 305
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
Vol 4, No.3, 1985
ARE OUR DIETS SO BAD? Kritchesvsky D and _Klurfeld DM_, The Wistar
Institute, Phialdelphia PA 19104, USA
Diet is a component in the etiology of the major causes of death
in the United States, namely, cardiovascular disease and cancer. During
the last decade, various organizations have suggested that we alter the
"typical" American diet in order to decrease the incidence of these
diseases even though both diseases are indisputably of multiple etiology.
An implication behind these recommendations is that individuals will
increase their longetivity by changing their diets. The burden of proof
falls on those proposing changes to the diet that such alterations will
be safe and effective. In spite of our often indicted diet, mortality
from heart disease and stroke continue to fall and deaths from
diet-related cancers are static or dropping. Longetivity in the U.S. is
exceeded by only five countries whose populations consume a diet similar
to ours in four and that in the fifth is approaching ours. While low
fat, high fiber diets probably have some beneficial effect vis-a-vis
chronic diseases, it is likely that other risk factors contribute more
to the total risk of diseases. Therefore it is illogical to expect
dietary manipulation to offset significantly other concurrent risks such
as heredity, tobacco use, hypertension, obesity, etc. Individuals who
are at high risk for specific diseases should modify their diets to
minimize this particular risk factor. Most Americans can safely reduce
their intake of total calories, fat, sugar, and salt. Although this can
be acheived most readily on a population basis by following a form of
"prudent" diet, it is premature to promise medical benefits to
individuals. Moderation is the operative word in dietary habits and
claims for health; in other words, prudence not panic.
--
Craig Werner
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"The proper delivery of medical care is to do as much Nothing as possible"