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Reducing Fat Consumption Has No Effect on Risk of Women’s Diseases

February 7, 2006 - National Institute of Health –

Reducing the total amount of fat in the ration of healthy postmenopausal women did not significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, heart disease or stroke, and had no effect at all on the risk of colorectal cancer. That is the result of the largest clinical trial, performed by the National Institute of Health within the framework of Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).

The study was focused on a widely believed, but untested theory that significant reduction in total fat consumption would lower the risk of breast and colorectal cancers, as well as it would lead to the reduction of heart diseases risks.

More than 48 000 women, aged 50 – 79, participated in the study, which lasted for 8 years. All the participants were divided into two groups: one of them followed the usual diet with 35-37 % of calories from fat, and the other group followed the low-fat diet with 24-29 % calories from fatty meals.

The clinical trial showed no significant difference in the rates of colorectal cancer, heart disease or stroke between these two groups. Speaking about the risk of breast cancer, scientists found out the 9 % reduction in risk of developing this disease in those people, who followed the low-fat diet. Though, this reduction is not statistically significant, meaning that it could happen due to a chance.

The Director of National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Elizabeth G. Nabel noted: “The results of this study do not change established recommendations on disease prevention. Women should continue to get regular mammograms and screenings for colorectal cancer, and work with their doctors to reduce their risks for heart disease including a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol”.

The study of low-fat diet and its influence on the risk of common women’s diseases is one of the three clinical trials that form Women’s Health Initiative. Other surveys target hormone therapy (estrogen plus progestin vs. estrogen alone) and the effect of calcium/Vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis-related bone fractures and on colorectal cancer.

It is interesting to note that studying of hormone therapy was stopped earlier because of the increased risk of serious complications, such as blood clots and stroke. The results of the third trial are expected to be ready in year 2006.

In the meanwhile, the result of the study of low-fat diet may become a valuable factor to take into consideration, while estimating all the pros and contras of a particular diet plan.

Nick

External resources
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/feb2006/nhlbi-07.htm