A Comparison of the Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Korean and American Dietary Profiles

A Comparison of the Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Korean and American Dietary Profiles

The primary aim of this study is to compare, in a group of at-risk individuals, the role of three dietary patterns on indices of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk: a) the recommended Korean pattern; b) the typical American diet, based on national dietary intake surveys; and c) the 2010 DGA diet pattern. A secondary aim will be to assess the effects of each diet on intestinal microbiota and on inflammatory biomarkers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non Asian-American men and women between the ages of 25-65 years
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 25 and ≤ 38 kg/m2
• Fasting LDL-cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dL
• Willingness and ability to make scheduled appointments at clinical site as required by study protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major aversions to Korean foods
• Known food allergies that would interfere with study protocol
• Use of cholesterol-lowering medication or dietary supplements
• Use of blood pressure medications
• Use of prebiotics or probiotics in the last 3 months
• Received medication for bacterial infection (antibiotic) in the last 3 months
• Regular use of fiber supplements or laxatives
• Conditions requiring ongoing medical care and/or medication, including kidney, liver, gastrointestinal or endocrine disorders.
• Regular tobacco use within 6 months prior to the start of the study
• History of eating disorders or other dietary patterns which are not consistent with the dietary intervention (e.g., vegetarians, very low fat diets, high protein diets)
• Voluntary or involuntary weight loss of 10% of body weight within the last 12 months
• Self-report of alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months
• Donated blood during the 8 week period prior to the study
• Other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral factors that in the judgment of the Principal Investigator may interfere with study anticipation or the ability to follow the intervention protocol