The Relationship between Dietary Factors and Serum Lipids in chinese Urban and Rural Populations of Beijing and Guangzhou

BACKGROUND: Serum cholesterol (TC) levels and coronary heart disease (CHD) are lower in China than in western countries. This report examines the role of diet in determining TC. METHODS: Data were collected as part of a cross-sectional study of 10,000 men and women, 35-54 years old, conducted in 1983-1984 in four areas in China. A 10% subsample was surveyed for eating patterns and measurement of blood lipids. Six one-day dietary recalls were collected on each participant. RESULTS: Mean daily intake of energy from fat was less than 30%. Mean Keys scores ranged from 20.4 to 32.6. In multivariable regression analysis controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), and alcohol, Keys score was statistically associated with serum TC. A 10-unit greater Keys score was associated with 6.3 mg/dl higher TC and 4.0 mg/dl higher low density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in China the relation of dietary factors to serum lipids is similar to that in populations having high serum TC levels.