Background/aim: Several epidemiologic studies have shown that many nutritional and non-nutritional risk factors for non-communicable diseases are modifiable. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of nutrition intervention on non-communicable disease risk factors among Tehranian urban adults.
Methods: In the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), 1,474 subjects, aged 3 years and over, were selected for dietary assessment; nutrition intervention was implemented for one third through pamphlets, posters, nutritional consultations, educational courses, and demonstration of films in the community health medical centers, schools, and other public places. After a 3.8-year follow-up period, data were collected for 578 subjects, aged 18-74 years, who participated in the second phase of the study; there were 356 subjects in the control group and 222 in the intervention group. Mean body mass index, energy intake, macronutrients, fibre, micronutrients, serum lipids, fasting blood sugar, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined in both groups.
Results: The mean fasting blood sugar concentrations increased significantly in the control group and decreased significantly in the intervention group. Mean diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased in both groups. However, the body mass index showed a significant increase in both groups. Adjusted for age, sex, and baseline variables, the cholesterol intake (214 vs. 232 mg/day, p < 0.05) was significantly lower in the intervention as compared with the control group.
Conclusions: The present study shows decreases in fasting blood sugar, total serum cholesterol, and daily cholesterol intake after nutrition interventions. Specific intervention measures, keeping in mind cultural and socio-economic factors, could modify dietary patterns and are effective in the primary pre- vention of non-communicable diseases.
2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.