MeDi-DASH-CHH diet improves lipid profiles, eating patterns in older adults with dyslipidaemia

The combination of the Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, and the Chinese Healthy Heart (Medi-DASH-CHH) dietary pattern results in improvements in lipid profiles and even encourages healthful eating behaviours among older adults with dyslipidaemia, a recent study has shown. 

“This study developed a combined MeDi-DASH-CHH dietary pattern by integrating key components of Western evidence-based diets with local dietary preferences (eg, whole grain consumption, seasonal vegetable intake) to evaluate its impact on blood lipid control,” the researchers said. 

Overall, 210 adults with dyslipidaemia aged 60‒75 years in northern China were stratified by sex and then randomly assigned 1:1 to a 6-month intervention group (MeDi-DASH-CHH, with emphasized intake of aquatic products, dairy, and whole grains) or a control group (conventional guidance per Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents [2004]). Monthly follow-up visits were conducted in both groups. 

Changes from baseline to 6 months in lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) served as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), dietary intake, and body composition indicators. 

Lipid profiles improved in the intervention group relative to the control group (p<0.05 for all). Moreover, dietary intake showed greater consumption of whole grains, vegetables, potatoes, fruits, nuts, dairy products, and aquatic products. A reduction was also observed in the consumption of livestock meat, poultry meat, and eggs.