Diagnostic method for assessing the serum cholesterol response to low diets

摘要

A diagnostic method for assessing how a hypercholesterolemic person's serum cholesterol level will respond to a low total fat and saturated fat diet. The method involves defining a target cholesterol level, measuring a baseline level, feeding for a term of 3-25 days a NCEP Step I diet of which at least 50% of the caloric intake is provided by a fortified, low- fat nutritional product, and comparing the post term cholesterol level to the defined goal to see if the target is met. If the target is met, the person is predicted to respond to dietary intervention. If the target is not met, the person is deemed a non- responder and is considered for drug therapy. A fortified, low-fat nutritional product supplies in about 1000 kcal (i) 100% of the adult RDI for vitamins and minerals; and (ii) total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol levels that are at or below the levels specified for a Step II diet. Preferably the total fat comprises 25% or less of total calories; and the saturated fat and cholesterol maximum levels are less than about 2-3% of total calories in the case of saturated fat, and less than about 30-50 mg per 1000 kcal in the case of cholesterol.