Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference of general characteristics, menopause status, dietary patterns and nutrient intakes between women aged from 30 to 65 years old with a hypercholesterolemia group and normocholesterolemia group. The subjects were classified as belonging to the hypercholesterolemia group or normocholesterolemia group barred on The Guidelines for Korean Hyperlipidemia. Dietary intakes of fatty acids were measured by means of a 24-hr recall method with food models and measuring tools. We analyzed both data sets together using analysis of variance chi-square test and student's t-test(SPSS for WINDOWS, version 7.5). Significance was defied as a p value< 0.05. The results obtained are summarized as follows. Mean age and BMI of the hypercholesteroemia group were significantly higher than those of the normocholesterolemia group. Intakes of cereal, vegetables, mushrooms and sea food in the normocholesterolemia group were significantly higher than those in the hypercholesterolemia group. Most of the nutrient intakes were not significantly different between the normocholesterolemia group and the hypercholesterolemia group. However, vitamin E intake of the normocholesterolemia group was significantly higher than that of the hypercholesterolemia group. There was a significant negative correlation between vitamin E intake and serum TC(r = -.363, p<0.001) and LDL-C(r = -.359, p<0.001). In addition, Serum TG had significantly correlation with carbohydrate(r = 0.137, p<0.001) and vitamin E intake(r = -0.134, p<0.001). Therefore, women who suffered from hypercholesterolemia were recommended to control body weight, and to consume foods containing high vitamin E and foods containing high dietary fiber such as vegetables, mushrooms, and sea food.

• Keywords: hypercholesterolemia; normocholesterolemia; vitamin E