Wednesday 28 March 2012

Findings On Cholesterol Alarming – DOST

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - People normally think that high cholesterol level is only a middle-aged persons' concern, but a study of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) showed otherwise.

Based on the latest National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), one out of every three Filipinos aged 20 and up already has borderline high-to-high total cholesterol levels.

FNRI's Charmaine Duante cited the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its four components: high total cholesterol, bad cholesterol, good cholesterol and high triglyceride, among 7,700 young adult population.

"Based on the results, females have higher total cholesterol levels than males," said Duante, in a press conference held in Makati City.

The study results also showed that almost 17 percent of those ages 20-29 years old already have borderline high-to-high cholesterol levels. The incidence increases amongst those in their 30s and 40s (nearing 26 percent and 31 percent respectively) and closely doubles for those in their 50s (48 percent).

"The proportion of adults with borderline to high cholesterol level peaked at the age range of 50-59 years," she added. Dr. Mario Capanzana, FNRI director, said considered the statistics "alarming."

"Alarming because it may indicate that more and younger adults may be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure or other diseases as they advance the adult years," Capanzana pointed.

Among the factors that may contribute to high cholesterol levels, Capanzana pointed are mostly diet, plus lifestyle and lack of physical activities."

In response to this, the FNRI has joined hands with Del Monte Philippines, Inc. for an advocacy dubbed "Be smart, Care for your Heart," which aims to raise the awareness of the Filipinos on how to fight against hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Dr. Trinidad Trinidad, Department of Science and Technology scientist, also urged the public to eat local root crops such as camote, gabi, ube, cassava and tugi, which are excellent sources of dietary fiber, a food component that has been associated with the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes.

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