A comparative study of food intake between Lithuanian and Swedish middle-aged men: the LiVicordia study

Abstract

Background: In 1994, the mortality in coronary heart disease was four times higher among Lithuanian middle-aged men than among Swedish men. Over the period 1993-1995, the LiVicordia study investigated possible causes for this difference. We have earlier reported lower serum levels of cholesterol and higher susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for oxidation among Lithuanian men. Objective: In this part of the study, the aim was to compare mean estimates of food intake. Design: Cross-sectional study of random samples of 50-year-old men from each of the cities of Linköping, Sweden and Vilnius, Lithuania (n= 150). The volunteers were interviewed about their food intake with the 24-hour recall method. Results: We found no differences in total energy intake, but Vilnius men had a higher energy intake from fat. Vilnius men consumed more fat from meat and less vegetable fat, while fat intake from dairy products was almost the same. Also, Vilnius men had a higher intake of vegetables, while Linköping men had a higher intake of fruit and berries. Conclusion: The observed differences in food consumption and dietary composition are partly consistent with the higher CHD mortality among Lithuanian men. However, data on biomarkers indicate that other dietary and lifestyle factors play a role. Key words: Coronary heart disease, Eastern Europe, food interview, nutrition, 24-hour recall