Are Butter and Cheese Rich in Monounsaturates Beneficial in Hyperlipidaemic Patients?

Abstract

Background Reduction in intake of dairy products has long been recommended to reduce blood lipids. The value of monounsaturated fatty acids is increasingly recognized.

Methods We evaluated the effects of a monounsaturate-rich butter and cheese (B) produced by modifying the bovine diet on blood lipid levels of patients with type lla hyperlipidaemia. We compared their effects with those of normal butter and cheese (A) and polyunsaturate-rich spread and cheese (C). Using a double cross-over design, we studied 30 patients of mean age 56.4 years (23 men, one woman excluded) over 6-week periods.

Results Approximately 35.5 g/day butter/cheese were consumed; no changes in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein (a) or cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio were observed. HDL levels were higher in B (1.31 mmol/l) than in C (1.22 mmol/l; P < 0.05) and similar to those in A (1.28 mmol/l). HDL2 levels were higher in patients fed diet A (0.23 mmol/l) than they were in those fed diet C (0.19 mmol/l; P < 0.05) and similar to those in patients fed diet B (0.20 mmol/l). Serum HDL3 was significantly higher in patients fed diet B (1.11 mmol/l) than in those fed diet C (1.03 mmol/l; P < 0.05) but similar to that in patients fed diet A (1.06 mmol/l).

Conclusions Moderate intake of modified dairy products may be of value and deserves further evaluation.